Your Guide to Temporary Stay Visas in Portugal

18 July 2024
Joana Fernandes
Miguel Silva - Solicitator

 Joana Torres Fernandes | Partner

Portugal provides a range of specialised visas tailored to varied needs, enabling visitors to effortlessly address their unique circumstances. 


A visa application must be submitted in person at the Consulate that corresponds to the applicant's legal area of residence. A Temporary Stay Visa is intended for stays longer than 90 days but not exceeding one year, allowing multiple entries into Portugal. The decision process can take up to 30 days. 


While most temporary visas share common basic requirements, some have unique criteria. Therefore, it is essential to be well-informed about the specific requirements for each Temporary Stay Visa Portugal offer.


The E1 Visa serves for medical treatment purposes, catering to people in search of healthcare in Portugal. It's particularly beneficial for those in need of specialised medical care not accessible in their home country. To apply for this visa, a detailed statement outlining the medical grounds for treatment in Portugal is required.


On the other hand, the E2 Visa aims at nationals from the World Trade Organisation (WTO) countries who wish to reside temporarily in Portugal for service provision or professional training. Applicants are expected to provide documentation confirming the transfer within the same company or corporate group.


The E3 Visa attends to individuals looking to pursue independent work in Portugal. It requires specific documentation like having a registered business or a service provider proposal. 


For those interested in scientific research, academic teaching, or highly qualified activities in Portugal, the E4 Visa is tailored for stays under a year and, applicants must present specific documentation like admission to a recognised research centre or job offers in academic teaching or specialised activities.


If you are keen on amateur sports pursuits in Portugal, then E5 visa would be your option. Providing certification from the sports federation and a responsibility statement from the sports association or club is the main requirement along with the others mentioned above.


Looking at the E6 Visa, it is ideal for extended temporary stays exceeding three months in Portugal, catering to study programs, unpaid internships, volunteer work, or retirement. Ensure to provide the necessary certification based on the purpose of the stay: students, interns, or volunteers need certification from relevant institutions; retirees should validate their retirement income; and individuals relying on personal revenues must show income sources and ties to Portugal.


The E7 Visa was created for those supporting family members receiving medical care in Portugal. Essential documents include proof of kinship, medical reports, and certification of required care from a health institution. Additional paperwork might be needed based on specific circumstances, like cooperation agreements requiring documentation from a medical board and proof of appointments.


Transitioning to the E8 Visa, individuals seeking seasonal work in approved sectors like agriculture and hospitality must present a work contract, specifying details such as location, duration, salary, insurance, and vacation entitlement. This visa extends beyond 90 days up to 270 days, requiring documentation like a job offer or contract from a temporary work company or Portuguese employer.


Moving on to the E9 Visa for short-term education or professional training, applicants must secure admission to a course less than a year in duration from a recognised institution. 


The E9 Visa for Digital Nomads targets those conducting remote professional activities seeking temporary residence in Portugal. Supporting evidence includes demonstrating the ability to work remotely and displaying an average monthly income four times the Portuguese Minimum Wage over the last three months. Additional documentation may encompass work contracts, employer declarations, business agreements, or proof of services rendered to entities.


The Family Reunification Visa in Portugal lets family members unite with applicants pursuing a Residence Visa. To qualify, establish family ties with birth certificates, marriage certificates, or partnership documents. Financial stability proof is vital for supporting both the main applicant and accompanying relatives, as well as the main applicant's National Visa request and a valid Residence Visa if applicable.


For individuals with Lost, Expired, or Renewing Residence Permits, the Temporary Stay Visa in Portugal can be helpful. The applicant must provide the original Portuguese Residence Permit or a copy if lost, and evidence of an appointment with AIMA for permit renewal. If the permit is lost or stolen, submit a police report for a smooth residency status transition.


For visitors looking for an extended holiday in Portugal the Youth Mobility Visa might be the perfect choice. Citizens from specific countries can enjoy up to 12 months in Portugal but must demonstrate financial means equivalent to the Portuguese Minimum Wage for the stay. Sponsorships are welcome, along with necessary documentation, for a fulfilling cultural exchange experience in Portugal.


Understanding the various visa options available in Portugal can open doors to unique opportunities. Applicants can ensure a stress-free experience and fully enjoy their time in this beautiful country, by carefully gathering the necessary documentation and complying with the specific requirements of each visa category.


Should you wish to further discuss this matter, don't hesitate to contact us. Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive support to navigate these legal waters with the utmost diligence and precision.

by Joana Loureiro Veríssimo 28 July 2025
Joana Loureiro Veríssimo | Lawyer
24 July 2025
A new National Unit for Foreigners and Borders (UNEF) has been created within the Public Security Police (PSP), taking over key responsibilities from the former SEF. UNEF will handle airport border control, visa issuance, foreign nationals oversight, and related operations.
by Danielle Avidago 18 July 2025
Danielle Avidago | Immigration Consultant
Short-term leases are lawful in Portugal if legal and factual rules are observed.
by Tomás Melo Ribeiro 17 July 2025
Due to stricter AL rules in urban Portugal, many owners now turn to short-term residential leases to earn legal rental income outside tourist accommodation laws.
On 16 July 2025, the Portuguese Parliament approved major changes to immigration law
16 July 2025
On 16 July 2025, the Portuguese Parliament approved major changes to the legal framework governing immigration (Law no. 23/2007). The reform ends the manifestação de interesse mechanism, tightens rules for job-seeker visas and family reunification, and sets a final deadline for transitional applications.
11 July 2025
The Portuguese Parliament has decided to postpone the vote on the proposed amendments to the Nationality Law until September 2025. The decision was taken in a meeting of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs, Rights, Freedoms and Guarantees, following pressure from several political parties who requested more time to assess the implications of the proposed reform. The delay allows for additional hearings with legal experts, immigrant associations and civil society representatives before a final vote is held in plenary session. The proposed reform introduces significant changes to the current legal framework for acquiring Portuguese nationality. Among the most impactful measures is the extension of the minimum legal residence period required before applying for naturalisation. Under the new proposal, this period would increase from the current five years to seven years for nationals of CPLP countries (Community of Portuguese Language Countries), and to ten years for applicants from all other countries. Another major change concerns the introduction of mechanisms to revoke Portuguese nationality . According to the proposal, naturalised citizens who are convicted of serious crimes — defined as those resulting in prison sentences of five years or more , within ten years of acquiring nationality — could see their Portuguese citizenship revoked by a court decision, based on a proposal from the Public Prosecutor’s Office. In addition, the reform would tighten the requirements for acquiring original Portuguese nationality through birth in Portugal. For children born in Portuguese territory to foreign parents, it would become mandatory that at least one parent has been residing legally in Portugal for a minimum of three years , instead of the current two years. Although the government initially intended to approve these changes before the summer recess, political consensus has not yet been reached. Left-wing parties have raised concerns regarding the constitutionality of retroactive revocation of nationality and the potential impact on the rights of long-term residents and immigrant communities in Portugal. In response, the parliamentary committee agreed to postpone the process and schedule a new round of expert hearings in early September. A final vote on the reform is now expected to take place later that month. Until then, the current version of the Nationality Law remains in force , including the five-year legal residence requirement for naturalisation. Applicants who meet this requirement and wish to apply under the current rules may still do so in the coming weeks.
Get a residence permit in Portugal via the EU Blue Card for skilled professionals.
by Sara Sbai Oliveira 11 July 2025
Law No. 53/2023 transposes the EU Blue Card Directive into Portuguese law, improving conditions for highly skilled non-EU nationals to live and work in the EU.
Portuguese law offers remedies, but claiming them requires legal and procedural know-how.
by Margarida Tempera 8 July 2025
Hiring a contractor in Portugal should be simple, but unmet terms can lead to financial loss and legal issues, especially for clients unfamiliar with local rules.
When an individual considers securing European citizenship, one country often stands out: Portugal.
by Danielle Avidago 7 July 2025
Portuguese nationality law requires more than just having a Portuguese spouse or grandparent—it also demands proof of a meaningful connection to Portuguese society.
More posts