Are you from Delhi and planning to travel to Portugal to attend a business meeting, explore a famous tourist spot, or continue your graduation degree? If so, you will need to obtain a Portugal visa from Delhi to gain access to cross the border.
Thus, walk through the following guide to learn the essential information about the visa, including the documents needed, the application process, and tips for a successful submission.
A Bit About Portugal
Officially known as the Portuguese Republic, the country is located in southwestern Europe. It shares its borders with Spain, the North Atlantic Ocean, the Azores, and Madeira.
In addition, Lisbon is the largest capital city in Portugal, followed by Porto, another metropolitan city.
Furthermore, the country is famous for its ancient buildings, medieval towns, villages, citadels, and mesmerizing palaces. Portugal is also becoming a new Global Tourism hub because of its low prices as compared to the rest of the European countries.
Important: Portugal is a part of the Schengen Area, so you need a Schengen visa to travel to the target country for almost 90 days.
Where Can Delhi Residents Apply for a Portugal Visa?
When it comes to the application process, the residents of Delhi have two options to submit their visa documents for Portugal.
- The first one is the Embassy of Portugal, which is located in New Delhi, India.
- Secondly, a visa application center known as VFS Global is the official partner of the Portuguese Embassy in India.
The easiest choice is to use both methods simultaneously for a successful submission, as some aspects are not available at the embassy and vice versa.
Jurisdiction of the Embassy
The embassy accepts visa applications from all the following Indian states other than Goa and Maharashtra.
| West Bengal | Uttar Pradesh | Uttarakhand | Sikkim | Tamil Nadu |
| Tripura | Rajasthan | Nagaland | Puducherry | Punjab |
| Meghalaya | Mizoram | Madhya Pradesh | Odisha | Lakshadweep |
| Kerala | Karnataka | Himachal Pradesh | Haryana | Jharkhand |
| Gujarat | Jammu and Kashmir | Daman and Diu | Delhi | Chhattisgarh |
Moreover, the respective embassy provides consular assistance and advice to the citizens of Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal, or Sri Lanka who want to travel to Portugal for visits, work, or business purposes.
Contact details of the Embassy
The Portuguese Embassy is located at the following address.
Location: 4, Panchsheel Marg, Block B, Diplomatic Enclave, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021, India
Phone number: (91) 11 4607 1001
(Consular Section): sconsular.novadeli@mne.pt
(Visa): visas.novadeli@mne.pt
(Chancery): chancery.novadeli@mne.pt
Note: The Embassy of Portugal in New Delhi, India, works closely with the Consulate General of Portugal in Goa.
Other visa application facilities
A second option is to submit your visa application to VFS Global. Portugal uses it to operate its application centers in India at different locations.
Therefore, the following section discusses the Portugal visa application centers in India, based on your jurisdiction.
Major cities
| New Delhi | Bengaluru | Chennai | Mumbai |
| Chandigarh | Pune | Kolkata | Ahmedabad |
| Jalandhar |
Jurisdiction rules
- Please note that residents of Goa, Daman & Diu, Maharashtra, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli can apply for a Portugal visa via the Consulate General in Goa. Else, they can also use the centers located in Mumbai or Pune.
- Moreover, all other Indian states fall under the jurisdiction of the Embassy in New Delhi, using the centers mentioned above.
The following quick summary can help you submit your application via VFS Global.
- Applicants can book their appointments online via VFS
- In-person biometric (fingerprints and photos) submission is required at the center
- You can also collect your passport from the same center
There, you can submit your application at the VAC assigned to your residential jurisdiction. The VFS handles the process; however, the guidelines are given by the Embassy or the Consulate of Portugal.
Common and Special Portugal Visa Types for Indians
As a resident of Delhi, you can apply for the following visa types when traveling to Portugal. Surprisingly, Portugal offers a wide range of permits to choose from.
Short-term visa
If you want to travel to Portugal for a short duration of time, you need to apply for a Schengen or Type C visa. The country is a member of the Schengen Area, which has no internal borders between the rest of the states for easier and free movement. Moreover, you can stay for up to 90 days with this visa.
Besides, it has further sub-classes as shown below.
- Tourist visa
- Film crews visa
- Conference/business visa
- Transit visa
- Seasonal work visa
- Visit visa for family and friends
Processing time
The standard processing time for a Portugal Schengen visa is approximately 15 working days.
Long-term visa
Alternatively known as a national visa, a long-term visa is processed according to the national legislation of the member state. All the visa applications are processed by the Embassy and the Portuguese Border and Foreigners Service.
Broadly, there are two further categories that you have to choose from.
- If you want to stay for more than 90 days but less than one year, your trip will be considered a temporary stay.
- On the other hand, stays longer than one year fall in the category of residence.
You can use it for the following common purposes.
- Portugal job seeker visa
- Portugal student visa
Processing time
Contrary to a Schengen visa, a temporary stay visa may take up to 30 days for processing. Whereas, the processing period for a residence visa is 60 days after the interview at the Embassy/Consulate.
What is the Eligibility Criteria for Delhi Residents to Apply for a Portugal Visa?
Before starting the visa application process, make sure that you recheck the eligibility criteria to assess your situation. See the following section in this regard.
- You must have a valid Indian passport
- Provide proof of adequate financial resources to cover the trip’s expenses
- In addition, you are required to submit a coherent travel itinerary
- You must not have been an offender of any of the Schengen visa rules, such as entry bans
- Moreover, you should not possess any criminal record or security concerns against you
- You need to show strong evidence to prove that you will return to India after you visit Portugal
- Furthermore, you must have purchased a valid travel health insurance policy with enough coverage amount
- Lastly, you must have a legitimate purpose of traveling to Portugal, such as tourism, business, etc.
What are the Documents Required for a Portugal Visa from Delhi?
Portugal made it necessary for Indian citizens to get a visa before traveling to the destination country. Therefore, the application process for a Portugal visa from Delhi requires you to collect the following documents along with the application form to submit them to the embassy’s officials.
Passport
Submit your Indian passport with three months’ validity after you exit Portugal and two blank pages to attach the visa stamp. Moreover, this travel document should not be older than the last ten years.
If applicable, you are also required to submit a copy of the passport’s bio page.
Photographs
Furthermore, the residents of Delhi are also required to attach two passport-size pictures to the visa application form. Therefore, the photos should be according to the Schengen photographs guidelines. For instance,
- No headgear or accessories allowed
- White color or pain background
- Size of 35*45 mm
- Not older than the last six months
- Matt’s finish is required
- Neutral expressions are needed
Flight reservation
In addition, you also need to submit a dummy flight itinerary to the embassy that represents your genuine travel plans. Therefore, you can get this from RFV Travels easily.
Besides, this document is mandatory, as it includes details such as:
- flight number
- booking ID
- travel dates
- times
- home & destination countries
- departure & arrival airport names
- IATA codes
- 6-digit PNR
- luggage weight, etc.
Hotel booking
Furthermore, proof of accommodation, including a hotel booking or a rental contract, to show that you have managed your place to stay in Portugal, is also required.
Another Portugal accommodation visa requirement for the residents of Delhi is an invitation letter from the host. This shows that the host is sponsoring your trip and will manage all the expenses.
So, make sure that you choose a reliable service provider to get your proof of accommodation document for a Portugal visa from Delhi.
Cover letter
A cover letter for a visa allows you to add additional information to support your application. For instance, you can add details including the purpose of your trip, the intended stay duration in Portugal, planned activities, and how you will manage your expenses.
As a result, it can increase the chances of your Portugal visa approval. So, you can get it from coverletterforvisa.com at a minimal price.
Travel health insurance
In addition, travel health insurance is mandatory to cover medical and travel emergencies while traveling to the target country, i.e., Portugal. Moreover, it should be valid for the entire Schengen Area other than Portugal.
Besides, it must have a coverage cost of at least 30,000 euros to 50,000 euros to bear the unexpected expenses. For example, this includes,
- Accident
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Repatriation
- Death
- Evacuation
- Luggage loss
- Flight cancellation
Proof of financial means
Financial resources such as bank statements, salary slips, or income tax returns are needed to disclose that you can support yourself financially in Portugal. Moreover, the document serves as evidence demonstrating that you will not burdenize the target country’s resources.
On average, you need to have 70-100 euros per day to manage your food, transportation, and accommodation.
Additional documents
| Purpose | Documents needed |
| If you are traveling to Portugal on a tourist visa | Letter of invitation by the host, A letter of sponsorship stating that your trip is sponsored by someone else |
| If visiting Portugal as a businessman | Company registration certificate, Bank statement showing sufficient balance, Evidence of business activities in your home country |
| Portugal student visa | Admission letter from the target educational institute, Academic transcripts, No Objection Certificate from the current Indian educational institute |
| Portugal work visa for Indians | Job offer letter, Employment contract, Residence permit, Proof of qualifications, Experience letter (if any) |
| Family visit visa | Proof of relationship with the host, Residence copy of the invitee and their financial resources, Invitation letter from the required party |
| Poor travel history | Criminal clearance certificate to show your moral character, Police character certificate or PCC from the local police station |
Procedural Steps to Apply for a Portugal Visa from Delhi
The following simple steps will make the application process easier for you.
Step 1: Visit the website
The first thing is to visit the official website of the Embassy of Portugal to learn the basic details. For this purpose, you can hit the tab ‘Consular Services’ to go through the ‘General Information and Visas’ about Portugal.
Step 2: Identify the visa type
After that, search VFS Global on Google and land on the main page. Once opened, select the suitable visa type according to the purpose of your stay in Portugal.
Step 3: Complete the application form for the Portugal visa
After choosing a visa category, it is the right time to complete the visa application form. You can easily download and print the form through VFS Global and then fill it out to be submitted at the respective center in person.
Alternatively, Portugal also offers the option of an e-visa that requires you to complete the form online and submit it. For this purpose, go to this website, register your account, fill out the Portugal visa application form, and then hit ‘submit. ’
Step 4: Schedule an appointment
Before this, make sure to collect the needed documents mentioned above. Moreover, the third step requires you to book the available appointment slot through VFS Global Portugal visa. After completing this step, you will receive a confirmation email with your application reference number. The day and date will be mentioned in the email, so make sure that you read it carefully.
Step 5: Visit the VAC or embassy
Then, on the day of your appointment, visit the visa application center or embassy to submit your documents along with the application form. Furthermore, you need to provide your biometric data (fingerprints and photos) to the embassy.
Things to remember on the day of the appointment
Make sure that you are aware of the following facts when attending your Portugal visa appointment at VAC.
- Reach the center at least 15 minutes earlier before the appointment. Moreover, avoid sending someone else in your place and attend the appointment by yourself.
- Moreover, you are also required to submit biometric data, including fingerprints and photos. So, your picture should be digital, showing a full face, no accessories (sunglasses or tinted spectacles). Besides, head coverings are allowed for religious purposes only.
- If a child under 18 is applying for a visa, the applicant and one parent or legal guardian will be allowed to enter the VAC.
- Lastly, a digital fingerprint scanner will scan all 10 fingers and collect their images. In addition, a digital photo will also be captured.
Do you know? Your fingerprints should be free from any cuts, mehndi designs, or abrasions that can affect your ability to submit the finger scans.
Who is exempted from biometric fingerprints?
The following categories of applicants are exempted from the obligation of the biometric data.
- Applicants under 5 years of age
- Individuals with physical incapacity (in this case, you need to provide a medical certificate)
- Travelers who have applied for a Schengen visa in the last five years. This is because the Visa Information System (VIS) stores information for almost 59 months.
Step 6: Pay the visa fee
After that, you also need to pay the Portugal visa application fee, considering the chosen visa type. A Schengen visa requires you to deposit the following amount at the center in cash or by credit/debit card.
A long-stay visa, on the other hand, requires you to pay almost 110 euros, irrespective of the sub-category.
Besides, on the same day, you are required to attend the visa interview to discuss your travel plans in detail. For instance, you may be asked about:
- Why are you traveling to Portugal?
- When will you return to your home country?
- What is your employment status in India?
- Do any of your friends or family members live in Portugal?
- Do you have any plans of visiting other Schengen countries except Portugal?
Step 7: Track your application
This is the second last step of the process that requires you to wait for an answer. Meanwhile, you can track the Portugal visa application status online through VFS Global by entering your application reference number and date of birth (DOB).
Other tracking methods that you can use
Other than the online Portugal visa tracking Delhi method, you can also use the following ways to check the status.
- You can turn on the SMS alerts to receive real-time visa status updates
- Mention your registered email to get notifications and updates throughout the entire process
- Lastly, you can also visit the VFS visa application center to inquire about the status of your application at the counter
Step 8: Collect your passport
Lastly, collect your passport from the embassy or the application center through which you applied for a visa.
Processing Time for a Portugal Visa for the Residents of Delhi
Ideally, a Portugal Schengen visa used for the purpose of tourism, business, etc, can take almost 15-20 days to reach a particular decision. However, in extreme cases, the processing period can also get extended.
Contrary to this, Type D visa applications can take longer processing time because of extra scrutiny. For instance, two to three months is the normal time frame for the authorities to decide on an application.
Application Tips to Improve the Outcome of the Portugal Visa from Delhi
If you want to increase the approval chances of your Portugal visa from Delhi, make sure to avoid the common visa rejection reasons. For this purpose, the best practices highlighted in this section will prove to be fruitful to improve the application’s outcome.
| Tips for a successful application | Reasons for visa rejection |
| Ensure that you have submitted all the mandatory documents discussed in the section above. | Not providing sufficient funds to cover your stay in Portugal is the leading visa rejection reason. |
| Mention why you are visiting Portugal. Besides, submit supplementary documents to support your claim. | History of visa rejection or overstay can also negatively affect your future visa applications. |
| Your intent to return to India will provide a strong basis for the successful application. So, ensure to demonstrate strong evidence that you will not overstay your visa. | Providing false, incorrect, or misleading information in the visa application form can result in visa denial. This includes the wrong passport number or fake travel itinerary. |
| Applying for a visa without a valid travel insurance will lead to a negative decision. Choose a trusted service provider to get yours. | Choosing and applying for the wrong visa category will lead you to a dead end and result in rejection. |
| Lastly, make sure that you submit your application in advance of your departure date. This will compensate for any potential delays in the processing. | Your documents showing a criminal record will raise public and national security concerns in the target country and can lead to rejection. |
Final Words
The Portugal visa application process from Delhi can be a straightforward task if you follow the guidelines given in this article. Moreover, always check the latest information and updated policies to observe the trends and prepare a successful application.
Besides, make sure that you fulfill the visa requirements to show your eligibility to travel to Portugal and explore the country’s landscapes.
FAQs
- Can I apply for a Portugal visa if I am not residing in Delhi?
Yes, you can. But you need to show you have been legally residing in the jurisdiction of the Portuguese Embassy in New Delhi for at least 180 days. If you are a temporary resident in New Delhi, make sure to provide justification and supporting documents when submitting your application.
- Is it possible to reschedule my appointment for a Portugal visa?
Yes, you can reschedule your visa appointment to submit your Portugal application up to two times. However, please note that the appointment fee is non-refundable, which means that you have to pay it again for each rescheduling.
- Can I submit my Portugal visa application by post in New Delhi?
No. The Portugal visa applications should be submitted in person at the VFS Global Visa Application Center in New Delhi. Moreover, all the applicants must provide their biometric data.
- How long can I stay in Portugal on a tourist visa?
Indian citizens from the city of Delhi can stay for up to 90 days within one hundred and eighty days in Portugal on a tourist visa.
- Can I extend my Portuguese visa while in the country?
Typically, applying for a Portuguese visa extension while in the country is not possible, unless for extraordinary circumstances. Therefore, make sure to plan your trip within the visa’s validity.
- Is it possible to work or study in Portugal on a tourist visa?
Getting a tourist visa does not allow you to work or study in Portugal. For such purposes, you need to apply for a specific visa type, such as a work or student visa.
- Can I visit other Schengen countries with a Portugal visa from Delhi?
Yes, a valid Portugal visa allows you to travel to other Schengen countries without requiring a separate permit. However, ensure that Portugal will be your main destination or country with the longest duration of stay.
- What can I do if my Portugal visa application is rejected?
If your Portugal visa application is rejected, you can either appeal the decision or reapply for a new visa, considering the rejection reason.
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