Portugal Visa

Schengen Application Form

One application form duly completed, printed, and signed by the applicant. The form must be submitted physically at the Embassy, Consulate, or VFS Global center representing Portugal. Parents or legal guardians must sign on behalf of minors.

Valid Passport

Must be valid 3 months beyond your intended date of departure from the Schengen area; must have been issued within the last 10 years; must contain at least 2 blank pages. A photocopy of the personal data page and all previous Schengen visas is mandatory.

Passport Photos

One recent (6 months maximum), color photo meeting standard Schengen biometric specifications, taken against a plain white background.

Travel Medical Insurance

Valid throughout the entire Schengen area; minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies, urgent hospital treatment, and repatriation costs, including in the event of death. The policy certificate must state its validity clearly.

Proof of Travel (Itinerary)

Confirmed round-trip flight reservations and a detailed travel plan covering all stays and activities within Portugal and the broader Schengen area. Proof of onward travel is also required.

Proof of Accommodation

Confirmed hotel reservations for the full duration of the stay. If staying with a host, an original Term of Responsibility form, legalized by a notary or solicitor in Portugal, is required.

Proof of Financial Means

Original bank statements (for the last 3-6 months, signed and stamped by the bank) proving sufficient funds. The required minimum is €75 for each entry plus €40 for each day of the planned stay.

Proof of Employment / Ties to Home Country

A signed letter from your employer (on company letterhead, stating position, salary, start date, and approved leave dates) and the last three months’ payslips. Tax returns (NTN/FBR acknowledgement) are often requested.

Proof of Legal Residence (If Applicable)

Valid residence permit in your current country of residence (if you are not a national); this permit must be valid 3 months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen area.

Documents for Minors (Under 18)

Original Birth Certificate, a notarized Parental Consent letter from the non-travelling parent(s), and copies of both parents’ passports or IDs. Proof of school enrolment is also generally required.

1. Mainland Cities & Cultural Centers

• Lisbon (Lisboa) (Capital city, Belém Tower (UNESCO), Jerónimos Monastery (UNESCO), Alfama district, Tram 28, São Jorge Castle)

• Porto (Second city, UNESCO Ribeira District, Dom Luís I Bridge, Port Wine Cellars (Vila Nova de Gaia), Palácio da Bolsa)

• Sintra (UNESCO Cultural Landscape, famous for its romantic 19th-century architecture, Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and Moorish Castle)

• Coimbra (Former capital, home to the University of Coimbra (UNESCO) with its stunning Biblioteca Joanina (library), and the Mondego River)

• Guimarães (Known as the “Birthplace of the Nation,” UNESCO historic center, Guimarães Castle, and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza)

2. Coastal & Beach Regions

• Algarve (Southern region famous for its spectacular golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, Benagil Cave, and towns like Lagos and Albufeira)

• Nazaré (Traditional fishing town known globally for its massive waves, attracting big wave surfers, and the O Sítio viewpoint)

• Cascais & Estoril (Charming resort towns on the Lisbon coast, offering beautiful beaches, luxurious marinas, and the westernmost point of Europe, Cabo da Roca)

• Aveiro (Known as the “Venice of Portugal” due to its canals and colorful, traditional boats (moliceiros))

• Costa Vicentina Natural Park (Stretching along the southwestern coast, featuring some of Europe’s most pristine, rugged, and dramatic coastline)

3. Islands & Natural Wonders

• Madeira Archipelago (Known as the “Pearl of the Atlantic,” famous for its rugged landscapes, Levada walking trails, Funchal, and Monte Palace Tropical Garden)
• Azores Archipelago (Açores) (Nine volcanic islands in the mid-Atlantic, famous for crater lakes, lush landscapes, whale watching, and Sete Cidades Lake on São Miguel Island)
• Douro Valley (UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its terraced vineyards that climb the steep banks of the Douro River, the world’s first demarcated wine region)
• Serra da Estrela (The highest mountain range in mainland Portugal, offering dramatic scenery, winter sports, and the source of the Mondego River)
• Évora (UNESCO World Heritage city in the Alentejo region, known for its Roman Temple of Évora, Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos), and medieval walls)