Getting a Long Stay Visa for Portugal: What to Do in 2026

Anyone foreigner heading to Portugal needs to think about which entry requirements will apply to them. This is especially true for those who want to stay long-term.

Most foreigners will need to apply for a long-stay visa in order to spend more than 90 days in Portugal. There are different types of visas, and an application process that you'll need to follow.

Portuguese long-stay visas

If you are planning to stay in Portugal for more than 90 days AND are NOT an EU/Schengen country citizen, you likely need to apply for a long-stay visa.

There are different types, and the one that you need depends on the purpose of your travels, as well as your long-term intentions.

Portugal offers temporary stay visas, residency visas, and job seeker visas.

Temporary stay visas are for those intending to stay in Portugal anywhere from 90 days up to to a year. You can learn more about shorter visa options (fewer than 90 days) in our Portugal visa guide.

Residency visas are for foreigners looking to immigrate to Portugal long-term. The validity period is shorter (4 months), but that's because this visa is meant to transition you into residency (which you have to apply for in Portugal).

Job seeker visas are a bit of an outlier. They're only for those actively looking for a job in Portugal. Once you find a job, then you must apply for residency. This visa, too, is for those looking to immigrate to Portugal.

There are several types of temporary stay visas and residency visas, and the one you need depends on the reason you're heading to Portugal.

Which type you need

If you're only going to stay in Portugal for a few months (up to a year), you likely need a temporary stay visa. If you're planning to stay in Portugal long-term (with no fixed end date), you will probably need to apply for a residency visa or a job seeker visa, depending on the scenario you find yourself in.

It gets more specific than that, though. You need to apply for the visa that most accurately reflects your purpose for staying in Portugal. Common types are:

• Work visas
• Student visas
• Family reunification visas
• The digital nomad visa

There are even more types, including sub-types, within each of these categories. For example, there are work visas for entrepreneurs, highly qualified individuals, etc.

You may also see Portugal long-stay visas referred to as national visas and Type D visas. They're the same thing.

As a general note, make sure that you always get actionable information from official sources, such as the Portuguese Embassy or a trusted partner (such as a visa processor).

These official sites will have the most up-to-date and accurate information, especially about critical things like visas and the visa application process.

How to apply for a long-stay visa for Portugal

There are several steps in the visa application process. While it can seem a bit overwhelming at first, the process is reasonably straightforward.

• First, you need to figure out which long stay visa you need.
• Once you know which visa you need, you must make sure that you meet the visa requirements. While anyone can apply for a visa, generally speaking, there are qualifications that applicants must meet.
• Next, you will begin preparing your application. This consists of filling out the official visa application form as well as collecting all of the required documents in their requested formats.
• Once you have all of the documentation you need, it's time to book an in-person appointment in your country of residence. This appointment is mandatory and takes place at a Portuguese diplomatic mission or partnering visa application center.
• Attend your appointment. You will submit your application and all of the related documents.
• Await a decision!

Portugal long-stay visa requirements

Part of the process is making sure that you meet the necessary qualifications for obtaining a national visa.

It's important to understand that the requirements vary depending on which general type of visa you need (temporary, residency, or job seeker), as well as the specific visa type within that larger category.

While there are specific requirements depending on the exact visa you're applying for, there is a set of basic documents that are generally required for all temporary long-stay visa seekers.

These basic qualifications include:

• A national visa application form, completed.
• 2 recent passport-sized photographs.
• A valid passport that will remain valid for at least 3 months after you leave Portugal.
• Proof of regular status
• Proof of valid travel insurance. It must cover emergency medical costs, including hospitalization and repatriation.
• A criminal record that has been legalized.
• Proof of financial resources (to show that you can provide for yourself during the entire duration you're in Portugal).

Again, depending on which visa you apply for, there will be additional documents that you need to supply, such as university enrollment forms, birth certificates, or work contracts. It depends on which applies to you.

In some cases, you may need to show an onward ticket (such as for a temporary stay visa).

Residency long-stay visa requirements

For a residency long stay visa for Portugal, the basic required documents are the same as the temporary visa, but excluding the return/onward ticket.

Keep in mind, however, that these lists of requirements can change. Make sure you get all actionable information about visas from the Portugal Embassy's official site (or from one of their trusted partners, such as a visa processor).

Like a temporary long-stay visa, additional documents will be required, and what those documents are depends on the specific visa you're applying for. If you're establishing residency to move with an EU spouse, for example, a marriage license will likely be required.

FAQs about long-stay visas for Portugal