By Axel Strauss
Date: 27/11/2023
When Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama opened the first sea route from Western Europe to Asia 500 years ago, India played a key role in his discovery. And ever since, Portugal and India have shared a mutual history in terms of exploration, trade, and culture. Today, millions of people make the voyage between the two countries with ease annually. And that voyage is a lot faster and easier too.
However, if you’re planning to trace back Vasco’s steps from India to Portugal in the near future, you might need a Schengen visa. And if so — have no fear — because humble Schengen travel insurance pioneers AXA can help put some wind in your sails. Let’s start with the basics.
- Do Indian nationals need a visa to travel to Portugal?
- How do I apply for a Portugal Visa from India?
- How much does a visa for Portugal from India cost?
- Why choose AXA Schengen Insurance for my Portugal Visa application?
- FAQ about Portugal for Indian nationals
- How to apply for other Schengen countries from India?
Do Indian nationals need a visa to travel to Portugal?
Yes. Portugal is one of the 27 countries in the Schengen Zone. This means that most non-Schengen-country nationals need to apply for a Schengen visa to enter its borders.
And while many countries — such as Brazil, Canada, the U.S., the U.K., the UAE, and so on — have visa-free travel agreements with the Schengen zone, India does not. So if you’re an Indian citizen, you will indeed need a visa to enter Portugal —and any other Schengen country.
How do I apply for a Portugal Visa from India?
And now for the specs. Before you apply, you’ll need to figure out which Portugal Visa works best for you. This will be determined by several factors — the purpose and length of your trip, how many times you plan to visit, and so on.
What type of Schengen visas for Portugal are there?
There are four basic types of Schengen Visa you can choose from. They are business, work, student, and — the most common one — short-stay (aka the “tourist visa”).
You can also opt for a multiple-entry visa if you plan to travel to Portugal frequently. And you have a few various options if you have a partner living, working, and/or studying in Portugal.
An increasingly popular option — specifically for Portugal — is also what’s known as the D7 Residence Visa (aka the “Passive Income Earner Residence Permit”). It’s designed for financially independent individuals who can support themselves without working in Portugal. To be eligible, you’ll need at least €7,200 (or ₹654,723.13) in passive income annually.
Meanwhile, the once very popular (and often controversial) “Golden Visa” initiative in Portugal was terminated in 2023.
When should I apply?
You must apply for your visa no more than six months and no fewer than 15 days before your trip. But make sure to give yourself plenty of time to prep all the paperwork.
What documents do I need to apply for a short-stay Portugal Visa from India?
To apply for a short-stay Portugal Visa from India, you’ll need (at the very least):
- a Schengen Visa application form;
- two recently taken passport-style photos;
- an Indian passport (or other travel documents, if applicable) no older than 10 years and are valid for at least three months after your departure date from Portugal;
- Travel and medical insurance (covering you up to costs of €30,000, but more on that below);
- Your flight itinerary;
You might also need:
- Evidence of legal residence in India (if applicable);
- A cover letter stating your itinerary and the purpose of your visit (if applicable);
- A letter of invitation (if applicable);
- Proof of accommodation (if applicable);
- Proof of your civil status (such as a marriage certificate, if applicable);
- Proof of sufficient funds.*
*To enter Portugal, you’ll need to show you have at least €40 (or ₹3,648.59) per day when applying for a Portugal Visa. And each time you enter Portugal’s territory you must have funds of at least €75 (or ₹6,841.10). Although if you can prove your accommodation and food is covered during your stay in Portugal, you may be released from the means of subsistence obligation.
What if I need to get a Portugal Visa to work or study?
If you are planning to work or study in Portugal (for fewer than 90 days), you’ll need a bit more to obtain your visa. And depending on your particular situation,this may include:
- An employment contract;
- A recent bank statement;
- A no-objection letter from your Indian employer;
- An income tax return;
- Proof of enrolment at an educational institution in Portugal;
- A no-objection letter from your current Indian educational institution (if applicable).
Meanwhile, if you plan to study in Portugal for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a national study visa and residency permit — as well as to provide evidence of your enrollment and plans to reside in Portugal.
For work visas, you should provide evidence of a salaried employment contract and obtain a residency permit.
Where do I apply for a Portugal Visa in India?
In India, the company VFS Global deals with initial applications — before passing them on to Portuguese embassy officials. You can apply online via their website, but you will also need to attend an in-person interview (with aloof the above paperwork) at one of their centers located in :
- Mumbai,
- Pune,
- Puduch*erry,
- Chennai,
- Jalandhar,
- Jaipur,
- Hyderabad,
- Goa,
- New Delhi,
- Kochi,
- Chandigarh,
- Ahmedabad,
- Kolkata,
- and Bengaluru.
How long does the application take to process?
Applications should take around 15 days to process. However,in certain cases — and especially during busy periods — it may take up to between 30 and 60 days. So make sure to give yourself plenty of prep time.
How much does a visa for Portugal from India cost?
The costs of the Schengen Visa are universal — meaning they’re the same in India as anywhere else.
The standard fee is €80 (or roughly ₹7,274.70).
For children between the ages of six and twelve — it’s €40 (or roughly ₹3,637.35).
And children under the age of six can get a Schengen visa for Portugal for free.
NOTE: Those traveling to Portugal for study purposes, research, those under 25 years old traveling with charitable organizations, and those taking part in certain sporting or cultural events may also have their visa fee waived in some circ*mstances.
AXA has more info on how to apply for a Schengen visa from India (not just for Portugal) here.
And you can also learn more via the Portuguese government’s official eportal website.
Meanwhile, here’s another great way we’re here to help.
Why choose AXA Schengen Insurance for my Portugal Visa application?
Well, because an AXA Schengen travel insurance plan will give you one less big thing to worry about during your Schengen visa application process.
First off, all three AXA plans — Low-Cost (starting at as little as €22/week), Europe Travel, and Multi-Trip — meet the necessary requirements for obtaining a Schengen Visa for Portugal. Just in case, those requirements are that your travel insurance plan:
- Has a minimum coverage of €30,000 in case of medical care, hospitalization, and/or medical repatriation:
- Is accepted by all 27 countries within the Schengen zone (not just Portugal);
- Is valid for the entire duration of your trip/stay.
AXA’s plans also have no age restrictions. Moreover, getting an AXA travel insurance plan is quick, easy, and can all be done from the comfort of your home(i.e., online) in minutes.
Once you’ve chosen a plan, the AXA travel insurance certificate can be downloaded (and printed) online instantly too. And it is accepted by all Schengen embassies and consulates — including the Portuguese ones.
And — last but not least — if your Schengen visa for Portugal from India is denied, AXA’s plans are refundable in most cases. We’ll only ask that you provide the appropriate documentation (i.e., an official explanation as to why your visa was refused by the relevant embassy, consulate, or visa application center).
In short, an AXA travel insurance plan will help make your centuries-tested trip between India and Portugal that much more smooth and worry-free.
FAQ about Portugal
And now here’s some more general info to help you prep for your Portuguese voyage.
Is a Portugal visa easy to get?
Portugal has become a top destination for many in recent years. As such, it is issuing loads of visas — but processing times may vary. And whether you’ll get one obviously depends on your particular situation.
Generally speaking, Portugal is not the most difficult place to get a Schengen visa for. That said — with a roughly 10% rejection rate — it’s also not the easiest.
Is a work visa open in Portugal?
Yes. Non-EU nationals — including Indians — are allowed to work in Portugal with a valid work visa and residence permit. You should consult with your employer about a work contract from and/or a work permit.
And you can also apply for what’s known as a “job-seeker visa” to come to Portugal and find work once you’re there. The Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs official website can tell you more about that.
Can Indians get Permanent Residence in Portugal?
Yes, they can — and often do! But,again, the official channels — i.e., AIMA, Portugal’s official immigrant service (formerly known as SEF) — can tell you more about that.
How much is rent in Portugal?
One of the bigger issues facing Portugal’s major cities in recent years is housing. And the influx of foreigners making much more than the local minimum wage is leading to drastic increases in rent prices, as well as a near-20% poverty rate. The rent for an okay one-bedroom apartment in central Lisbon, for example, can be anywhere between €800 to €2000 a month. And most people, therefore, live with roommates.
However, you can find apartments — and even houses — in more remote areas of the country for under €500 a month. For an idea of local rent prices, the locals most trusted go-to is idealista.com.
General cost of living in Portugal
Despite the rent, Portugal is still relatively cheaper than many of its European neighbors. And to live somewhat comfortably, a single person needs to spend about €2,000-3000 monthly. Whereas a family of four is looking at anywhere upwards of €5000, depending on their location.
Is it easy to get a job in Portugal?
That also depends. For example, many locals struggle to make ends meet due to the housing crisis and low pay. However, the tourism, service, and tech sectors have been booming in recent years — drawing in a huge influx of immigrants and expats alike. Moreover, many international companies have been moving to Portugal in recent years too. So figure out what you’re looking for, keep your ears to the ground, ask around — and you might be in luck.
How to apply for other Schengen countries from India ?
And if you’re considering other countries in the Schengen Area for your Schengen visa, AXA can help too. In fact, we’ve compiled all the info you need — in alphabetical order — below:
Apply for Belgium visa from India
Apply for Czech Republic visa from India
Apply for Denmark visa from India
Apply for France visa from India
Apply for Germany visa from India
Apply for Greece visa from India
Apply for Iceland visa from India
Apply for Italy visa from India
Apply for Netherlands visa from India
Apply for Spain visa from India
Apply for Switzerland visa from India
Related topics
How much time does it take to proceed a Schengen visa for India ?
How much does a Schengen visa cost from India ?
Where to apply for a Schengen visa in India ?
How to fill out a Schengen visa application form
What is the Schengen Agreement?
Which European countries are not part of the Schengen area?
