Portugal Visa from Qatar: Step-by-Step Guide

Portugal is a perfect destination not just for tourists looking to enjoy fresh seafood, medieval castles, and modern art — it has a moderate cost of living, great for seasonal workers, students, digital nomads, and business entrepreneurs alike. Depending on your citizenship, you’ll probably need a visa to visit Portugal from Qatar. In this guide, you’ll learn all about the visa types, required documents, visa fees, and the application process.

Qatari citizens need a visa to visit Portugal. 

Citizens of the Schengen area and around sixty other countries and territories, including the USA, Canada, the UK, Japan, New Zealand, and Australia (full list), don’t need visas for non-work-related visits of up to three months. 

Citizens of other countries, such as Pakistan, India, the Philippines, Nepal, Egypt, and South Africa, need a Portuguese visa regardless of the length of their stay.

Here’s a provisional checklist you can use to prepare for the Portuguese visa application:

You might also need some other specific documents depending on the type of visa you’re applying for, such as supporting proof of your personal or professional status. More info on that below.

Here are the most common types of visas to Portugal. 

Tourist visa

A short-stay visa that’s valid for 90 days. 

Fees:

• QAR 371 for adults

• QAR 186 for children aged 6–12

• QAR 145 for citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Albania, Moldova, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Georgia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine, and Belarus

• Free for children under 6, family EU spouses, partners, and dependent parents

Processing time: 15 to 30 days (up to 60 in busy periods)

Work visa

To work in Portugal, non-EU citizens need to obtain a work visa. It requires proof of an existing or promised work contract and recognized qualifications for the job you’ll be performing. For stays of up to six months, you can apply for a temporary work visa. For anything above this, you’ll have to request a residence work visa. 

Fees: QAR 454  

Processing time: Up to 90 days

Job seeker visa

A job seeker visa allows non-EU citizens to enter Portugal for up to 120 days (four months) to search for employment. This visa can be extended for an additional 60 days, allowing for a total stay of up to six months. It enables you to explore job opportunities without needing a job offer beforehand. Before applying, you have to express interest in enrolling in the Institute of Employment and Vocational Training (Portuguese Public Employment Service) by submitting this form. 

Fees: QAR 454 

Processing time: Up to 120 days

Family reunification visa

Family members, partners, children, and dependents can join a legally residing foreign citizen in Portugal with a family reunification visa. To obtain it, aside from regular documents, you have to provide proof of relationship, a sponsor’s residence permit, and their proof of income.

Fees: QAR 454 

Processing time: Up to 90 days

Study visa

For a study visa, you’ll need to deliver enrollment letters from an educational institution, proof of financial resources for both living and studying in Portugal, and a clean criminal record. 

Fees: QAR 454 

Processing time: Up to 90 days

Startup visa

The startup visa is a residence permit for entrepreneurs that aims to attract investment, talent, and innovation to Portugal. If you fit the description, prepare a business plan, proof of funds, Portuguese legal or commercial registration, and a bank account.

Fees: QAR 454 

Processing time: Up to 90 days

Golden visa

Portugal grants residency for those who are ready to make a considerable investment (starting from QAR 2,145,150/500,000 EUR) in the local economy and support sectors such as technology, industry, or other areas. Investment proof and a clean criminal record will be required for the process.

Fees: Around 2,593 QAR for processing + 25,900 QAR for first application

Processing time: 12–24 months 

Passive income visa

This type of visa allows non-EU citizens to live in Portugal if they have passive income, whether it’s a pension, rental earnings, or investments. You’ll need proof of income (around QAR 3,500 monthly), a 12-month lease agreement, a Portuguese taxpayer identification number (NIF), and a clean criminal record.

Fees: QAR 454 

Processing time: Up to 90 days

Digital nomad visa

The Portugal digital nomad visa is a valuable option for remote workers from non-EU/EEA countries. It allows them to stay in Portugal for at least one year while working for employers outside the country. 

Fees: QAR 454 

Processing time: Up to 90 days

Volunteer visa

This visa is suitable for stays up to 365 days for unpaid work. Be ready to provide a contract with a volunteer organization, a subscription to civil liability insurance by the host entity, a description of volunteer duties, and proof that you have a place to stay in Portugal.

Fees: QAR 454

Processing time: Up to 90 days

Internship visa

Portugal offers various internship visa options: for those who take short unpaid internships (up to 90 days), those who stay longer than 90 days but no more than 12 months, and those who participate in longer study or research programs. 

An internship agreement, a training contract relevant to the applicant’s higher education degree, proof of accommodation, and details of funding sources will be required for the application.

Fees: QAR 454 

Processing time: Up to 90 days

1. Choose a type of visa on the VFS Global site.

2. Download and fill out the application form (depending on your visa type.
3. Prepare all the necessary documents.
4. Book an appointment in the VFS Global Center in Doha, based on level 1 of the Al Nuami building, Oqba Ibn Nafie Street, Airport Road, 45. It's open from Sunday to Thursday from 9 AM to 4 PM.
5. Pay the fees.
6. Go to your appointment and provide the necessary documents. 
7. Wait for the visa to be approved. You can track your application online. 
8. Collect your documents at the VFS Global Center, from Sunday to Thursday, 4 PM to 5 PM.