Portugal Visa for Indians: Requirements, Fees & Guide 2025

Adventuring on a trip in or switching career or spending long term in Portugal? Portugal, with its beautiful beaches, a well-paying labour market, and European tradition, offers Indian business people and tourists an increasingly popular destination. However, in order to make that dream a reality, it is important to brave the visa process.

This in-depth guide will also take you through all the key information that you must be aware of when it comes to the Portugal visa for Indians in 2025 with regards to new requirements, fee charges, types of visas, application procedure and best practices to ensure your Portugal visa for Indian citizens application will be approved.

Latest Facts & News (2025)

• Processing Time: This duration of 10 to 15 working days is the standard processing time upon the application of a Portugal Schengen visa in India. Nevertheless, in the periods of peak demand (summer holidays or the end of the year) this timeframe could reach 30-60 days with the complexity of an application.

• Higher Visa Costs: The visa cost for Indian adult visitors increased in 2025 to 90 Euros (roughly 8100 rupees). The ages 6-12 pay 45 euros, and youngsters below 6 years are free.

• Mandatory VFS Submission: All Portugal visas for Indian applicants in India are required to make their submission via VFS General, the authorised outsourcing assistant. The candidates are now supposed to book appointments in advance.

• Golden Visa Canceled: The Golden Visa has been cancelled in Portugal in 2023. But the D7 Visa, intended to target retirees or those earning passive income, remains a popular choice of long-term residence option.

• Financial Proof Requirement: The candidates should now provide evidence that they have at least 75 euros (~INR 6,750) per entry into the country of Portugal and 40 euros (~INR 3,650) per day of stay.

• The lack of an E-Visa Option for Indians: There is no option of an E-Visa available as of 2025. Before applying for any of the visa types, it is necessary to be present in person and hand over the biometrics.

• Travel Insurance: All applicants will be requested to provide medical coverage of not less than 30000 Euros to cover the entire Schengen region.

• Top Reasons for Rejection: The common causes of rejection of visa applications are incomplete application documents, insufficiency of financial evidence, lack of travel insurance, and the intended purpose of travel.

• Travel to Schengen Area: A genuine Portugal Schengen visa enables one to drive to the 27 Schengen member states, such as France, Spain, Italy, and Germany.

Overview of Portugal Visa for Indians 

Indians possessing Indian passports are required to obtain a visa in order to visit Portugal to tour, to conduct business, to study, or to seek a job. Portugal offers a massive number of different types of visas according to the purpose and duration of stay. Each of the visas has its own requirements and a variety of documentation needed. It is crucial to choose an appropriate kind of visa in order to avoid delays or refusals.

Stern Portugal visa for Indian citizens Categories:

• Schengen visa (Type C): This visa allows entry into the country for a short-term visit of no longer than 90 days to see relatives, attend cultural or business meetings, or enjoy tourism activities.

• National Visa (Type D): 90 days or more in case of studying, working, family, and residence.

• D7 Visa: This will target the retirees and those individuals receiving passive income who wish to live in Portugal.

• Work Permit Visa: This is where one has a job in hand and a centred application for a work permit, which is completed by an employer.

• Student Visa: There is a requirement that one must have been accepted by a Portuguese university or institution.

• Transit Visa: A Visa that allows a quick stop to enter the territory of Portugal to get to some other location.

Types of Portugal Visas for Indians: A Complete Guide (2025)

Understanding each visa type will help you select the most appropriate one for your purpose of travel. Here's a detailed table outlining different Portugal visa options for Indians:

Latest Portugal Visa Fees for Indian Citizens in 2025: Complete Breakdown

The Portugal visa for Indians has been updated for 2025. This is the mandatory Portugal visa fee for Indians that must be paid at the time of application. They do not include service or courier charges.

Additional Costs For Portugal visa Fees for Indians

• Courier delivery: INR 600– INR 800 depending on service.

• SMS updates (optional): Around INR 50– INR 100

Also Read: Apply Portugal Work Visa: Types, Requirements, Benefits

Portugal Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens: Expert Guide (2025)

The documentation required varies based on the type of Portugal visa for Indians you are applying for. Below are detailed lists of Portugal visa requirements for Indian citizens according to the most common categories:

Portugal Tourist Visa Requirements for Indians

Here is a breakdown of Portugal visa requirements for Indian citizens:

• Passport: Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended date of return.

• Visa Application Form: Fully completed and signed.

• Photographs: Two recent passport-size photographs as per Schengen standards (35mm x 45mm, white background).

• Cover Letter: Clearly stating the purpose of the visit, duration, and travel plans.

• Travel Itinerary: Round-trip flight bookings and travel schedule.

• Accommodation Proof: Hotel reservations or an invitation letter from family/friends.

• Proof of Financial Means: Minimum of €75 per entry and €40 per day of stay. Must be supported by:

• Last 3 months' bank statements

• Income tax returns (2 years)

• Salary slips (if employed)

• Travel Insurance: Minimum coverage of €30,000 valid across Schengen zone.

• Employment Proof: No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the employer or leave letter.

Portugal Work Permit Visa Requirements for Indians

Here is a breakdown of Work Permit Portugal visa requirements for Indian citizens:

• Job Offer Letter: A signed agreement with the Portuguese firm that indicated the job description, pay scale and reporting date.

• Work Permit: SEF (Serviço de Fronteiras) issued at the demand of the employer.

• National Visa application: A filled-in National Visa application form.

• Passport: With a validity of not less than 6 months after the intended stay.

• Educational Documents: Degrees, diplomas, and certifications that concern employment.

• Clearly Expressed Qualification and Experience: professional CV.

• Police Clearance Certificate: Up-to-date, provided by the Indian authorities.

• Medicine Exam Report: It may be required depending on the nature of the job.

• Travel Insurance: It has to qualify to the EU standards.

• Accommodation Proof in Portugal: Short/long-term stay arrangements.

How to Apply for a Portugal Visa from India: Step-by-Step Guide 2025?

If you're an Indian citizen planning to visit Portugal, follow this clear, structured process to apply for your Portugal visa for Indians with confidence:

1. Determine Your Visa Type

The most important thing to do is to know the right type of Portugal visa for Indians to apply depending on how long you will spend and the reason why you are in Australia:

• Schengen Visa (Short Stay) -Travel on business, tourism, or to visit family within a limit of 90 days.

• Long Stay National Visa - Used to work, study, or live in a country longer than 90 days.

• Work Permit Visa- In case you have a job offer and the employer sponsors your stay.

• Student Visa- When you are in a Portuguese university or establishment.

• D7 Visa- In case you are applying as a passive income earner or a retiree.

Tip: Selecting the wrong type of visa may result in rejection. Make sure you correspond the type of visa you are getting to your travel intention.

2. Book an Appointment with VFS Global

After you have chosen the type of visa you need to make a visa application appointment:

• Visit the VFS Global official portal that deals with the Portugal visa in India.

• Choose your city/visa application centre (VAC).

• Select an easy schedule with a time slot.

• Pay the necessary advance booking fee of the appointment.

Note: During the travel period, all the appointments get booked fast; hence, make reservations as early as possible (a month and a half in advance of when you want to travel).

3. Download and Fill the Visa Application Form

Then go to the office and get the proper form according to the type of your Portugal visa for Indians:

• Schengen Visa: Send in the common short-stay type form.

• With regard to the National Visas (Work/Study/Family): The long-stay visa application form is worth downloading.

Make sure you fill in the form carefully:

• All boxes have to be filled in correctly.

• Fill in capital letters in blue or black ink when doing it manually.

• Make sure that your signature corresponds to your passport.

• Forms that are done improperly/incompletely may be delayed/refused.

4. Compile All Required Supporting Documents

Get a full file of materials in accordance with the type of your Portugal visa for Indians. Paperwork ought to consist of photocopies and original:

• Passport: 3 months after the return date.

• Photographs: according to Schengen standards (recent, 35mm x 45mm).

• Travel schedule, travel document, and travel insurance.

• Evidence of financial resources – recent bank statements, ITRs, etc.

• Student or employment evidence, NOC, job offer, or enrolment letter.

• Cover Letter with the reason for the travel, the time of the trip, and whether it is offered by a sponsor or not.

• Make sure every non-English piece is certified by translators who can translate to English/Portuguese.

5. Attend Your VFS Appointment

On the day of your appointment:

• Arrive at the VFS center at least 15 minutes before your slot.

• Bring all original documents, photocopies, a passport, and a completed form.

• You will be called in to:

• Submit your documents to the case officer.

• Verify identity and application details.

• Submit biometric data (fingerprints and photo) if aged 12 or above.

• Confirm or choose a passport delivery option (pickup or courier).

Dress professionally and carry your appointment confirmation email/SMS.

6. Pay Visa and VFS Service Fees

Payment can be made via:

• Debit/credit card at the VFS center.

• Online pre-payment (if offered for your location).

Fee Breakdown:

• Visa Fee (as per age and visa type)

• VFS Service Fee

• Optional add-ons: Courier return, SMS updates, photocopying, and translation.

Retain all payment receipts and invoices for future reference.

7. Track Your Visa Application Status

Once your application has been submitted:

• Use the tracking ID provided on your VFS receipt.

• Visit the VFS Global Tracking Portal and enter your reference number and DOB.

• Opt in for SMS/email alerts for real-time updates.

Processing time varies: typically 10–15 business days for Schengen visas, longer for work/student visas.

8. Collect Your Passport

Once your visa application is processed, you will receive a notification:

• If you opted for courier delivery, wait for the passport to be delivered to your address.

• If you choose pickup, visit the same VFS center with:

• VFS receipt

• Original ID

• Authorization letter (if someone else is collecting on your behalf)

 Immediately check your visa sticker for accuracy: name, validity dates, and number of entries.

Also Read: Portugal to Tighten Visa Rules in Response to Record Immigration

Portugal Visa Appointment and Biometric Submission – Key Details

Biometric data collection is a crucial part of the visa process for Schengen and long-term Portugal visa for Indians. Here's what you need to know:

• Who Needs to Submit Biometrics?
  All applicants aged 12 years and above must provide fingerprints and a digital photograph.

• What Happens at the VFS Centre?
  You will:

• Submit your full application and supporting documents.

• Have your fingerprints scanned digitally.

• Have your photo taken (no headgear unless for religious purposes).

• Pay any pending service charges.

• Documents to Carry:

• Original passport\n

• Completed application form

• All supporting documents (originals and copies)

• Appointment confirmation and payment receipt

• Final Check Before Leaving:

• Verify that all documents have been returned or submitted.

• Ask for any clarification on the next steps or tracking.

• Retain receipts and tracking numbers safely.

Processing Time and Tracking Your Portugal Visa for Indian Application

Here isa breakdown of processing time and tracking for your Portugal visa for Indian Application

Applicants can track the status through:

• VFS portal (using application reference and DOB)

• SMS/email alerts (if opted)

• Inquiries via email or customer care

Why Portugal Visas Get Rejected: Expert Insights to Avoid Mistakes

Portugal visa for Indian citizens Many applicants have faced refusals, even when they had legitimate intentions, due to simple and preventable errors. Being aware of the reasons why applications are rejected and knowing how to avoid these pitfalls can go a long way in enhancing the success of your application. This list outlines the top causes of visa rejection and provides expert advice on how to ensure acceptance.

Common Reasons for Visa Rejection

Here are the common Portugal visa for Indians rejection reasons:

• Failure to provide sufficient financial proof

• Missing or expired travel insurance

• Unclear or suspicious travel itinerary

• Lack of ties to home country (employment, property, family)

• Incomplete or incorrect documentation

Tips to Maximise Approval Chances

Here are some tips to maximise approval chances for Portugal visa for Indians :

• Provide a clearly written cover letter outlining the purpose and itinerary.

• Ensure your financial documents reflect stability and adequate funds.

• Don’t book non-refundable tickets before visa approval.

• Review all requirements for your specific visa category.

• Seek assistance or a professional review if you are unsure about any documentation.

Portugal Work Permit Visa for Indian Citizens: Process and Fees (2025)

Get a full file of materials in accordance with the type of your Portugal visa for Indians. Paperwork ought to consist of photocopies and the original for Portugal work permit visa for Indian:

• Passport: 3 months after the return date.

• Photographs: according to Schengen standards (recent, 35mm x 45mm).

• Travel schedule, travel document, and travel insurance.

• Evidence of financial resources – recent bank statements, ITRs, etc.

• Student or employment evidence, NOC, job offer, or enrolment letter.

• Cover Letter with the reason for the travel, the time of the trip, and whether it is offered by a sponsor or not.

• Make sure every non-English piece is certified by translators who can translate to English/Portuguese.

Application Process

Here is a breakdown of the application process of the Portugal work permit visa for Indian applicants:

1. Job Offer Secured: Must come from a licensed Portuguese employer.

2. Employer Applies for Work Permit: Submitted to SEF for approval before visa application.

3. Visa Application at VFS: Submit required documents and biometric data.

4. Visa Issuance: On approval, a visa sticker will be added to your passport.

5. Apply for Residence Permit: Within 4 months of arriving in Portugal, visit the SEF office to apply for a residence permit.

Work Visa Fees for Indians

Here is a breakdown of work visa fees for Indians:

Also Read: Portugal Introduces Work Visa Requirement for Foreign Job Seekers

Conclusion

Applying for a Portugal visa for Indians in 2025 requires thorough preparation, accurate documentation, and a clear understanding of your travel goals. With updated fees, processing timelines, and stricter document checks, a well-prepared application can save you time and stress. Whether you aim to explore Portugal’s historic cities, pursue academic goals, or begin a new job, this guide provides the foundation for a successful Portugal visa for Indians application.

Begin your application early, prepare wisely, and take your first confident step toward Portugal today with TerraTern!