🇵🇹 Portugal Visa Procedures

Portugal, located at the westernmost point of Europe, is a member of the Schengen area, and therefore Schengen visa criteria apply for short-term stays. Turkish citizens holding an Ordinary (Bordo) passport are required to obtain a Portugal visa for tourist, business, family visit, or transit purposes. However, holders of Special (Green) and Service (Grey) passports are exempt from visa requirements for stays up to 90 days, under the agreement signed on March 30, 2011. On the other hand, for stays exceeding 90 days for purposes such as education, employment, or participation in European Union projects, even Green and Grey passport holders must apply for a Portugal National Visa.

Correct use of the Portugal Schengen visa is crucial for future applications. If you plan to visit multiple Schengen countries, you must either enter through Portugal first or spend the longest period of your stay there if you obtained your visa from Portugal. Otherwise, your future applications may risk refusal.

📝 Required Documents for Portugal Visa

The required documents for a Portugal visa application may vary depending on the applicant’s professional and personal situation. Essential documents typically include a valid passport, biometric photographs, visa application form, proof of financial means, hotel and flight reservations, and travel health insurance. For family and friend visit visa applications, an invitation letter from the host residing in Portugal is mandatory. This invitation may be an officially approved document from the municipality or a signed invitation letter written in Portuguese or English by the inviting person.

All documents must be recent, original, and issued within the last 10 days. Missing or outdated documents may lead to a refusal. Applicants must also provide financial evidence, such as recent bank statements, showing that they can cover expenses during their stay in Portugal.

📌 Where to Apply for a Portugal Visa?

Portugal’s diplomatic missions in Turkey do not directly accept visa applications. Instead, applications must be submitted through visa application centers authorized by the Portuguese Embassy or accredited agencies. Additionally, under a consular cooperation agreement between Portugal and Hungary, Turkish citizens residing in Istanbul and nearby regions can apply for Portugal Schengen visas through the Consulate General of Hungary in Istanbul.

Regardless of which city you live in, you can apply for a Schengen visa through the Portuguese Embassy in Ankara or the Hungarian Consulate General in Istanbul. Application fees are paid to the respective mission handling your application.

🕒 How Long Does It Take to Get a Portugal Visa?

The average processing time for Portugal visa applications is between 7 and 15 business days. However, this period may be extended due to official holidays, high application volumes, or additional document requests. To avoid any travel disruptions, it is recommended to apply at least one month before your intended travel date. Applicants who have previously obtained a Schengen visa and whose biometric data is still valid may complete the application process more quickly.

📝 Portugal Visa Application Form

One of the most important stages of the Portugal Schengen visa application is filling out the visa application form correctly and completely. The form must be completed in English, in capital letters, clearly and legibly. Any false or incorrect information may result in refusal. Information provided on the form must be supported by official documents, and the form must be personally signed by the applicant.

💳 Portugal Visa Fee 2025

Portugal visa fees vary depending on the applicant’s age, visa type, and duration of stay. Fees for short-term Schengen visas differ from those for long-term National visas. Children under 6 years old are exempt from fees, as well as spouses and children under 18 of EU citizens. The visa fee covers the consular fee, the application center service fee, and the consultancy service fee. Payments are made in cash and in Turkish Lira. Please note that visa fees are non-refundable if the application is refused.

🛫 Entering Portugal with a Schengen Visa

Once your Portugal Schengen visa is approved, you should carefully check the visa page in your passport to ensure that your name, dates, and photo are correct. If any errors are found, you must notify the consulate immediately for correction. It is important to remember that a Schengen visa approval does not guarantee entry into Portugal. The final decision is made by the border police at the point of entry.

❌ Portugal Visa Refusal

Portugal visa applications may be refused for various reasons. The most common reasons include missing or outdated documents, insufficient financial means, or the applicant’s inability to prove their intention to return after the trip. Even if documents are complete, the consular officer must be convinced of the applicant’s travel purpose and return guarantee. If the application is refused, the applicant has the right to appeal the decision within 8 days of receiving the refusal notice, by applying to the Portuguese authorities.

📌 Important Notes

For applicants under the age of 12, fingerprints are not required during the visa application process. Applications of minors must be signed by their parents. If a child under 12 is traveling alone, a notarized parental consent letter must be included in the application.

For family or friend visit visa applications, the invitation letter is the most crucial document. This can be an official document obtained from the local municipality in Portugal, or a personally signed invitation letter written in Portuguese or English by the inviting person. Additionally, the host’s residence permit, Portuguese passport, rental contract, or property deed copies must also be included in the application file.

📍 Contact Us

📧 info@marselvisa.com