Looking for an adventure trip? Willing to switch career or spend long-term in Portugal? Portugal, with its well-paying labor market, beautiful beaches, and European tradition, offers Indian businesspeople and tourists a progressively popular destination. However, it is important to have the visa process done to make that dream a reality.
This comprehensive guide will also take you through all the key information that you must be informed of when it comes to the Portugal visa for Indians in 2025, about new requirements, types of visas, fee charges, application procedure, and best practices to confirm your Portugal visa for Indian citizens application will be approved.
Portugal Tourist Visa from India – Latest Facts & News
Processing Time
This time span of 10 to 15 working days is the standard processing time upon the application of a Portugal Schengen visa in India. However, in the periods of peak demand (summer holidays or the end of the year), this schedule could reach 30-60 days with the complication 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 Global, the sanctioned outsourcing assistant. The candidates are now supposed to book appointments in advance.
Golden Visa Canceled
The Golden Visa was canceled in Portugal in 2023. But the D7 Visa, planned to target retirees or those earning passive income, continues to be a popular choice of long-term residence option.
Financial Proof Requirement
The candidates should now provide substantiation 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 choice 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 candidates will be required to present medical insurance amounting to no less than 30,000 Euros to ensure coverage across the entire Schengen area.
Top Reasons for Rejection
The typical reasons for the denial of visa applications include incomplete application documents, insufficient financial evidence, absence of travel insurance, and the intended purpose of travel.
Traveling to the Schengen Area
A valid Portugal Schengen visa allows an individual to
travel to the 27 member states of Schengen, including France, Spain, Italy, and Germany.
Overview of Portugal Visa for Indians
Indians with Indian passports need to obtain a visa in order to visit Portugal to carry out business, to tour, to study, or to seek a job. Portugal offers an enormous number of various types of visas according to the purpose and duration of stay. Each visa has its own prerequisites and a variety of required documentation. It is significant 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 stay not exceeding 90 days for the purpose of visiting family, attending cultural or business meetings, or partaking in tourism activities.
- National Visa (Type D): A period of 90 days or more is relevant in cases related to education, employment, family issues, and residency.
- D7 Visa: This visa is aimed at retirees and individuals with passive income who desire to reside in Portugal.
- Work Permit Visa: This is the situation in which an individual possesses a job opportunity and a focused application for a work permit, which is filled out by an employer.
- It is necessary to have received acceptance from a Portuguese university or institution.
- Transit Visa: A Visa that permits a brief entry into the territory of Portugal for the purpose of reaching another destination.
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 the 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.
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:
- Determine Your Visa Type
- Book an Appointment with VFS Global
- Download and Fill the Visa Application Form
- Compile All Required Supporting Documents
- Attend Your VFS Appointment
- Pay Visa and VFS Service Fees
- Track Your Visa Application Status
- Collect Your Passport
Why Portugal Visas Get Rejected: Expert Insights to Avoid Mistakes
Many applicants have faced refusals. Even when they had legitimate intentions, because of simple and avoidable 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 Maximize Approval Chances
Here are some tips to maximize approval chances for a 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.
Conclusion
Applying for a tourist visa to Portugal for Indian citizens in 2025 necessitates careful preparation, precise documentation, and a comprehensive understanding of your travel objectives. Given the revised fees, processing times, and more stringent document verification, a meticulously prepared application can help you avoid unnecessary delays and anxiety. Whether you intend to discover Portugal’s
historic cities, achieve academic aspirations, or start a new career, this guide lays the groundwork for a successful visa application for Indians seeking to visit Portugal.