Portugal Visit Visa From Saudi Arabia

Overview

For travellers who are merely passing through Portugal en route to other destinations, a transit visa is essential. This visa is especially relevant for those whose final destination is outside the Schengen Area. Here’s what you need to know:

This visa is for travellers who have a layover in Portugal and are en route to a non-Schengen country. It’s essential to note that this visa doesn’t permit one to leave the airport’s international transit area.

The transit visa is typically valid for a very short duration, usually just enough to cover the layover until the next connecting flight.

Documentation Specific to Transit

Onward Flight Ticket: Proof of an onward journey to the final destination outside the Schengen Area is mandatory.

Visa for the Next Destination: If the next destination requires a visa, a valid visa for that country should be presented during the application process.

Exceptions: Not all travellers passing through Portugal require a transit visa. It’s crucial to check the specific requirements based on nationality and the final destination.

Ready to embark on your Portuguese adventure? Don’t let visa complexities hold you back. Reach out to experts, seek guidance, and ensure you’re on the right track. Every great journey begins with a single step, and yours could be just a visa application away. Reach out to Total Law at +1 844 290 6312, and let’s make your Portuguese dream a reality!

Overview

While the Schengen visa is the most common route for short-term visits, there are several other pathways that Saudi Arabian citizens can explore, especially if they have specific goals or longer-term aspirations in mind. Let’s delve deeper into these alternative avenues:

Golden Visa Programme

The Golden Visa Programme is a strategic initiative by countries, including Portugal, to attract foreign investments. Portugal’s Golden Visa Programme has gained significant traction among non-EU nationals. It’s an attractive option for those looking to invest in Portugal and, in return, gain residency rights.

The programme is open to non-EU nationals who make qualifying investments in Portugal. These investments can range from real estate purchases to capital transfers or even job creation.

Key Features:

• From capital transfers to job creation, there are multiple avenues to invest
• Successful applicants can live, work, and study in Portugal. Plus, they get visa-free access to the Schengen zone
• After five years, Golden Visa holders can apply for permanent residency or even Portuguese citizenship, subject to certain conditions.

Startup and Entrepreneur Visa

Recognising the global shift towards innovation and entrepreneurship, many countries have introduced the Startup and Entrepreneur Visa. This visa aims to attract budding entrepreneurs, startup founders, and innovators with promising business ideas.

Successful applicants gain residency rights, but more importantly, they often get access to a thriving startup ecosystem, mentorship, potential funding opportunities, and business resources. This visa not only fosters innovation in the host country but also creates job opportunities and boosts the economy.

Key Features:

• Access to a thriving startup ecosystem, incubators, and a network of investors
• Like the Golden Visa, this visa grants the right to live, work, and study in Portugal
• Potential access to startup grants and funding opportunities provided by the Portuguese government and private investors.

Student and Research Visas

Education and research are pillars of global development. The Student and Research Visa category is tailored for individuals eager to dive into academic pursuits or groundbreaking research in a foreign country.

Beyond just studying, this visa often offers perks like part-time work rights, internships, and post-study work opportunities. It’s a bridge for cultural exchange, global networking, and academic excellence, benefiting both the student and the host country.

Key Features:

• From undergraduate to postgraduate and research programs
• After graduation, there’s potential to transition to a work visa, allowing graduates to explore job opportunities in Portugal
• Studying in Portugal offers a unique blend of academic rigour and cultural experiences.

Employment-based Residency

Talent knows no boundaries, and the Employment-based Residency visa acknowledges this. Foreign nationals with specific skills, expertise, or job offers in the host country can obtain this visa. It’s typically sponsored by the employer and allows the individual to live, work, and sometimes even settle in the host country. Over time, consistent employment and contribution to the host country might also pave the way for permanent residency.

Key Features:

• Typically aligns with the employment contract
• Possibility to transition to a permanent residency visa after a certain period
• In some cases, immediate family members can also join the primary visa holder.

Event-specific Entry

Global events, be they cultural, sports-centric, academic, or business-related, are melting pots of diversity and collaboration. The Event-specific Entry visa facilitates this global congregation.

Whether you’re an athlete participating in an international tournament, a delegate at a global conference, or an artist performing overseas, this visa ensures you can attend, participate, and contribute without residency hitches. The visa’s duration is typically aligned with the event, ensuring participants can make the most of their stay.

Key Features:

• Streamlined visa processes or even visa waivers might be in place for participants or attendees
• Typically, for the event’s duration, with a little buffer before and after.

Portugal’s diverse visa offerings ensure that individuals from various walks of life can explore, contribute to, and benefit from what the country has to offer. Whether you’re an investor eyeing European markets, a researcher pushing the boundaries of knowledge, or an artist mesmerised by Portugal’s cultural richness, there’s a pathway tailored for you at Total Law. It’s all about finding the right fit and going through the process with clarity and confidence.

Essential Documentation

Valid Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in the Schengen Area. It should also have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.

Completed Application Form: The Schengen visa application form should be filled out with accurate details, ensuring consistency with other supporting documents.

Recent Photographs: Typically, two recent passport-sized photos are required, adhering to the Schengen visa photo specifications.

Travel Itinerary: This should include confirmed flight bookings showcasing your entry and exit from the Schengen Area. While not always mandatory, it’s beneficial also to provide a detailed travel plan, highlighting places you intend to visit.

Proof of Accommodation: This can range from hotel reservations to rental agreements or even a letter of invitation if you’re staying with friends or family in Portugal.

Travel Insurance: A crucial requirement, your travel insurance should cover potential medical emergencies and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of €30,000 within the Schengen Area.

Proof of Financial Sustenance: This is to ensure you have the means to support yourself during your stay. It can be demonstrated through bank statements, payslips, or even a letter of sponsorship. The exact amount may vary, but it’s generally expected that you have around €40-€100 for each day of your stay.

Purpose of Visit: Depending on your visa type, you might need additional documents like an invitation letter for business visits, enrolment proof for student visas, or event details for cultural or sports visas.

Additional Considerations

Minors: If a minor is travelling, additional documentation might be required, such as a birth certificate, consent letters from both parents and copies of parents’ passports or IDs.

Previous Visa Refusals: If you’ve had a Schengen visa application refused in the past, it’s advisable to provide documentation explaining the refusal and any changes in circumstances since then.

Multiple Entries: If you’re planning to enter and exit the Schengen Area multiple times during your visa’s validity, ensure you need to apply for a multiple-entry visa and provide justifications for the same.

Fees Associated With The Application

Understanding the fee structure is vital to ensure a smooth application process:

Visa Application Fee: As of the last update, the standard fee for a Schengen short-stay visa application is €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6 to 12. Children under six are exempted from visa fees. However, these fees are subject to change, and it’s essential to check the latest from the Portuguese consulate or embassy in Saudi Arabia.

Special Categories: Some categories of applicants might benefit from reduced fees or even exemptions. This includes students on study trips, researchers, and representatives of non-profit organisations (under certain conditions).

Service Charges: If you’re applying through external service providers or visa application centres, they might charge service fees. These charges can vary based on the service provider but typically range from €20 to €50.

Additional Fees:

• For those in a hurry, express processing can expedite the visa application process. This service usually costs an additional €30 to €50
• First-time applicants might incur a fee for biometric data collection, typically around €20
• If your documents are not in English or Portuguese, you might need to pay for professional translation services, which can range from €20 to €50 per page, depending on the complexity

It’s worth noting that fees are typically non-refundable, even if the visa application is declined.
Keep in mind that while this checklist covers the general requirements, depending on the specific purpose of your visit, there might be additional documents required. Hence, always refer to the official ‘e-visa Portugal’ portal or consult with the Portugal Visa Application Centre in Saudi Arabia.

Navigating the visa process can be intricate and overwhelming. But you don’t have to do it alone. With Total Law by your side, you gain access to seasoned experts who can guide you step-by-step, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free visa application experience.
Whether you have queries about documentation and fees or simply need advice on the best visa type for your needs, our team is here to assist. Reach out to us at +1 844 290 6312.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Determine Visa Type: Before diving into the application process, ascertain the type of visa you require based on your visit’s purpose, be it tourism, business, family visit, or any other.

Gather Necessary Documents: Using the guidelines provided in the previous sections, compile all the required documents. Ensure each document is current, valid, and in the prescribed format.

Complete the Application Form: The Schengen visa application form is available online. Fill it out diligently, ensuring all details are accurate and consistent with your supporting documents.

Book an Appointment: Schedule an appointment at the Portuguese consulate or embassy in Saudi Arabia or at a Visa Application Centre if one is operational in your region. This appointment is crucial for document submission and, in some cases, a mandatory interview.

Attend the Interview: If required, attend the visa interview on the scheduled date. Be punctual, dress appropriately, and carry all your original documents. The interview is an opportunity for the consulate to verify your information and intentions.

Pay the Visa Fee: At the time of your appointment or interview, you will be required to pay the visa application fee. Ensure you have the exact amount and in the accepted payment mode, which is usually cash or card.

Biometric Data Collection: First-time Schengen visa applicants will have their biometric data (fingerprints and photographs) collected. If you’ve applied for a Schengen visa in the last five years, this step might be skipped.

Track Your Application: Some Visa Application Centres offer tracking services, allowing you to monitor your application’s status online.

Receive the Decision: Once your application is processed, you’ll be notified about the decision. This usually takes around 15 calendar days but can vary depending on the season, the volume of applications, or any additional documentation requests.

Collect Your Passport: Upon receiving the notification, visit the consulate, embassy, or Visa Application Centre to collect your passport. If your visa is granted, it will be affixed to one of the passport pages. If it’s denied, you’ll usually receive a letter explaining the reasons for the refusal.

Processing Time Once The Application Is Submitted

The general processing time for a Schengen visa is around 15 calendar days from the day of your application’s submission. During peak travel seasons or due to a high volume of applications, the processing time might extend to 30 days or, in exceptional cases, up to 60 days. In certain circumstances, such as urgent business trips, you might be eligible for expedited processing. However, this is at the discretion of the consulate and might involve additional fees.