Portugal Immigration: The Ultimate Guide

Portugal is a popular country for expats, families, investors, entrepreneurs, and students. It’s a member of the European Union and is a Schengen State. If you’re planning to visit Portugal and stay in the country, you’ll need to comply with a set of rules.

We’ve prepared a guide for you on Portugal Immigration which will lead you during the process. Let’s begin!

Entry Into Portugal

As a start, let’s begin with entry into the country. To enter Portugal:

You’re required to have a travel document that is valid for more than at least three months of the duration of your required stay,
You’re required to have a valid visa that is in alignment with the purpose of your stay,
You’re required to have sufficient means of subsistence to cover you during your stay.

If you’re a citizen of the countries below and are planning a short stay in Portugal, you can enter the country visa-free.

Applying for a Short Stay Visa / Temporary Stay Visa / Residence Permit

Below are the conditions of getting a visa for Portugal If you’re from a third country.

You’ve not been subject to removal measures from Portugal and you’re not in the ban period of entry,
You don’t have an alert in the Schengen Information System for purposes of refusing entry,
You have sufficient funds to cover yourself,
You have a valid travel document,
You have travel insurance.

You’re required to apply for a visa through the consular post in your country of residence.

Entry Into Portugal by a Border Not Subject to Border Control

If you’re a foreign citizen entering Portugal by a border where there is no board control, you’ll be required to make a declaration within three days from the date of entry. You can do this declaration at the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF).

Note that if you don’t declare your entry, you’ll need to pay a fine of a minimum of €60.

If you fit into any categories listed below, you’re exempt from the declaration.

You’re a resident or have the authorization to stay in Portugal for more than six months,
You benefit from the community system,
You lodge in a hotel establishment.

Extending Your Stay in Portugal

If you’ve been already admitted into Portugal and wish to extend your stay, you’re required to make an appointment at SEF. Depending on the circumstances, you might get an extension. You can make your SEF appointment either online or via telephone.

We’ve put together the requirements to extend your visa, depending on the visa type.

Extending Your Schengen Visa

If you wish to extend your Schengen Visa, you’ll be required to:

Apply personally,
Submit two recent and identical photos. The photos should be in color, with a blank background,
Submit your passport or any other valid travel document,
Provide evidence of sufficient means of subsistence and your accommodation,
Give permission for checking criminal records if your stay is intended to exceed 90 days,
Submit a return travel ticket, if your stay is intended to exceed 90 days,
Submit documentation on your motives for extending your stay such as:
- Medical reasons,
- Force majeure causes (i.e., if your flights are being canceled due to weather conditions),
- For business motives (i.e., if unexpected delays occur in your transactions/deals).

Extending Short Stay Visa and Visa Waiver

If you wish to extend your short-stay visa, you’ll need to make an application in a SEF and follow the steps below:

Apply personally and submit two recent and identical photos. The photos should be in color, with a blank background,
Submit your passport or any other valid travel document,
Provide evidence of sufficient means of subsistence and your accommodation,
Give permission for criminal records check, If your extended stay is going to exceed 90 days,
Submit a return travel ticket if your intended stay is going to exceed 90 days.
Prove that the conditions allowed your entry into Portugal are still valid or give evidence of personal or professional reasons that justify the extension request.