Portugal Visa for Indians

For Indian citizens, the Portugal Tourist Visa (Type C Schengen Visa) allows you to travel within Portugal and other Schengen Area countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This visa type is suitable for tourism, visiting family or friends, attending business meetings, or short-term courses.

Typically, Valid for up to 3 months (90 days) within any 180-day period. With options for longer-term visas (2, 5, or 10 years), though each visit must not exceed 3 months.

You can stay up to 3 months per visit within 180 days. Longer-term visas still require that each stay does not exceed this limit, except for specific medical purposes.

Depending on travel history and purpose, the visa may be granted as single, double, or multiple entry.

Step 1: Identify the Purpose of Your Visit

Determine the purpose of your trip to Portugal to ensure you are applying for the correct visa category. For tourism, visiting family or friends (self-funded), short business meetings, or short-term courses (under 90 days), you must apply for a Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C).

Portugal must be your main destination (longest stay), or your first point of entry if the duration of stay across Schengen countries is equal.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

The documentation requirements for a Portugal Tourist Visa (self-funded) include the following:

● Passport: Issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area, with at least two blank pages.

● Photographs: Two recent passport-size photographs (35mm x 45mm), meeting Schengen photo specifications.

● Visa Application Form: Completed and signed Schengen visa application form.

● Travel Itinerary: Proof of round-trip flight reservations and accommodation bookings for the entire stay.

● Financial Proof: Bank statements for the last 3–6 months demonstrating sufficient funds. Portugal requires proof of at least €75 (entry amount) + €40 per day of stay.

● Travel Insurance: Mandatory travel medical insurance covering at least €30,000 for emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation across the entire Schengen Area.

● Employment Verification:

■ For employed applicants: Employer letter stating designation, salary, and approved leave.

■ For self-employed applicants: Business registration documents and recent financial statements.

■ For students: Bonafide certificate and leave approval.

● Income Proof: Recent payslips and Income Tax Returns (if applicable).

● Cover Letter: Explaining travel purpose, itinerary, and intent to return to India.

Step 3: Fill Out the Schengen Visa Application Form

The Schengen visa application form must be completed accurately and signed. Ensure details match your passport and travel documents.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Jurisdiction rules apply when submitting your application in India.

● Consulate General of Portugal in Goa: Residents of Goa, Maharashtra, and the Union Territories of Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli must apply under this jurisdiction.

VACs under Goa jurisdiction include:

○ Goa

○ Mumbai

○ Pune

● Embassy of Portugal in New Delhi: Applicants residing in other Indian states must apply under this jurisdiction.

VACs under New Delhi jurisdiction include:

○ Ahmedabad

○ Bengaluru

○ Chandigarh

○ Chennai

○ Jalandhar

○ Kolkata

○ New Delhi

Applicants who book under the wrong jurisdiction may not be allowed to proceed, and VFS service fees are non-refundable.

All visa categories require a mandatory appointment.

Step 4: Schedule an Appointment with VFS Global

Portugal visa applications in India are processed via VFS Global.

To book your appointment:

1. Visit the official VFS Global website for Portugal visa services.

2. Select your city and visa category.

3. Choose an available date and time slot.

4. Print the appointment confirmation.

Each applicant, including children, must book a separate appointment.

Step 5: Attend Your Visa Appointment

On the day of your appointment at the VFS Centre, carry your completed application form, passport, and all supporting documents. During the appointment, you will:

● Submit your documents for verification

● Provide biometric data (fingerprints and live photograph)

● Pay the visa fee and VFS service charges

Visa Fee: €90 (payable in INR as per exchange rate)

Children 6–12 years: €45

Children under 6 years: Free

VFS Service Fee: Approximately INR 2,000–3,000

Biometrics are valid for 59 months if previously enrolled for a Schengen visa.

Step 6: Track Your Application

After submission, VFS Global will issue a tracking number. Use this number to monitor the progress of your application on the VFS website.

Standard processing time is approximately 15 days, but it may extend up to 30–45 days during peak travel seasons or if additional documentation is required.

Applicants may apply up to 6 months before their intended travel date.

Step 7: Collect Your Passport

Once a decision has been made, you will receive notification via email or SMS.

You may:

● Collect your passport in person from the VFS Centre, or

● Opt for courier delivery service at an additional charge.

Step 1: Identify the Purpose of Your Visit

If you are visiting family or friends in Portugal and your trip is financially supported by a host (sponsor), you must apply for a Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C).

Portugal must be your main destination or first point of entry within the Schengen Area.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

The documentation requirements for a Sponsored Portugal Tourist Visa include all standard Schengen requirements PLUS sponsor-specific documents.

● Passport: Issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least three months beyond intended departure, with two blank pages.

● Photographs: Two recent passport-size photographs (35mm x 45mm).

● Visa Application Form: Completed and signed Schengen visa application form.

● Travel Itinerary: Round-trip flight reservation.

● Travel Insurance: Coverage of at least €30,000 valid throughout the Schengen Area.

● Personal Cover Letter: Explaining purpose of visit and relationship with sponsor.

● Invitation Letter from Sponsor: Signed letter mentioning relationship, duration of stay, sponsor’s address, and confirmation of financial support.

● Sponsor’s Legal Status: Copy of sponsor’s passport and residence permit (if applicable).

● Sponsor’s Financial Proof: Recent bank statements and employment/income documents.

● Proof of Relationship: Birth certificate, marriage certificate, or other relevant documents (if visiting relatives).

● Accommodation Proof: If staying with sponsor, provide proof of residence (utility bill, rental agreement, or residence certificate).

● Applicant’s Employment/Study Proof: Employer letter, business documents, or student certificate (as applicable).

Step 3: Fill Out the Schengen Visa Application Form

Complete and sign the application form. Ensure sponsor details are accurately mentioned where required.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Jurisdiction rules in India remain the same as mentioned in the Standard Visa process above. Applicants must apply under the correct jurisdiction.

Step 4: Schedule an Appointment with VFS Global

Book an appointment through the official VFS Global website. Each applicant must have a separate appointment.

Step 5: Attend Your Visa Appointment

Submit documents, provide biometrics, and pay visa and service fees (same fee structure as standard visa).

Step 6: Track Your Application

Track your application using the reference number provided after submission.

Processing time is generally 15 days but may extend during peak seasons.

Step 7: Collect Your Passport

You will receive notification once processed.

Collect from the VFS Centre or opt for courier delivery.

You are required to submit your passport, completed application form, biometrics, and supporting documents at the authorised Visa Application Centre operated by VFS Global. There is no mandatory in-person interview as part of the regular short-stay (Type C) visa process.

In rare cases, the competent Portuguese consular authority (either the Embassy of Portugal in India or the relevant Consulate General) may request additional clarification. If required, an interview may be scheduled to verify travel purpose, financial means, or documentation. This is uncommon and generally only happens if further assessment is necessary.

If an interview is required, you will be informed via email with complete instructions, including date, time, and location. Always monitor the email address used in your application.

Avoid using dummy or unverifiable flight reservations for your Portugal Schengen visa application. Portuguese authorities carefully assess documentation submitted through VFS Global. Instead, opt for refundable or flexible tickets. Genuine bookings demonstrate credible travel intent while allowing flexibility if your visa timelines shift. This strengthens your application and reflects responsible planning.

Even minor inconsistencies in your application can cause delays or refusal. Ensure your name, passport number, travel dates, accommodation details, and financial information are consistent across your visa form, cover letter, flight bookings, and bank statements. A well-organized and error-free application presents a reliable and professional profile to the Portuguese consular authorities.

Portugal requires applicants to demonstrate sufficient means of subsistence for the duration of stay. As per current guidelines, this includes a base entry amount plus a minimum daily requirement for each day of stay. Maintain steady banking activity for the last 3–6 months and avoid sudden unexplained deposits. Consistent income patterns reinforce your financial credibility. Supporting documents such as fixed deposits, investments, or property ownership may further strengthen your profile.

Your cover letter should clearly state your purpose of travel, duration of stay, accommodation details, source of funds, and intent to return to India. Keep it factual, structured, and ideally limited to one page. A concise letter helps visa officers quickly understand your travel intent and supporting documentation.

Submit a realistic and organised travel itinerary that includes confirmed accommodation bookings, internal travel plans (if visiting multiple Schengen countries), and a tentative day-wise outline. Portugal must be your main destination or first point of entry if your stay duration is equal across Schengen countries. A clear itinerary reflects genuine tourism intent.

To prove you can sustain yourself during your time in Portugal, you must meet the official Portuguese minimum financial requirement for short-stay (Schengen Type C) visas. Portugal generally requires a base entry amount of €75 plus €40 per day of stay.

For example, for a 10-day trip, you should demonstrate at least €75 + (€40 × 10) = €475 as the minimum requirement. However, it is strongly recommended to maintain a higher balance (with an additional buffer for accommodation, transport, and unforeseen expenses) to present a stronger financial profile.

Maintaining funds above the minimum threshold reassures the Portuguese consular authorities that you can comfortably support yourself during your stay and strengthens your overall visa application.

Portugal Schengen visa applications can be submitted up to 6 months before travel. It is advisable to apply at least 30–45 days prior to departure, especially during peak travel seasons. Early submission allows time to respond to any additional document requests from the Embassy of Portugal in India.

Visa authorities assess financial history carefully. Regular salary credits and stable transactions indicate financial reliability. Sudden high-value deposits shortly before application may trigger additional scrutiny unless clearly explained with supporting documents.

Schengen member states share visa and travel data. Disclose previous visa refusals honestly, if any. If there are ongoing legal matters, provide clear documentation and explanations. Transparency reduces the risk of complications during assessment.

Always refer to the official website of the Embassy of Portugal in India or authorized VFS portal for updated requirements, jurisdiction details, and fee structures. Avoid relying on unofficial sources, as requirements may change periodically.

If visiting family or friends in Portugal, include a signed invitation letter along with proof of the host’s legal residence status and financial capacity. This strengthens your purpose of visit and provides clarity on accommodation arrangements.

Some VFS centres may offer optional premium or priority appointment services, subject to availability. These services do not influence visa decisions but may help secure earlier appointment slots if travel is urgent. Always verify availability and additional charges directly with VFS.

If your primary bank balance is modest, include supporting proof of investments, fixed deposits, mutual funds, or property ownership. Demonstrating strong economic ties to India also supports your intent to return after your trip.

Schengen visa systems retain previous application records. Ensure your employment history, travel history, and personal information remain consistent with any past Schengen or international visa applications to avoid discrepancies.

All submitted documents and declarations must be genuine and verifiable. Misrepresentation or forged documentation can lead to refusal and potential future travel restrictions within the Schengen Area. A transparent and accurate application significantly improves your chances of approval.

Portugal Tourist Visa (Schengen Short-Stay) applications are generally processed within 15 days from the date of submission. In some cases, processing may take up to 30–45 days if additional documents or verification are required.

You must submit your application in person through the authorised visa application centre operated by VFS Global. While the form can be filled online, biometric submission (fingerprints and photograph) requires a physical appointment.

A Portugal Tourist Visa is usually issued as a short-stay Schengen visa (Type C), allowing stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The exact validity and number of entries (single/multiple) depend on the decision of the consulate.

Portugal is part of the Schengen Area. You must apply for a Schengen Visa through Portugal if it is your main destination. There is no separate “Portugal-only” tourist visa for short stays.

You need a valid passport, completed visa application form, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, flight bookings, travel medical insurance, proof of sufficient funds, employment/business proof, cover letter, and previous travel history (if any).

Yes. Travel medical insurance is mandatory. It must cover at least €30,000 in medical expenses, including emergency treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation, and must be valid across all Schengen countries.

Portugal generally requires proof of a minimum of €75 (entry amount) plus €40 per day of stay. Applicants are advised to maintain a higher balance to strengthen their application.

No. A Tourist (Schengen Type C) visa does not permit employment or any paid activity in Portugal.

You can apply up to 6 months before your planned travel date. It is recommended to apply at least 3–4 weeks in advance to allow sufficient processing time.

You need a round-trip flight reservation for your application. It is generally advised not to purchase non-refundable tickets until the visa is approved.

Extensions are granted only in exceptional circumstances such as medical emergencies or force majeure. Routine extensions for tourism purposes are not permitted.

The standard Schengen visa fee for adults is typically €80 (subject to change). Reduced fees may apply for children between 6–12 years, while children under 6 are usually exempt from the visa fee. Service charges by the visa application centre are additional.

Yes. Failure to demonstrate adequate financial means is one of the most common reasons for visa refusal.

You can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period under a short-stay Schengen visa, subject to the duration granted on your visa sticker.