All About Portugal Visit Visa from Dubai

Planning a leisure or business trip to Portugal? As one of the Schengen states, Portugal issues a 90-day Schengen visa to short-term travellers. While most UAE residents need a Portugal visit visa from Dubai, UAE citizens are exempt from this requirement.

The visa application process is relatively straightforward: arrange the relevant documents, submit the application form at the centre and pay the fees. But what are the eligibility criteria and the exact steps to follow? Scroll down to learn more.

• Overview
• Types of Schengen Visas in Portugal
• Do UAE Residents Need a Portugal Visit Visa?
• Required Documents
• How to Apply for a Portugal Visit Visa from Dubai or Abu Dhabi
• Portugal Visa Application Centres Details
• Key Takeaways
• FAQs

About Portugal Visit Visa from Dubai

Planning a trip to Portugal for a holiday, meeting relatives, medical treatment or a conference? As one of the 29 Schengen states, Portugal issues a Schengen visa (Type C) for short-term stays of up to three months. Also known as a Portugal visit visa, it permits single, dual, or multiple stays for up to 90 days within 180 days.

A Portugal visit visa from Dubai is only issued to travellers if they meet the following criteria:

• Only travelling to Portugal and no other Schengen state.
• Travelling to multiple Schengen countries, with the longest stay in Portugal.
• The duration for multiple Schengen countries is the same, but Portugal is the first country in the travel itinerary (the port of entry).

Holders of this visa may be eligible to travel to multiple Schengen states, depending on their initial visa application.

Types of Schengen Visas in Portugal

Schengen visas are issued for business activities, medical emergencies and holidays. Allowing single or multiple entries, these visas are valid for stays up to 90 days within 180 days. However, some visa types may allow entry for a limited duration, depending on the purpose of the visit.

Here are the different types of a Portugal visit visa:

• Short Stay Visa: This visa is for leisure purposes, sightseeing, family visits and short courses.
• Seasonal Work Visa: This visa is for short-term business activities, including meetings, trade fairs and conferences.
• Medical Visa: It is for patients seeking medical treatment in Portugal.
• Airport Transit Visa: This visa is for travelling from your home country to a non-Schengen country with a short layover in Portugal.

Do UAE Residents Need a Portugal Visit Visa?

Typically, UAE citizens and residents of certain nationalities are eligible for a visa-free entry to Portugal. All other non-eligible travellers need a Portugal visa for a visit from Dubai. Here are the details:

1. Visa-Free Entry

Under the visa-waiver programme, Portugal allows some foreign nationals to travel visa-free for up to 90 days. If you are a UAE citizen or a national of one of the following countries residing in the UAE, you are eligible for a visa-free entry:

2. Nationalities that Require a Visit Visa

Travellers who are not eligible for a visa-free entry must secure a Portugal visit visa from Dubai. Here is the list:

3. Airport Transit Visa Requirements

Nationals of the following countries need an airport transit visa for Portugal:

• Afghanistan
• Bangladesh
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Eritrea
• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• Iran
• Iraq
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Somalia
• Sri Lanka
• Guinea
• Senegal
• Uzbekistan

Note: Some foreign nationals are exempt from an airport transit visa, such as long-stay national visa holders of certain countries. For a complete list, please check the official website of the Portuguese Embassy in Abu Dhabi.

Required Documents

If you’re eligible for a Portugal visit visa from Dubai, you can start the application process. The first step is to arrange some essential documents, which vary on a case-by-case basis. Here are the Portugal visit visa requirements from Dubai:

General Documents

The following documents are required for most Schengen visa types:

• Visa Form: A typewritten Schengen visa application form, signed and dated by the applicant. For minors, both parents must sign the form.
• Photograph: A passport-size photograph in a white background, not more than six months old. Size must be 240 pixels wide and 320 pixels high.
• Passport: Original and photocopy of passport, issued within the last ten years. It should have at least two blank pages and must be valid for three months after the intended return date from Portugal.
• Previous Issued Schengen Visas (if applicable): Copy of the last three Schengen visas issued not later than three years ago.
• UAE Residence Visa: Original and copy of UAE residence visa, valid for at least three months after the planned departure date from Portugal.
• Travel Insurance: An original and stamped insurance document, with a minimum of 30,000 Euros coverage.
• NOC from Local Sponsor (if applicable): A letter from the local sponsor, issued not older than one month, addressed to the Portuguese Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
• Letter from Employer (for employees): A letter on company letterhead, mentioning the employee’s position, salary and other relevant details.
• Trade Licence (for business partners and self-employed): A trade licence, signed and attested by the UAE MOFA and an NOC by the company owners.
• Flight Reservation: A return flight ticket is required as proof of reservation.
• Proof of Accommodation: A hotel reservation or a letter of invitation.
• Proof of Sufficient Funds: Last three months’ personal bank account statement. Or the sponsor’s bank account statement for employees on company travel.

Documents for Minors Under 18

Here are the documents required for minors travelling to Portugal:

• Birth certificate, proof of adoption, custody decree or death certificate of the parent (depending on the case).
• Legal guardianship proof.
• A letter of authorisation signed by the legal guardian of the minor or both parents.
• Copies of passports and UAE residence visa of both parents or a legal guardian.

Supporting Documents

Applicants may need to provide additional documents, depending on their case, such as:

Business Visa or Seasonal Work Visa:

• Trade Licence
• No Objection Certificate
• Any document stating the business trip information (such as meeting agendas and conference details)
• Documents proving existing business relations in Portugal (such as emails or signed contracts)
• Invitation letter issued by a company or an authority in Portugal (for conferences, meetings or trade affairs

Medical Treatment Visa:

• A document issued by a medical institution in Portugal (Must mention the applicant’s treatment duration and the doctor’s name)
• Pre-payment invoices or sufficient proof of funds to cover the medical expenses.

Training Purpose Visa:

• Proof of enrollment in a vocational or theoretical course in Portugal.
• A student card or course certificate.

Airport Transit Visa:

• A valid visa for the final destination or the following country of visit from Portugal.
• Flight tickets from Portugal to the next destination.

How to Apply for a Portugal Visit Visa from Dubai or Abu Dhabi

The Embassy of Portugal in Abu Dhabi manages Schengen visa applications through VFS Global Visa Application Centres in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The Schengen visa application must be submitted between six months and 15 calendar days before the intended travel date to avoid delays.

Let’s look at the step-by-step process to apply for a Portugal visit visa from Dubai and Abu Dhabi:

1. Determine Your Visa Type

First, determine your visa type from the different Portugal visa categories. Choose a Schengen visa (Type C) for short-term visits and then identify the purpose of the visit from:

• Tourism
• Business
• Visiting family or friends
• Cultural
• Sports
• Official visit
• Medical reasons
• Study
• Airport transit
• Other reasons

2. Download and Fill Out the Schengen Visa Application Form

Next, download the Schengen visa application form from the VFS Global website. Fill out the form electronically and print it. At this point, applicants can choose to visit several Schengen countries on a single visa. Here are some crucial details to consider:

• Enter all the countries you intend to visit on the Schengen visa.
• Select Portugal as your primary destination, either as the sole purpose of your trip or as the most extended stay during the entire trip.
• Select your purpose of visit.
• Choose from single, two or multiple entries.
• Provide the planned date of travel.

3. Attach the Required Documents and Additional Forms

Once you have completed the form, attach the required documents depending on the purpose of your visit. Sponsored individuals must also attach the Termo de Responsabilidade form signed by the sponsor.

4. Book an Appointment at a VFS Global Service Centre

Select a Visa Application Centre and schedule an appointment online through the VFS Global official website. This appointment is mandatory for submitting your application and biometric collection.

5. Visit the Visa Application Centre on Your Appointment Date

Next, please visit the Visa Application Centre at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Follow these instructions:

• Only applicants and one parent with a minor can enter the Visa Application Centre.
• Please bring the visa application form and the required documents.
• Pay the visa fees at the centre.
• Please submit the required documents, including your fingerprints and a digital photograph.

6. Pay the Visa Fees

The next step is to pay the visa fees at the time of appointment. Easily pay the fees in cash or using a QR code at the Visa Application Centre. Here is the cost of a Portugal visit visa from Dubai and Abu Dhabi:

• General Fees: 90 Euros (AED 388.93)
• Children between 6 and 12: 45 Euros (AED 194.46)
• Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia, Belarus (partial suspension), Georgia, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Russia (suspended – decision), Serbia and Ukraine: 35 Euros (AED 151.25)
• Cabo Verde:
  • Adults: 67.75 Euros (AED 292.77)
  • Children between 12 and 18 years: 33.75 Euros (AED 145.85)
• Service Fees: 31.90 Euros (AED 137.84)

Visa Fee Exemptions

The following individuals living in the UAE are exempt from the Portugal visit visa fees:

• Children under 6 years
• Students and teachers travelling for study purposes
• Researchers for scientific investigations
• Representatives of non-profit organisations
• Family members of EU/EEA and Swiss nationals

7. Track Your Visa Application Status

Once you have submitted your visa application, you will receive a Reference Number and an invoice. Use this Reference Number to track your visa application status and stay updated about approval or rejection.

Simply visit the VFS Global Portugal website and head to the ‘Track an Application’ page. Enter your Reference Number and name to view the application status.

8. Application Approval and Passport Collection

The Portugal visa processing time from Dubai is approximately 15 days, but it may take up to 45 days in some cases. Once you apply, visa officers will review and verify the information. Applicants may be asked to attend an interview or submit additional documents.

Once the application is approved, the applicant will be notified to collect the passport with a Schengen visa stamp. Bring the invoice or receipt issued at the time of application submission and an identification document.

Moreover, applicants may opt for passport delivery via courier for an additional fee.

Portugal Visa Application Centres Details

VFS Global has two Visa Application Centres in the UAE, authorised by the Embassy of Portugal in Abu Dhabi. Here are the details of both the centres for a successful visa application:

Locations

• VFS Portugal, Dubai: Wafi Mall, First Floor, Phase 5, Umm Hurair 2, Dubai
• VFS Portugal, Abu Dhabi: Level B2, The Mall, World Trade Centre, Khalifa Bin Zayed The 1st Street, Abu Dhabi

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm

Contact Information

+971-4-205-5666

Key Takeaways

• A Portugal visit visa from Dubai is also known as a Schengen visa (Type C).
• UAE citizens and residents of certain nationalities are eligible for a visa-free entry to Portugal.
• The general cost of a Portugal visit visa from Dubai is 90 Euros (AED 388.93).

FAQs

That was all about a Portugal visit visa from Dubai. Arrange the documents, follow the steps, secure a visa and travel to Portugal.

If you’re planning a summer escape, consider these holiday destinations from Dubai.

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