Portugal entry requirements.
Entry into Portugal by foreign citizens from third states is decided on the reason for their visit and for how long they intend to stay. For short stays, foreign citizens must meet the requirements of the Schengen rules. For stays longer than three months, the requirements of Portuguese legislation must be met.
If you intend to visit Portugal for tourism purpose, and you belong to a country subject to visa requirement for entry into the Schengen area, you must request a Schengen visa prior to your visit.
Aside from tourism, the Schengen visa allows foreign citizens travelling on business, professionally, family matter, scientific, cultural, sports, political or religious reasons to enter in Portugal.
All foreign citizens intending to remain in Portugal for a period of time up to one year, or establish their residence for longer than one year, must request the respective long-stay visa – Temporary Stay or Residence.
Visas may be requested for the following purposes: investment, work (employed or independent), study, professional training, research, highly skilled work or teaching, religious training and medical recovery and treatment.
All citizens belonging to European Union Member States, States that are part of the European Economic Area (EEA), states with free travel agreements with the European Community and nationals of third States who are family members of a Portuguese citizen or family members of EU or EEA citizens, are excluded from long-stay visa procedures. The only requirement for this type of applicant is having a Schengen visa, if applicable, when arriving in Portugal. Also, the applicant must register with the Foreigners and Borders Service as soon he arrives in Portugal.
Requirements for residence in Portugal.
If you are a citizen of a country belonging to the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland and if you stay for more than three months in Portugal, you must apply for a Certificate of Registration, a document that give you the right of residence in Portugal.
After five years in a row as holder of the Registration Certificate, you can apply for Permanent Residency Certificate.
If you are a Third State citizen without EU and if you wish to establish a residence in Portugal, you must hold a residence permit appropriated to the intended purpose. This visa allows you to enter into Portuguese territory in order to apply for a residence permit.
Without prejudice to applicable special legal provisions, the temporary residence permit shall be valid for one year, from the date that was issued, and shall be renewable for successive periods of two years. After five years of temporary residence, holders of the temporary residence permit may apply for a permanent residence permit.