Temporary Stay Visa Portugal

Overview

Temporary Stay Visas allow you to remain in the country for more than 90 days but less than one year. Unlike residency visas, these are valid for the entire stay, do not require a separate residency permit application in Portugal, and permit multiple entries.

The various categories cater to a wide range of professional, educational, and personal circumstances.

Medical Treatment Visa (E1)

The Temporary Stay Visa for Medical Treatment Purposes (E1) is designed for individuals who require medical care for a period exceeding 90 days but less than one year. This visa acts as a gateway to Portugal’s healthcare system, supporting those who need extended treatment such as surgeries, specialised rehabilitation, or therapies, particularly when these services are unavailable in the applicant’s home country.

To qualify for an E1 visa, you must provide specific documentation, including medical reports and formal confirmation from a recognised Portuguese healthcare institution verifying the necessity of the care. Applicants must also demonstrate proof of financial means, which can be shown through bank statements or a “responsibility term” issued by a Portuguese resident or an embassy.

Travel medical insurance is required to be able to obtain this visa, that includes coverage of urgent medical assistance and repatriation. British nationals may use the S1 Form as proof of valid insurance.

Family members supporting a patient can apply for a separate visa to accompany them (outlined below), provided they show proof of family ties and financial support.

Accompanying Family for Medical Treatment Visa

The Temporary Stay Visa for Accompanying a Family Member Undergoing Medical Treatment is a specific sub-category that ensures that patients receiving care in the country have the accompaniment and support of their loved ones. This visa is tailored for stays lasting between 90 days and one year and permits multiple entries, allowing family members to travel as needed without losing their legal status.

To apply for this visa, family members must provide the following specific documentation:

• Proof of family ties: Documentation such as marriage or birth certificates to establish the relationship with the patient.
• Medical documentation: Proof regarding the loved one’s medical treatment and the necessity of care in a Portuguese institution.
• Proof of financial means: Evidence that the applicant can support themselves during the stay. Flexible options are available for this category, including embassy statements or responsibility terms issued by a Portuguese resident or host.

WTO Transfers Visa (E2)

The E2 WTO Transfers Visa facilitates the transfer of employees within the same company or corporate group based in World Trade Organisation (WTO) member states. It is designed for professionals in managerial, technical, or professional training roles who are temporarily assigned to a Portuguese entity.

Applicants must provide proof of intra-company transfer, evidence of financial support (such as an employment contract or responsibility declaration from the host entity), and documentation of relevant qualifications or expertise.

The visa is valid for stays of more than 90 days and up to one year, allows multiple entries, and grants access to public services, including healthcare and education.

Independent Work Visa (E3)

The Temporary Stay Visa for Independent Work Purposes (E3) is specifically designed for freelancers, self-employed professionals, consultants, and artists who intend to reside in Portugal for more than 90 days. Unlike residency visas, this temporary stay category is valid for the entire duration of the stay and permits multiple entries.

To qualify for this visa, applicants must provide documentation that proves the nature of their independent professional activity. Examples of these specific requirements include:

• Work Contracts or Service Agreements: A formal contract or written proposal for services between the applicant and one or more entities is essential.
• Professional Qualifications: If the independent activity involves a regulated profession in Portugal, the applicant must provide a statement verifying they meet the necessary technical qualifications.
• Proof of Financial Means: Applicants must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support themselves, which can be shown through service contracts or a term of responsibility signed by a host entity. You must prove that you will be earning at least the national minimum wage.

Highly Qualified Activity Visa (E4)

The Temporary Stay Visa for Highly Qualified Activities (E4) is designed for researchers, educators, and professionals in specialised fields who intend to work or collaborate with Portuguese institutions for less than one year. This visa allows these individuals to engage with leading research centres and academic environments, contributing to the country’s professional landscape.

The E4 visa specifically targets three main groups:

• Researchers: Individuals conducting scientific research at recognised centres.
• Educators: Those involved in higher education teaching or professorial activities.
• Specialised Professionals: Highly qualified individuals performing technical or expert roles in their respective fields.

To qualify for this category, applicants must demonstrate a formal link to a Portuguese institution. This is typically achieved by providing:

• Proof of admission or collaboration with a research centre recognised by the Ministry of Education and Science.
• A formal work contract, employment offer, service agreement, or a research scholarship.
• Evidence of professional qualifications, such as diplomas, certificates, or a detailed CV.

The visa allows for multiple entries, enabling the holder to travel freely during its validity. It also provides access to public services, including the National Health Service and educational institutions.

Amateur Sports Visa (E5)

The E5 Temporary Stay Visa is intended for non-EU/EEA amateur athletes who plan to train or compete with Portuguese sports clubs or federations. Like other temporary stay visas, it allows multiple entries within a one year period, enabling athletes to travel for international competitions without losing legal status in Portugal. The visa grants access to public services, including the National Health Service.

Applicants must submit category-specific documentation, including:

• Certification from a Portuguese sports federation or club confirming the amateur activity
• A responsibility statement covering accommodation, healthcare, and repatriation
• Proof of financial means equal to at least 50% of the Portuguese minimum wage. This financial requirement may be waived if the host club guarantees food expenses.

Exceptional Circumstances Visa (E6)

The Exceptional Circumstances Visa (E6) is a versatile category within Portugal’s temporary stay framework designed for unique cases that do not fit into standard work or medical tracks. It is intended for stays lasting more than three months but less than one year and, like other temporary stay visas, permits multiple entries into the country.

Some circumstances that may be relevant for application to the E6 visa include:

• Study and Student Exchange: This applies to secondary education or study programmes lasting less than one year. Applicants must provide an enrolment certificate, proof of housing (or a host family statement), and evidence of financial support, often through grants or scholarships.
• Unpaid Internships: Candidates require an acceptance letter from a recognised organisation. Financial means for this sub-category can be demonstrated through a term of responsibility.
• Volunteer Work: Applicants must submit confirmation of their role from an acknowledged institution, prove they meet age requirements, and provide evidence of financial support.
• International Commitments: For those fulfilling duties under international agreements or conventions, a service agreement and a certificate of technical qualification are required.
• Religious Purposes: The E6 can be granted for religious training within a congregation or for religious individuals undertaking studies in a recognised institution, provided the case is “exceptional and duly justified”.
• Passive Income or Retirement: In specific justified cases, individuals living off passive income or retirees may also utilise the E6 pathway for a temporary stay.

Accompanying Family Members Visa (E7)

The E7 Temporary Stay Visa is a category specifically designed for accompanying family members of a primary Temporary Stay Visa holder. This category facilitates family reunification, allowing spouses, children, and dependent parents to join a primary Temporary Stay Visa holder for the duration of their stay.

The Accompanying Family Members visa reflects Portugal’s commitment to family reunification, ensuring that families can remain together during stays that last between 90 days and one year.

The following individuals are eligible to apply for an E7 visa to join the primary visa holder in Portugal:

• Spouses or civil partners.
• Minor or dependent children of the primary holder or their spouse.
• Dependent parents of the primary holder or their spouse.

The E7 visa is valid for the same duration as the principal applicant’s visa. It allows for multiple entries into the country. Holders of this visa are legally resident in Portugal and are granted access to public services, including healthcare (the National Health Service) and education.

To obtain this visa, applicants for the E7 visa must provide:

• Proof of family ties: Legalised and translated documentation, such as marriage or birth certificates.
• Status of the main applicant: A copy of the primary visa holder’s National Visa request or a valid Residence Visa.
• Financial means: Evidence of sufficient funds to support the family members during their stay.

Navigating a temporary visa for Portugal for family members doesn’t have to be complex. Speak to our immigration experts today for tailored guidance. Call us on +44 (0) 333 305 9375 or contact us online.

Seasonal Work Visa (E8)

The Temporary Stay Visa for Seasonal Work Purposes (E8) is a national visa designed for non-EU/EEA nationals to work in specific sectors of the Portuguese economy for typically up to nine months per year. It is a flexible option that allows for multiple entries during its validity, enabling holders to travel in and out of the country without losing their legal status.

The Seasonal Work visa is limited to specific industries, including:

• Agriculture, including animal production, hunting, forestry, and fishing.
• Tourism and Hospitality, specifically accommodation and catering.
• Construction and land transport.
• Food, beverage, and tobacco industries, as well as retail commerce.

To apply, applicants must include a valid employment contract or promise of a contract detailing the job location, duration, remuneration, and paid leave. You will also be required to provide proof of housing or a rental agreement, which may be provided by the employer. Employers must provide accident insurance and medical protection. Additionally, the applicant must have travel medical insurance for periods not covered by professional insurance.

For some roles, you may be required to provide proof of technical qualifications. A simplified procedure is available for applicants who have successfully performed seasonal work in Portugal at least once in the last five years. These individuals are exempt from providing proof of housing, regulated profession certificates, or a return ticket, and their applications are prioritised with a decision deadline of 15 days instead of 30 days.

Academic or Professional Training Visa (E9)

The E9 Academic or Professional Training Visa covers short-term courses or vocational training programmes provided by higher education or training institutions. Applicants must generally be 18 years or older, although minors may apply with the written consent of a parent or legal guardian.

To apply, candidates must submit proof of admission or enrolment from a recognised higher education or professional training institution, along with evidence of sufficient financial means, such as bank statements or scholarship letters. Applicants must also provide proof of accommodation in Portugal.

Remote Work/Digital Nomad Visa (E11)

The Digital Nomad Visa (E11) is specifically tailored for professionals who are employed or self-employed by entities based outside of Portugal. It allows individuals to reside in Portugal for less than one year, providing a legal framework for those who wish to work remotely while enjoying the country’s culture and lifestyle.

The most critical eligibility criteria for this visa is the income threshold. Applicants must demonstrate an average monthly income of at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage (approximately €3,480). Proof of this income must be provided through bank statements, payslips, or invoices from the last three months.

Digital Nomad visa applicants must also provide:

• Proof of Remote Activity: Documentation such as a work contract, a declaration from an employer, or service agreements with clients confirming that the professional activity can be performed remotely.
• Employment Links: For subordinate workers, a contract or employer declaration is required; for independent workers, a society contract or service provision agreement is necessary.
• Fiscal Residence: Proof of tax residency outside of Portugal, such as tax returns or a P60.

The E11 visa also grants access to public services, including the National Health Service and education for dependents. While the temporary stay version is for less than a year, individuals planning to stay longer must apply for a residency permit for remote workers.