Portugal Visa Checklist 2026
Your printable guide for a smooth Visa application process. Get organized and confident with our comprehensive checklist for your move to Portugal.
Visa application made easy
STEP 1: DETERMINE YOUR VISA TYPE
Timeline: 1-2 weeks for research and decision
| Visa Type | Who is it for? | Min Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| D7 | Retired,Pension,Inv | 870 euro passive income, a month |
| D2 | Business, free lancers | Viable business plan and capital |
| Digital Nomad | Remote workers | 3,480 euro a month |
| D3 | Portuguese employed | Job offer |
| Golden Visa | Investors | 250.000 - 500.000 |
| Student | Full time student | University acceptance |
| family reunification | Joining family | Sponsors income proof |
My visa type: _______________________
Printable checklist
STEP 2: PRE-APPLICATION TASKS
Timeline: 4-8 weeks before consulate application
Obtain NIF (Portuguese Tax Number)
☐ Research NIF options (remote vs in-person) ☐ Appoint fiscal representative if applying remotely ☐ Gather required documents (passport copy, proof of address) ☐ Submit NIF application ☐ Receive NIF number
Cost: €0 (in person) or €100-200 (with fiscal representative) Timeline: 1-4 weeks
My NIF: _______________________ Date obtained: _______________________
Arrange Portuguese Accommodation
☐ Research areas and property options ☐ Contact landlords or agents ☐ View properties (in person or virtual) ☐ Sign rental contract OR ☐ Sign property purchase agreement (CPCV) ☐ Obtain proof of accommodation document
Cost: Varies (typically 2-3 months rent as deposit if renting) Timeline: 2-6 weeks
My Portuguese address: _______________________
Arrange Health Insurance
☐ Research Portuguese health insurance providers ☐ Compare coverage and costs ☐ Ensure policy covers repatriation ☐ Ensure policy is valid for visa application ☐ Purchase policy ☐ Obtain insurance certificate/letter for visa application
Recommended Providers:
-
Allianz Care
-
Cigna Global
-
AXA International
-
BUPA Global
Cost: €40-150 per month per person Timeline: 1-2 weeks
My insurance provider: _______________________ Policy number: _______________________ Monthly cost: €_______________________
STEP 3: GATHER DOCUMENTS
Timeline: 4-8 weeks (some documents have validity periods)
Identity Documents
☐ Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay) ☐ Passport copies (main page) ☐ Passport-sized photographs (check consulate requirements for size/background)
Cost: Photos approximately €10-15 Notes: _______________________
Criminal Record Certificate
☐ Apply for criminal record certificate from home country ☐ Receive certificate ☐ Obtain apostille ☐ Obtain certified Portuguese translation
IMPORTANT: Must be issued within 3 months of application
Cost:
-
Certificate: €20-50 (varies by country)
-
Apostille: €10-50
-
Translation: €30-80
Total: €60-180
Date applied: _______________________ Date received: _______________________ Apostille date: _______________________ Translation completed: _______________________
Proof of Income (D7, Digital Nomad)
☐ Bank statements (last 12 months) ☐ Pension statements (if applicable) ☐ Investment income statements (if applicable) ☐ Rental income proof (if applicable) ☐ Employment contract (Digital Nomad) ☐ Client contracts (Digital Nomad/Freelance) ☐ Tax returns (last 1-2 years)
D7 Minimum: €870/month + 50% spouse + 30% per child Digital Nomad Minimum: €3,480/month
My monthly income: €_______________________ Spouse included: Yes / No Children included: _______ (number) Total income requirement: €_______________________
Business Documents (D2 Entrepreneur Only)
☐ Detailed business plan ☐ Market research ☐ Financial projections (3-5 years) ☐ Proof of investment capital ☐ Proof of qualifications/experience ☐ Portuguese company documents (if already formed)
Cost: Company formation €300-500 if required Notes: _______________________
Accommodation Proof
☐ Rental contract (signed) OR ☐ Property purchase promissory contract (CPCV) OR ☐ Property deed (if owned) OR ☐ Hotel booking (some consulates accept for initial application)
Document type: _______________________ Address confirmed: _______________________
Health Insurance Proof
☐ Insurance policy document ☐ Certificate confirming coverage in Portugal ☐ Confirmation of repatriation coverage
Expiry date: _______________________
NIF Proof
☐ NIF document or card ☐ Copy for application
NIF number: _______________________
Application Form
☐ Download correct visa application form ☐ Complete all sections ☐ Sign and date ☐ Make copy for records
Form downloaded from: _______________________ Date completed: _______________________
Understand visa timelines
Gain clarity on typical visa processing times to effectively plan your move. Knowing the timelines helps manage expectations and reduce stress. Make sure you have enough time to finalize the process, by using the information provided.
STEP 4: APOSTILLES AND TRANSLATIONS
Timeline: 2-4 weeks
Documents Requiring Apostille
☐ Criminal record certificate ☐ Birth certificate (if required) ☐ Marriage certificate (if applicable) ☐ Other: _______________________
Apostille Cost: €10-50 per document
Documents Requiring Certified Translation
☐ Criminal record certificate ☐ Bank statements (sometimes) ☐ Pension statements (sometimes) ☐ Birth certificate (if required) ☐ Marriage certificate (if applicable) ☐ Other: _______________________
Translation Cost: €30-80 per document
Translator used: _______________________ Total translation cost: €_______________________
STEP 5: CONSULATE APPLICATION
Timeline: 2 weeks to 3 months for processing
Before Your Appointment
☐ Find your nearest Portuguese consulate ☐ Check specific requirements (they vary by consulate) ☐ Book appointment (may need to book weeks in advance) ☐ Prepare all original documents ☐ Prepare all copies as required ☐ Prepare payment method for fees
My consulate: _______________________ Appointment date: _______________________ Appointment time: _______________________
Documents to Bring
☐ Completed application form ☐ Valid passport + copies ☐ Passport photographs ☐ Criminal record certificate (apostilled + translated) ☐ Proof of income documents ☐ Proof of accommodation ☐ Health insurance certificate ☐ NIF document ☐ Any additional documents specific to your visa type ☐ Payment for visa fee
Visa Application Fees
| Visa Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| D7 | 90.00 |
| D2 | 90.00 |
| Entrepreneur | 90.00 |
| Digital Nomad | 90.00 |
| Golden Visa | 250.000-500.000 |
| Student | 90.00 |
| Family reunification | 90.00 |
At Your Appointment
☐ Arrive early ☐ Bring all documents (originals and copies) ☐ Answer questions honestly ☐ Provide biometric data if required ☐ Pay visa fee ☐ Obtain receipt ☐ Ask about expected timeline ☐ Confirm how you will be notified
Appointment notes: _______________________
After Your Appointment
☐ Keep receipt safe ☐ Monitor email/phone for updates ☐ Respond promptly to any requests for additional documents ☐ Do not book non-refundable travel until visa approved
Application reference: _______________________ Expected decision date: _______________________
STEP 6: VISA APPROVAL
Timeline: 2 weeks to 3 months after application
When Approved
☐ Collect visa from consulate OR receive passport by post ☐ Check visa details are correct ☐ Note visa validity period (usually 4 months) ☐ Plan travel to Portugal within validity period
Visa approval date: _______________________ Visa valid until: _______________________ Must enter Portugal by: _______________________
STEP 7: TRAVEL TO PORTUGAL
Timeline: Within visa validity (usually 4 months)
Before Travel
☐ Book flights ☐ Arrange airport transfer or transport ☐ Confirm accommodation is ready ☐ Arrange travel insurance for journey ☐ Notify bank of travel plans ☐ Arrange currency/payment methods ☐ Pack all important documents
Documents to Carry (Hand Luggage)
☐ Passport with visa ☐ Printed accommodation confirmation ☐ Health insurance documents ☐ NIF document ☐ Proof of income/funds ☐ Consulate application receipt ☐ Return ticket or onward travel proof (if asked) ☐ Copies of all documents (separate from originals)
On Arrival
☐ Pass through immigration ☐ Keep entry stamp record ☐ Proceed to accommodation ☐ Activate Portuguese phone SIM ☐ Note arrival date for records
Arrival date in Portugal: _______________________ Entry stamp received: Yes / No
STEP 8: AIMA RESIDENCY APPOINTMENT
Timeline: 6-12+ months wait (2026 reality)
Booking Your Appointment
☐ Register on AIMA portal (www.aima.gov.pt) ☐ Book appointment (expect long wait) ☐ Note appointment date and location ☐ Set calendar reminders ☐ Save confirmation email/document
AIMA portal registration date: _______________________ Appointment booked date: _______________________ Appointment scheduled for: _______________________ Appointment location: _______________________
While Waiting for Appointment
☐ Your visa remains valid while waiting ☐ Keep proof of pending appointment ☐ Continue gathering any additional documents ☐ Set up Portuguese bank account ☐ Register with local health centre ☐ Begin settling into life in Portugal ☐ Start learning Portuguese
Waiting period notes: _______________________
Documents for AIMA Appointment
☐ Passport with valid visa ☐ Proof of accommodation (current) ☐ Proof of income (updated) ☐ Health insurance (current and valid) ☐ NIF document ☐ Two passport photographs ☐ Proof of payment for residency permit ☐ Appointment confirmation ☐ Any documents requested in appointment letter
AIMA Appointment Fees
Item
Residency permit fee
Possible additional fees
Total AIMA fees: €_______________________
Cost
€72
€20-50
At Your Appointment
☐ Arrive early (at least 30 minutes) ☐ Bring all documents ☐ Provide biometric data (fingerprints, photo) ☐ Pay residency permit fee ☐ Receive confirmation of application ☐ Ask when to expect residency card
Appointment notes: _______________________
After AIMA Appointment
☐ Wait for residency card (2-8 weeks typically) ☐ Collect card from designated location OR receive by post ☐ Check all details are correct on card ☐ Make copies of residency card ☐ Store original safely
Residency card received date: _______________________ Card valid until: _______________________
STEP 9: AFTER RECEIVING RESIDENCY
Immediate Tasks
☐ Register with local Câmara Municipal (town hall) ☐ Complete health centre registration ☐ Update bank with residency status ☐ Notify relevant authorities in home country ☐ Set reminder for residency renewal date
Period
First residency permit
First renewal
Permanent residency eligible
Citizenship eligible
Duration
2 years
3 years
After 5 years
After 5 years
My renewal date: _______________________ Permanent residency eligible: _______________________ Citizenship eligible: _______________________
COMPLETE COST SUMMARY
Pre-Application Costs
Item
NIF (with fiscal representative)
Health insurance (annual)
Accommodation deposit
Subtotal
Cost
€0-200
€480-1,800
Varies
€480-2,000+
Document Costs
Cost Passport photographs €10-15
Criminal record certificate €20-50
Apostilles €10-50 per document
Certified translations €30-80 per document
Subtotal €100-300
Application Fees
Cost Visa application fee €90
Residency permit fee €72
Subtotal €162
Optional Professional Help
Cost Immigration lawyer €500-2,000
Visa application assistance €200-500
Subtotal €0-2,500
Total Estimated Costs
Low Estimate High Estimate Pre-application €480-€2,000
Documents €100-€300
Application fees €162
Professional help (optional) €0-€2,500
TOTAL €742-€4,962
My estimated total: €_______________________
COMPLETE TIMELINE SUMMARY
Stage
Duration Research and decision 1 -2 weeks
Pre-application tasks (NIF, accommodation, insurance) 4 -8 weeks
Document gathering 4-8 weeksApostilles and translations 2 -4 weeks
Consulate appointment wait 1 -8 weeks
Consulate processing 2 -12 weeks
Travel to Portugal Within 4 months of visa
AIMA appointment wait 6 -12+ months
Residency card issued 2 -8 weeks after AIMA
Realistic Total Timeline
ScenarioTimeline Best case 6 - 8 months
Typical case 10 -14 months
Worst case 18 -24 months
My target completion date: _______________________
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
⚠️ Document Validity
- Criminal record: valid 3 months from issue
- Bank statements: recent as possible (within 3 months)
- Apply for time-sensitive documents last
⚠️ Consulate Variations
- Requirements vary by consulate
- Always check your specific consulate's requirements
- Book appointments early (popular consulates book weeks ahead)
⚠️ AIMA Delays
- Current wait times: 6-12+ months
- Your visa remains valid while waiting
- Keep proof of pending appointment
⚠️ Keep Copies
- Make copies of everything
- Store copies separately from originals
- Digital backups recommended
⚠️ Respond Promptly
- Check email regularly
- Respond to any requests immediately
- Delays can jeopardise applications
NOTES AND QUESTIONS
Use this space to record notes, questions for your consulate, or important information:
CONTACTS
My Portuguese Consulate:
Name: _______________________
Address: _______________________
Phone: _______________________
Email: _______________________
Website: _______________________
AIMA:
Website: www.aima.gov.pt
Portal: _______________________
Appointment location: _______________________
My Support Contacts:
Fiscal Representative: _______________________
Immigration Lawyer: _______________________
Insurance Provider: _______________________
Landlord/Agent: _______________________
Portugal Unpacked:
Website: www.portugalunpacked.com
Email: _______________________
For honest guidance on your move to Portugal
CHECKLIST COMPLETE ✓
When you have completed all steps and received your residency card:
☐ I have successfully obtained Portuguese residency
☐ I have stored my residency card safely
☐ I have set reminders for renewal dates
☐ I am legally resident in Portugal
Congratulations on your move to Portugal!
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