Last Updated on March 1, 2024 by Laila Oliveira
Portugal is a beautiful country, one of the 27 Schengen countries, and there are plenty of reasons why you should visit or consider immigrating to this country. The weather is gorgeous, the living standards are good, and the local population is generally very friendly and accommodating. The question is: Is the Portugal visa processing time quick enough for your timeline?
If you dream of moving to Portugal for whatever reason, you may need a Visa for legal entry and stay. It’s essential to have an idea of how long the application visa process takes in order to prepare accordingly. You don’t want to get yourself in a scenario where you experience unnecessary delays because your visa has not been processed in time.
So what is the average Portugal visa processing time? To answer this question, we will discuss some factors that influence visa processing in Portugal. In addition, this post will also shed some light on ways you can improve your application’s success. Sit tight, and let’s get right in.
How long does it take to get your Portugal Visa approved?
First, it is essential to let you know that several types of visas grant applicants entry for several reasons. Portugal primarily has three types of visas that you can apply for. This includes a short-stay visa, a temporary visa, and a long-stay visa.
The short-stay visa is given to individuals who wish to stay in Portugal for less than 90 days.
On the other hand, a temporary visa is ideal for individuals who wish to stay in Portugal for over 90 days but up to one year.
Finally, the long-stay visa is for anyone with the intention of living legally in Portugal for over a year.
Each type of visa has a different requirement as far as the application is concerned. Therefore, you should expect a different approval time depending on the complexity of the verification process of each visa application.
Nonetheless, the average time for approval should be between 2 weeks to 7 months, depending on the specific type of visa you are applying for.
Types Of Visas And Their Processing Time
Like most other countries, some visas have quicker processing times than others. If you’re applying for a tourist visa, you will most likely receive it within 14 working days.
However, the Business Visa is known to take up to 6 months because of the technicalities, including reviewing the submitted Business Plan.
Take a look at visa types and their estimated processing time:
| Types | Estimated Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Schengen Visa (Short-term Visa) | 14 Working Days |
| D1 Work Visa | 1 to 3 Months |
| D2 Business Visa | 3 to 6 Months |
| D3 Highly Qualified Professional Visa | 1 to 3 Months |
| D4 & D5 Study Visa | 1 to 3 Months |
| D7 Passive Income Visa | 2 Months |
| Digital Nomad Visa | 1 Month |
| Golden Visa | 3 to 6 Months |
Factors That May Alter Your Portugal Visa Processing Time
As mentioned earlier, the specific type of visa you are applying for has a lot to do with how long the processing time will be. Other than the type of visa, there are other factors that will also influence the processing and approval time. Let’s discuss.
The Type Of Visa You Applied To
The short stay and temporary visas do not have a lot of application requirements. Therefore, the Portugal visa processing time is equally shorter. On average, the processing time for a short-stay visa is roughly 2 weeks but can extend up to a month.
However, the long-stay visa, better referred to as a residency visa, is broken down further into specific types of visas that give applicants permission to stay in Portugal for different reasons.
Some examples of the different types of residency visas include the student visa, work visas, and many others.
Each one of these residency visas has its own application requirement. Because of this difference, the applications tend to take longer than the short-term visas.
To put this into perspective, a student visa could take up to 3 months to process, while a Business Visa takes between 6 to 7 months. Your application doesn’t always need to take this long. Some individual circumstances will also play a part in the duration of your application.
The Condition Of The Documents You Submitted
You will spend a good time preparing and gathering the documentation together. For instance, you will need to open a bank account in Portugal and also secure a NIF Number before applying for any visa.
On the other hand, you will also be required to show proof that you have secured employment in Portugal as a prerequisite for a work visa. The time you take to put the different documentation is different, which means that other processes will also take longer.
International Politics
It is only recently that we have learned that there are external factors that can affect the global operation, which also include visa application and processing time. For instance, the onset of the current pandemic sent shock waves to every corner of the globe, and everything ground to a halt.
Visa applications were suspended for a very long time because traveling was canceled. Other than the pandemic, another factor is Portugal’s international relationships. Well, it goes without saying that some applications will require rigorous vetting and hence often take longer than applications for other regions.
What can I do to speed up my visa’s processing time?
Often the visa processing time is out of our hands. What we can do to help the process is to make sure our first application is good enough to be successful.
Follow a specialist’s tips, assemble every document needed, and do your best to hurry and make it to the consulate appointment on time. You can find all the instructions for applying for a visa for Portugal on their official Portuguese embassy website, and no mistakes are tolerated in this process.
What if my visa is denied?
Visa application rejection is a common thing that happens quite often. In fact, thousands of visa applications are rejected because of several reasons. Some of which can be easily avoidable.
However, you should also be aware that the Portuguese embassy or consulate has the right to deny an applicant a visa even if they have presented all the necessary and required documents.
A reason why this could happen to you is when you fail to explain satisfactorily the reasons for your stay in Portugal. Having said that, a single cancellation will, in fact, set you back several months.
So what do you do when your visa is denied by the Portuguese embassy? You can take two possible approaches when your Portugal visa is denied. First, you can write an appeal to challenge the initial decision, or you can start the entire process all over again.
It is important to highlight that you must file the appeal within three months of the acknowledgment of the refusal. Also, if you decide to go through the application process all over again, you will have to pay the application of Portugal visa fees once more.
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How can I increase my chances of successfully obtaining a visa for Portugal?
Ultimately, getting a Portuguese visa is what grants you access to pursue your dreams of relocating permanently to Portugal.
Let’s face it, depending on the individual nature of your application; there is always a chance of a visa denial.
Nonetheless, there are ways to improve your chances of obtaining a visa. Let’s guide you through!
Research The Process
If truly moving to Portugal is important to you, then you will take the application process with the seriousness it deserves. Do not rush the process, do your due diligence first.
You should be aware of all the necessary documentation for the specific type of visa you want to apply for.
Again, remember that the Portugal visa processing time is different for all types of visas. Therefore, be sure to start the visa application process early enough to avoid unnecessary delays in your travel.
Meet Documentation Requirements
Having most of the required documents is simply not sufficient enough. You must make sure that all the necessary documents are valid, have the correct name with the correct spelling, and are 100% truthful.
You should start by ensuring you have a valid Passport for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. Additionally, gather proof of financial stability, such as bank statements or employment verification letters, to demonstrate your ability to support yourself during your stay. Having enough funds strengthens your application.
Other than that, medical insurance coverage is also another important document that you must provide. If you’re here on a long-term residence visa, you will have access to free public healthcare. So insurance requirements may vary. It is recommended to consult with your immigration officer for updated guidelines beforehand.
Hire Professional Assistance
If it is your first experience moving to a different country, the entire process can be quite overwhelming. Given the plenty of paperwork that you are required to fill out.
It gets even more frustrating because the Portuguese system is not only bureaucratic. But a lot of the official documentation is available in Portuguese.
Getting a helping hand along the process is one of the ways to better your chances for success.
Seasoned professionals are well acquainted with the immigration process and will help you avoid the minor mistakes that you are likely to make if you do the application yourself.
It’s also just a lot easier when you have someone to trust with small questions that you can’t find answers to on the internet. You will find the process much easier and increase the chances of having a successful Portugal visa application.
After all, you’ll spend so much on the application and the move itself. It only makes sense to save your time and effort and get it right on the first try!
Additional Considerations
Now that you’ve got the basics covered let’s talk about some additional considerations that can affect your visa acceptance.
First, be prepared for a consular interview, where applicable. It’s not mandatory for a short-term Schengen area Visa, but it can be requested if the consular officer deems it fit. However, for the D2 Visa or the D7 Visa, it’s a common part of the process.
In order to ace your visa interview, familiarize yourself with the process and purpose, anticipate potential questions for your trip, and remember to answer everything honestly and provide accurate details.
Secondly, language proficiency in English or Portuguese can be an added advantage for you. It will facilitate communication during the process and can demonstrate your level of adaptability.
Lastly, pay close attention to the consistency and accuracy of the information provided in your application. For most visas, you will be required to submit a criminal record check, so ensure there is no discrepancy in the information you’ve provided.
Do you need help getting your Portugal Visa?
Sometimes, regardless of how much you know about the Portuguese visa process, it’s good to have a professional guide you. It helps minimize risks, stay updated, and ensure you’re providing everything needed to succeed!
When you’re ready to take the next step, book a consultation with Viv Europe. We are your one-stop shop for all your immigration services. Our professionals are well-versed in the Portugal visa application form requirements for the different types of visas, and our team will take care of the technicalities of the process for you.
And if you’re looking to explore other expats’ experiences, check out our Facebook Group – All About Portugal For Expats. Get all the updates on our services, and also interact with other expats from all over the world. Ask questions, read stories, and get a feel of what your life could look like!
