Portugal Schengen Visa for Indian citizens: Requirements and application

Getting a Portugal Schengen Visa is essential for Indian citizens who wish to explore Portugal and its beautiful landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. The application process can be daunting with all the visa requirements and steps. But not if you rely on our guided visa services.

Our iVisa Experts can assist you from start to finish for a smooth experience. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on the requirements, application process, and how we can help you to get a Portugal Schengen Visa for Indian citizens.

What is the Portugal Schengen Visa?

Portugal is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area. That means foreign nationals, including Indian citizens, need a Portugal Schengen Visa to enter and travel within Portugal and other Schengen countries.

The Schengen Area is a European zone consisting of 27 European countries. These countries have established simplified travel arrangements to enhance border security while providing a seamless tourist experience.

The Portugal Schengen Visa process includes completing certain paperwork and scheduling a visa appointment at the Portugal Embassy or Visa Application Center. We're here to assist you throughout the process, ensuring a smooth application.

Do Indian citizens need a visa for Portugal?

If you're an Indian citizen planning a trip to Portugal, getting a Portugal Schengen Visa is mandatory. Fortunately, we offer a convenient guided visa application service that can assist you in obtaining your travel document without any hassle. For citizens of other countries, we recommend using our Visa Checker Tool to explore the visa requirements for your nationality.

Types of Portugal Schengen Visas available for Indian citizens

When completing the Portugal Schengen visa application, choose the visa option that aligns with your travel plans in Portugal. Supporting documents may vary depending on the visa type. Here are the different Schengen visas available:

• Tourism: This Portugal national visa is for those who wish to enjoy the beaches, explore historical sites, and indulge in delicious Portuguese cuisine.

• Business activities: This visa type covers your needs if you travel for business purposes, such as attending meetings or conferences.

• Visiting friends or family members: Connect with your loved ones in Portugal and enjoy quality time with this Portuguese national visa.

• Attend cultural events: Artists can participate in vibrant festivals with this visa, which allows them to showcase their talents and be part of Portugal's artistic scene.

• Attend sports events: If you plan to travel to Portugal to participate in exciting competitions, this visa will ensure a smooth entry into the country.

• Official visit: This visa is for travelers engaged in official business, enabling them to attend meetings with Portuguese authorities and foster international relations.

• Medical reasons: This Portuguese visa is for those seeking medical treatment or consultation in Portugal.

• Study: This Portuguese student visa allows you to enroll in courses at Portuguese educational institutions.

• Airport transit: This is a Portugal airport transit visa for those merely transiting through Portugal on their way to another destination.

Benefits of a Portugal Schengen Visa for Indian Citizens

The best thing about the Portugal Schengen Visa is that it grants you access to all 27 Schengen member countries. With a single document, you can visit Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Enjoy an unforgettable Euro trip with your Portugal Schengen Visa!

Benefits of getting your Portugal Schengen Visa with us

When you apply for a Portugal Schengen Visa with us, you can access several benefits that simplify the application process. Check them out:

• 100% government compliant: Our team of iVisa Experts is well-versed in visa requirements and will carefully review your application to ensure it fully complies with government standards.

• iVisa Experts' support: If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to our iVisa Experts. They're always available to provide assistance and ensure a seamless experience from start to finish.

• Simplified application form: Our application form is designed to be clear, concise, and user-friendly. Get rid of those confusing and time-consuming Embassy forms.

• Fill out the form at your own pace: Save your progress, make changes, and take breaks whenever necessary.

• Step-by-step guide: We'll send you a manual guide with insider tips, a document checklist, and expert guidance on preparing for your interview.

Portugal Visa from India: Portugal Schengen visa requirements

Let's delve into the Portugal visa requirements for Indian citizens who want to get a Schengen Visa. Please note that the specific requirements may vary depending on the purpose of your travel. When you apply with our guided services, we'll provide you with a comprehensive list of supporting documents tailored to your situation. However, here are some essential visa requirements to give you an overview:

Portugal Schengen Visa: Eligibility criteria for Indian citizens

In addition to holding Indian nationality, Schengen visa applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria to be eligible:

• Enter the Schengen Zone through Portugal.

• Visit only Portugal in the Schengen Zone.

• If you intend to visit multiple countries within the Schengen Zone, Portugal must be your main destination, where you'll spend most of your time.

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can proceed to apply now for the Portugal Schengen Visa.

Required documents for Indian citizens

You only need an Indian passport to complete the Schengen visa application form on our platform. However, when attending your appointment at the Portuguese Embassy or Visa Application Center, you must submit documents to prove your travel intentions. Here are some items that may be included:

• Indian passport – Ensure you have a valid passport (with at least six months of validity remaining, two blank pages, and in good condition).

• Completed visa application form

• Proof of accommodation – This can include hotel bookings or an invitation letter from your host in Portugal.

• Travel itinerary – Include flight bookings, planned activities, and the destinations you'll visit during your stay in Portugal.

• Proof of sufficient funds to cover your trip – Provide bank account statements or other documents showing your financial means to support your travel.

• Individual travel insurance – Your travel medical insurance must have a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.

• Police certificate stating no criminal record

• 2 passport-sized photos – Get them using our handy [digital passport service].

Financial requirements for Indian Citizens

In your Schengen visa application, you must provide proof of sufficient financial means. The specific documents you need depend on your employment status. Here's a breakdown:

If employed:

• An employment contract and an annual leave certificate from your employer.

If self-employed or freelancer:

• A business license (if applicable).

• Business bank statements.

If a student:

• A certificate of registration at your university, school, or college.

• Your student ID card.

• A copy of the registration certificate from the faculty, signed and stamped by the university.

• Your grades transcript.

• Evidence of financial stability of your parents.

• Proof of employment contract or proof of enough financial resources for your stay.

If retired:

• A bank statement showing the pension received for the last six months.

Additionally, you must provide original copies of your bank account statements covering transactions for the last three to six months and showing your current account balance or proof of regular income.

How long can Indian citizens stay in Portugal?

Indian citizens can stay in Portugal and the Schengen Area with a valid Portugal Schengen Visa for a maximum of 90 days Per Entry. This means you can enter and travel between Schengen countries as often as you want, as long as you stay within a 180-day period and don't exceed 90 days.

Please note that the decision to grant a single, double, or multiple-entry visa rests with the Portuguese authorities, and Multiple Entry visas can be valid from 180 days to 5 years.

Portugal visa fees: What are the prices and costs for the Portugal Schengen Visa in India?

When you apply for a Schengen Visa with our services, you must consider the following visa fees:

• iVisa application fee: USD $188.99. This fee covers our guidance service and all its benefits.

• Government Schengen Visa fee: €80 (approximately US$84). You must pay this fee during your visa appointment with the Portuguese government. Minors aged between 6 and 12 have a reduced fee of €40, and children under 6 are exempt from fees.

Portugal Schengen Visa processing time in India

When applying for a Portugal Schengen Guided Visa, you must consider these two processing times:

• iVisa standard processing time for Indian citizens: The standard processing time for iVisa to handle your application, complete the form, review your answers, and schedule your visa appointment is 30 days.

• Schengen Visa processing time: After your visa appointment, you must wait for the Portugal government's processing time, which usually takes from 15 to 45 days.

When should I apply for a Portugal Schengen Visa?

Considering the processing times, we recommend applying for Portugal Schengen Visa around three months before your intended travel date. This will allow enough time to process the visa.

Portuguese Schengen Visa application process from India

The Portugal Schengen Visa application process involves:

• Completing the visa form.

• Providing biometric data.

• Attending an interview at the Portuguese Embassy or one of the VFS (Visa Facilitation Services) in India.

But don't worry! Our guided visa service will provide instructions to make this process a breeze.

To add convenience, use our iVisa App to complete the form from your phone. Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for a Schengen Visa:

Step-by-step guide to applying for the Portugal Schengen Visa in India

• Step 1: Provide your basic and travel details on our website or iVisa App. Double-check all the information and pay the iVisa service fee using a debit card, credit card, Amazon Pay, Venmo, or PayPal. Remember to pay the government fee at the Embassy, Consulate, or VFS during your visa appointment.

• Step 2: Fill out the simplified Portugal visa application form on our platform and upload the necessary documents. Please submit your application for our iVisa Expert's review. We'll also schedule your visa appointment.

• Step 3: Attend the visa appointment to submit your visa application, pay the government fee, provide your biometric data, and undergo the interview.

After that, wait for your Portugal Schengen Visa to explore this fascinating destination!

How can I apply for my family or friends in India?

If you wish to help your loved ones apply, you can complete the application forms for everyone online by clicking on "Add applicant" on our platform. However, each applicant must submit a separate application to the Embassy or VFS.

Tips for a successful Portugal Schengen Visa application in India

Here are some helpful tips to help you submit a flawless Portugal Schengen Visa application in India:

• Double-check all the details you provide on the visa application form and supporting documents to ensure accuracy.

• Prepare and submit all the required documents, checking if they're up-to-date, complete, and in the required format.

• Fulfill the Portuguese government requirements, including photo specifications, document requirements, and payment procedures.

• Start the application process at least three months before your intended travel dates to allow for unforeseen delays or additional document requests.

• Familiarize yourself with the purpose of your visit to Portugal and anticipate potential interview questions.

• Dress professionally and be confident during the interview.

What can I do if I make a mistake on my Portugal Schengen Visa application?

If you discover any mistakes on your Portugal Schengen Visa application form before your scheduled visa appointment in India, contact our customer service team as soon as possible. They'll assist you in correcting the errors.

Otherwise, if you've already submitted your application with mistakes, you must wait for the visa outcome. If your application is rejected, you can reapply for the Portugal Schengen Visa, ensuring any errors are corrected and strengthening your application with additional supporting documents to improve your chances of success.

Common reasons for Portugal Schengen Visa refusals in India

When applying for a Portugal Schengen Visa in India, ensure you avoid the following common reasons for visa refusals:

• Insufficient or inconsistent documentation: Failure to provide all documents or submitting inconsistent information can result in visa refusals. Carefully review the checklist and ensure all required supporting documents are included.

• Lack of proof of strong ties to your home country: You must show strong ties to India to establish your intention to return after visiting Portugal. This can include stable employment, property ownership, family relationships, or financial commitments.

• Inadequate financial means: You must prove you have adequate financial resources to cover your travel expenses. Bank statements, employment contracts, or other financial documents should demonstrate your ability to fund your trip effectively.

• Failure to justify the purpose of the visit: Portuguese authorities may question the legitimacy of your application if you don't provide convincing reasons or supporting documentation for the trip.

• Previous immigration or visa violations: Visa overstays, immigration violations, or fraudulent activities can significantly impact your chances of getting a Portugal Schengen Visa.

Our iVisa Experts will review your application and provide a detailed list of documents specific to your situation. Their guidance will help you avoid these common reasons for visa refusals.

What to expect after submitting the Portugal Schengen Visa application in India?

After submitting your Portugal Schengen Visa application at the VFS or Portuguese Embassy in India, here's an overview of what you can expect:

• Acknowledgment receipt: You'll receive an acknowledgment receipt confirming that your application has been submitted and is being processed.

• Review by Portugal authorities: The Portugal government will review your application and supporting documents to ensure they meet all visa requirements.

• Visa outcome notification: You'll receive a notification about your visa application outcome.

Portugal Schengen Visa approval and denial for Indian citizens

• Approved visa application: If your visa application is approved, you'll receive a notification confirming approval. You can then pick up your passport at the Embassy or VFS.

• Denied visa application: The Embassy will notify you if your visa is denied.. In such cases, you can reapply for the Portugal Schengen Visa, providing additional documents to strengthen your application.

Where can I find more information?

• Do you still have questions about the Portugal Schengen Visa? Contact our iVisa Experts through our online chat or [email protected].

• Check out our Portugal Travel Guide! It's packed with many travel tips and tricks to prepare you for exploring Portugal.

• Check the Portugal Embassy website for further information about available visas for Indians.