If you are a Thai citizen or a non-EU citizen residing in Thailand and are planning a trip to Portugal for tourism, business, or family purposes, you will need a Portuguese Schengen visa, which you must apply for in Thailand. This short-stay visa allows you to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

On this page we explain the purpose of the Portuguese Schengen visa, the documents required for the application and provide a step-by-step guide to applying from Thailand.

What is the Portuguese Schengen visa?

A Portuguese Schengen visa allows short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period in Portugal. This visa is intended for purposes such as tourism, business trips, or family visits. Although issued by Portugal, it also allows travel to all 29 countries of the Schengen Area without requiring a separate visa for each destination. These countries include:

  • Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

    • You should only apply for a Portuguese Schengen visa if Portugal is your main destination or if you will be spending most of your trip there. If, however, you plan to visit several Schengen countries and stay in each for the same amount of time, you must apply for the visa through the country where you first enter the Schengen Area.

    Common Schengen visa types for Portugal

    The Portuguese Schengen visa is offered in various versions, depending on the purpose of your stay. Here is a list of the most common options:

  • Tourist visa: For visiting tourist attractions, exploring cities in Portugal, and seeing cultural or historical sites.
  • Business visa: To participate in meetings, conferences or other professional activities within the Schengen Area.
  • Family visitor visa: For visiting relatives or friends in Portugal; however, this type of visa requires an invitation letter from the host as part of the application.

    • Required documents for a Schengen visa for Portugal

    When applying for a Schengen visa for Portugal, you must submit documents explaining the purpose of your trip, outlining your travel plans, and proving that you have sufficient financial means for your stay. These documents are an important part of the application process and must be complete and accurate. Below is an overview of the documents you need to prepare:

    Personal identification documents

  • Completed Portuguese Schengen visa application form
  • A valid passport with at least two blank pages and a validity of at least three months beyond the planned departure date.
  • Copy of the photo page of the passport
  • A recent passport photo (3.5 x 4.5 cm) with a white background, taken within the last 6 months.

    • Employment and financial documents

  • Proof of employment: A letter stating your job title, start date, salary, and approved vacation time (as well as your current payslips, if applicable). For self-employed individuals: A copy of your business registration.
  • Bank statements for the last three months or proof of other financial assets or real estate ownership

    • Purpose of the trip

  • Cover letter explaining your reasons for visiting Portugal
  • Invitation letter and documents to prove your relationship (if you are visiting family or friends).
  • Detailed travel itinerary. Proof of accommodation, e.g., hotel bookings with address and contact details.
  • Proof of round-trip travel, e.g., a flight reservation.

    • Travel insurance

  • Valid travel insurance for the entire Schengen Area
  • Minimum coverage of EUR 30,000

    • All documents must be written in Portuguese or English, or accompanied by a certified translation into one of these languages. If your documents are in Thai, you must have them notarized, translated, and legalized before submitting them with your Portuguese Schengen visa application.

    How to apply for a Portuguese Schengen visa from Thailand

    Applying for a Portuguese Schengen visa from Thailand requires careful attention to detail and an understanding of the official procedure. The Portuguese authorities have established clear requirements, the fulfillment of which is crucial at every stage to avoid delays or refusal. Below is a step-by-step guide explaining the Portuguese Schengen visa application process:

  • Create an account: Register on the Portuguese TLScontact website for Thailand by entering your email address and a secure password.
  • Enter your personal details: You will be asked to provide your personal details so that your visa application can be processed correctly. If you are part of a group applying for a visa together, please provide the names of the other applicants.
  • Book your appointment online: Choose a date and time that suits you to submit your application at the TLScontact Visa Application Center in Thailand. Bring a printed copy of your appointment confirmation, as you will need it upon arrival.
  • Prepare your documents: Download the application form for the Portuguese Schengen visa and fill it out in black ink and capital letters. Also, prepare the other documents required for the application.
  • Submit your application: Attend your appointment at the TLScontact Visa Application Center in Thailand, submit your application, and pay the visa and service fee. If you have already submitted your biometric data for a Schengen visa application within the last 59 months, you do not need to provide it again.
  • Passport Collection: Your application will be forwarded to the Portuguese Embassy in Thailand for review. Once a decision has been made, your passport will be returned to the TLScontact Visa Application Center. You will be notified by email and SMS as soon as it is ready for collection. You can collect your passport in person, authorize someone to do so, or have it delivered by courier to your registered address.

    • Processing time for a Portuguese Schengen visa

    You can submit your application for a Portuguese Schengen visa for a short stay up to 180 days before your planned travel date. Standard processing takes approximately 15 working days, but this can extend to 45 days or longer depending on the embassy's review process. To avoid delays, you should submit your application at least 15 days before your planned departure.

    Depending on your individual circumstances, the embassy may request additional documents or information, even after you have submitted your application through the TLScontact Visa Application Center in Thailand. You may also be invited for a personal interview at the embassy.

    Fees and service charges for Portuguese Schengen visas

    When applying for a Portuguese Schengen visa through TLScontact in Thailand, you must pay both the visa fee and a separate service fee. These fees are payable at the TLScontact center and can only be paid by mobile online payment or by debit or credit card. Cash payments are not accepted.

  • Ages 12 and up: 90 EUR
  • Ages 6 to 11: 45 EUR
  • Children under 6 years: Free

    • Although visa fees are fixed in euros (EUR), you must pay them in Thai baht (THB). The exchange rate is set by the Portuguese Embassy in Thailand and may change due to currency fluctuations. Therefore, the amount in Thai baht may differ from the euro amounts mentioned above. The visa fee receipt will only show the amount in euros.

    The service fee is 1,095 THB and was set in consultation with the Portuguese Embassy in Thailand, as it covers all the support offered by TLScontact, including receiving applications, collecting biometric data and providing status updates on the applications.

    Tips to increase your chances of getting a Portuguese Schengen visa

    To increase your chances of obtaining a Portuguese Schengen visa, your application must reflect your travel plans and your intention to return to Thailand. Consular officers will check your documents for accuracy, completeness, and suitability. Here are some tips to improve your application:

  • Carefully check all documents: Ensure that each document is accurate, complete, and matches the information in your application form. Errors such as spelling mistakes, missing pages, or differing travel dates may lead to delays or rejection.
  • Explain your reasons for returning to Thailand: Include documentation that demonstrates your strong ties to Thailand. This could include proof of employment, proof of property ownership (e.g., a house or car), proof of family obligations, or evidence of business interests. These documents will prove that you do not intend to overstay your visa.
  • Submit a detailed itinerary: Include a complete travel plan with the cities you intend to visit, your accommodations, and your anticipated travel dates. A well-prepared itinerary demonstrates that your trip is structured and timed.

    • To maximize your chances of approval, work with Portuguese immigration specialists who will guide you through the entire process and ensure that your documents directly support your case and meet the standards set by the consular officer.

    Professional support with your Schengen visa for Portugal from Thailand

    Are you planning a trip from Thailand to Portugal and want to avoid delays or errors that could disrupt your travel plans? Then contact Siam Legal International. We are a full-service law firm and visa consultancy in Thailand with over 20 years of experience assisting clients with visa applications for a wide range of destinations.

    Our bilingual team of Portuguese immigration specialists will guide you through the entire Schengen visa application process for Portugal, from start to finish. We take care of all the formalities and ensure your application is as quick and stress-free as possible. Our Portuguese Schengen visa services include:

  • A personal consultation with our Portuguese immigration specialist to verify your purpose of travel and to assist you in preparing the correct visa application.
  • Assistance with compiling and checking all required documents for accuracy and compliance with Portuguese immigration standards.
  • Schedule your appointment at the Portuguese TLScontact Visa Application Center in Thailand to submit your application and provide biometric data.
  • A clear breakdown of all visa-related fees, depending on your application type, so you know what to expect.
  • Unlimited telephone support from our Portuguese visa specialists throughout the entire application process.

    • To simplify your application for a Portuguese Schengen visa and ensure your plans to explore Portugal are implemented on time, don't hesitate to contact Siam Legal now and schedule a consultation!

    LIVE SUPPORT

    CALL

    CHAT

    Chat with our employee