Visitor Visa (Family & Friends Visit)
The Portugal Visitor Visa for Family and Friends is a Schengen short-stay Portugal Visa (Type C) for individuals travelling specifically to visit relatives or friends residing in Portugal, rather than for general tourism or business purposes. It follows the same 90-day, 180-day Schengen framework as the Tourist Visa, and can also be issued as a Schengen visa for family members of Portuguese, EU, EEA, or Swiss nationals, or family members of UK citizens residing in Portugal under the Withdrawal Agreement. Applicants generally need a letter of invitation from their host in Portugal, alongside the standard financial and insurance documentation required for all Schengen visas. This visa does not permit any form of paid work. Approval is decided solely by the Portuguese consulate or authorised visa application centre handling the case.
Eligibility
You may apply for a Portugal Visitor Visa (Family & Friends Visit) if:
- You are travelling to Portugal primarily to visit family members or friends who are legally residing in Portugal.
- You are not planning to undertake employment, business activities, or long-term study during your visit.
- Your intended stay does not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area.
- You can provide an invitation letter (where applicable) and supporting documents from your host in Portugal, along with proof of your relationship or connection.
- You have sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay or can demonstrate that your host will provide financial support, where applicable.
- You hold a valid passport and meet the applicable Schengen visa requirements prescribed by the Portuguese authorities.
The primary purpose of your visit should be visiting family or friends. Your supporting documents, invitation letter, travel itinerary, accommodation details, financial evidence, and travel insurance should clearly demonstrate the genuine purpose of your visit.
Government Visa Fees
| Fee Type | Government Fee (EUR) |
| Adult Applicant | €80 |
| Children aged 6–12 | €40 |
| Children under 6 | Free |
| Family Members of EU/EEA/Swiss Nationals | Fee Waived |
This visa follows the same fee schedule as other Schengen Type C visas, with an exemption for family members of EU, EEA, or Swiss nationals travelling with or joining them. Fees are non-refundable, even if the visa is refused. Exchange rates fluctuate, so INR values are approximate. Information may vary depending on individual circumstances; confirm the current fee at vistos.mne.gov.pt.
Visitor Visa (Family & Friends Visit) Processing Time
Processing time for this Portugal Visa category generally follows the same estimate as the standard Tourist Visa, taking a minimum of two weeks and extending up to 30 days, though this can vary if the host’s invitation letter or relationship details require further verification. Because this category relies on documentation from both the applicant and the host in Portugal, incomplete or inconsistent host information is a common cause of delay. Family members of EU/EEA/Swiss nationals should request their appointment through the specific channel designated for this category, as processing may differ from standard visitor applications.
Required Documents Checklist
Document requirements may vary depending on the consulate and individual circumstances, particularly for EU family member applications.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Important Notes
Why Choose Shivansh Consultants
Visiting family or friends in Portugal requires a well-prepared invitation letter and consistent supporting documentation from your host. Shivansh Consultants offers documentation support to help you and your host prepare a complete, correctly formatted invitation and application. Our thorough application review and personalised guidance are tailored to your specific family or friend visit, including whether you qualify for the EU family member fee exemption. With a transparent process and experienced visa consultants, we provide end-to-end assistance throughout your Portugal Visa journey, without ever guaranteeing a specific outcome.