Visas & Residence Permit - General Aspects
Most visa applications are a 2 step process.
First the applicant files for the Visa in the country of their residence.
Secondly, after receiving the visa (stamp on passport), the applicant travels to Portugal where he/she/ applies for the resident permit. The applicant will be granted a 4 month stay with the possibility of 2 entries, until their SEF (now known as SEA) interview.
The reason why Visa applications get rejected so often, is mainly due to the fact that they are submitted with irregularities. Our mission is to ensure all your documents are in order prior to submission of your application, preventing delays and extra costs, by;
- Advising you of the requirements of your country of residence.
- Ensuring your individual situation is duly documented in accordance..
- Ensuring all requirements of your Visa are met.
There are several types of Visas to apply for;
- The Schengen Visa – For those looking to stay in Portugal for periods of up to 90 days for the purpose of tourism, family visitation, business, seasonal work etc…
- Temporary Visa – For those looking to stay in Portugal for a period of up to 1 year.
- Residence Visa – For those planning to live in Portugal on a permanent basis.
There are some documents that are common to all Visa applications, and those are;
- SEF form (now known as SEA).
- Valid passport.
- Proof of means of subsistence – it is a document proving that the applicant has financial capacity to live in Portugal for the duration of the Resident permit, with NO need for additional income. This may be a Lease Agreement on a property, Property Deeds, Invitation Letter signed by a person residing in Portugal, or in some cases a rental contract showing at least a 6 month rental.
- International Medical Insurance – This must be valid throughout the entire period of the permit and cover a minimum of €30.000 worth of expenses. Countries that have agreements with Portuguese social security system have different requirements.
- Criminal background certificate.
Other types of Visas
Information of D4 Visa
D4 - Student Visa
The D4 student visa is indicated to those wanting to study in Portugal for a year or more, at university or Polytechnic level.
It is a two way process visa and the submission of the documents takes place in the country of residence.
Apart from all common documents to all visa applications, the applicant had to have a letter of Acceptance or Registration issued by the Portuguese Educational Institution where the applicant will be studying. It is wise to be enrolled in the educational establishment prior to application.
Information of D4 Visa
D4 - Student Visa
The D4 student visa is indicated to those wanting to study in Portugal for a year or more, at university or Polytechnic level.
It is a two way process visa and the submission of the documents takes place in the country of residence.
Apart from all common documents to all visa applications, the applicant had to have a letter of Acceptance or Registration issued by the Portuguese Educational Institution where the applicant will be studying. It is wise to be enrolled in the educational establishment prior to application.
Information on the D2 Visa
D2 - Business and Entrepreneur Visa
This visa is aimed at attracting business to Portugal, but it’s not accessible to everyone as the applicant must show an entrepreneurial spirit as well as being financially sound to apply for this Visa.
Before applying for the Visa, the applicant must open a company in Portugal, contract an accounting service, enrol on the social security system, and register the activity.
It’s very important to understand that NOT ALL types of businesses will be approved for the D2. This will be analysed by the SEF based on the shareholders and business plan.
Aside from the usual common documents you will need to submit a detailed business plan, proof of incorporation of the company, documents proving the experience of the managing partners, and financial statements to carry out the project. It is important to understand if the business is deemed of relevance to Portugal and make sure the financials are as details and as strong as possible.
Information of Start Up Visa
Start Up Visa
This Visa is aimed at those Non EU Citizens who have an innovative project and intend to develop it in Portugal. Applicants must have been selected by a Portuguese Incubator to shelter and support the startup (program carried out by Agência para a Competitividade e Inovação – IAPMEI)
The Visa process can only start after being chosen by the IAPMEI, and the request to participate in the selection process must be made by the Start up partners through the IAPMEI portal.
Some requirements must be met, such as innovative services and goods, potential to create new jobs, proof that the project is tech field focused, not being resident in a Schengen country, and have enough funds in bank account.
Information of Start Up Visa
Start Up Visa
This Visa is aimed at those Non EU Citizens who have an innovative project and intend to develop it in Portugal. Applicants must have been selected by a Portuguese Incubator to shelter and support the startup (program carried out by Agência para a Competitividade e Inovação – IAPMEI)
The Visa process can only start after being chosen by the IAPMEI, and the request to participate in the selection process must be made by the Start up partners through the IAPMEI portal.
Some requirements must be met, such as innovative services and goods, potential to create new jobs, proof that the project is tech field focused, not being resident in a Schengen country, and have enough funds in bank account.