Visa Information

Overview

If you wish to visit Portugal for a short period of time, you must obtain a visa prior to entry if you come from a country with a visa requirement for entering Portugal.

Visa application can be submitted by:

• Applicant himself
• Children under the age of 12 are exempt from biometrics but are required to be present with parent or legal guardian on the day of submission.

If you are not sure whether you require a visa to visit a particular Schengen country, please call that concerned country's embassy/Consulate.

The issue of Schengen visas is discretionary and depends on examination of each individual case, including purpose of visit and intention to return.

Documents Required

Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here.

SHORT STAY VISAS (BUSINESS/TOURISM/VISITING FAMILY AND FRIENDS)

REQUIREMENTS FOR A VISA

Submission checklist: Please click Here

• PLEASE ENSURE YOU MAKE COPIES OF ALL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION.
• Valid passport for at least 3 months after leaving Schengen states with at least 3 empty pages
• Nationals with Dual Nationality (EU passports and SA passports) are not allowed to apply for visas.
• Schengen Visa form completed in full, new form available online www.cgj.org.za
• Travel insurance (if ticket not paid with credit card), if paid with credit Card copy of first pages of policy showing cover.
• Travel allowance - Photocopy of receipt of purchase of traveller’s cheques or latest credit card statement (Up to date Three months Bank Statements stamped from the bank)
• Flight Reservations indicating booking reference number + photocopy. Please note: For non-South African citizens we will accept a reservation to process the visa.
• Proof of employment (3 month pay slip, employment letter) – if self-employed a letter from bookkeeper stating nature of business.
• Proof of accommodation – Hotel booking or Term of responsibility (Form available at Consulate or on our web page on www.cgj.org.za), authenticated at the Notary Offices in Portugal or if the invitation is done by a person in South Africa, signature authenticated by a local commissioner of oaths. Applicant requires to keep the Original of the Term of Responsibility as this is required for Travel.
• Payment – € 80 – this amount is paid in rand according to exchange rate.
• Children (up to 18 years old) travelling alone or with a family member need authorization by both parents authenticated by a Commissioner of Oaths or Police, giving permission for the child to travel. At the same time letter/Term of responsibility from family members in Portugal.
• All children travelling need proof of Full Birth Certificate or the official documents/court decisions establishing the minor’s parents/legal guardians. Only in case of delay by SA authorities to issue unabridged birth certificate: proof of having lodged the relevant request to the competent authorities (home affairs) showing the parents names and stamped by Home Affairs
• Spouses of EU/EEA citizens (EEA: Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein) and their children, under the age 18 must present original of spouses’ EU/EEA passport, Full Marriage/Full Birth certificates as proof of relationship. There is no need for insurance or travel allowance, and visa will be free of charge. THIS ONLY APPLIES IF EU/EEA CITIZEN IS ALSO TRAVELLING.
• Spouses of EU/EEA citizens (EEA: Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein) and their children, under the age 18 must present original of spouses’ EU/EEA passport, Full Marriage/Full Birth certificates as proof of relationship. There is no need for insurance or travel allowance, and visa will be free of charge when above documents duly submitted and are not subjected to travel with the spouse that holds the EU passport

APPLICANT CAN BE REQUESTED TO COME FOR AN INTERVIEW AT ANY TIME.

Spouses and children under 21 of EU nationals

Application form
Application form. EU decent need to provide residence details for travel to Portugal and same details must be completed on the application form.
1 recent colour photo
Airline ticket
Marriage certificate for spouse and unabridged birth certificate for children
Copy of a valid EU passport of the spouse or parent
All children under 12 do not do biometrics

If Applying in Cape Town, all Spouses and children under 21 of EU nationals will also need to bring travel insurance as mentioned below:

Travel/health/accident insurance stating that the applicant is covered by a Schengen Travel Medical Insurance, i.e. minimum medical coverage of the Rand equivalent of Euro 30.000 for all medical expenses, including repatriation dead or alive, occurring in any Schengen country.

In addition to the above below documents are also required.

List of supporting documents to be submitted by applicants for short stay visas in South Africa

1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS for applicants:
1. Duly completed, dated and signed “Application Form”, (available free of charges from consular websites, or consular offices.).
2. Passport, which must be valid for a period of at least 3 months after the applicant’s last day of stay in the Schengen states and not older than 10 years. The passport must have 3 blank pages to affix visa. Holders of the temporary SA passports must enquire whether or not the countries of transit and destination recognize this type of travel document.
3. One recent passport sized photograph in color.
4. If traveling via the Schengen area to a third country, the visa of the final country of destination must be obtained before applying for a Schengen visa.
5. Proof of payment of the visa fee, unless waived according to the provisions of the Visa Code.
6. Travel/health/accident insurance stating that the applicant is covered by a Schengen
   Travel Medical Insurance, i.e. minimum medical coverage of the Rand equivalent of Euro
   30.000 for all medical expenses, including repatriation dead or alive, occurring in any Schengen country.
2. Supporting documents for ALL APPLICANTS:
1. Round trip reservation or itinerary with dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from the Schengen area.
2. An invitation from the host or a company in a Schengen state. For participation in conferences: a proof of registration and payment. For official visits, a note verbale from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation is required.
3. Proof of accommodation for the whole duration of the intended stay. Confirmed hotel reservation is requested (hotel vouchers are not necessarily proof of confirmed hotel booking). If applicant is staying with a relative or friend, the relevant authorities may request invitation letter from the host with copy of his passport or ID. This invitation maybe requested in a specific format (Term of Responsibility), and authentication by the relevant authorities may be required. In case of a pre-paid tour, details of the tour with a proof of payment to the tour operator must be provided.
4. Proof of sufficient means of subsistence during the intended stay (Up to date three months Bank statements stamped from the bank).
5. Proof of employment: a letter from company stating monthly wages, continuing employment after period of leave and duration of vacation etc. In the case of self-employment a certification from SA Companies and Intellectual Property Commission or SA Revenue Service is required.
3. Documents to be provided for CHILDREN under 18 years of age:
1. Full (unabridged) birth certificate.
2. If the child is traveling alone: certified parental consent by both parents.
3. Certified copies of ID/passport of both parents.
4. If the child travels with only one parent, the other parent must produce the certified consent. If only one parent has guardianship of the minor, the relevant court documents must be presented.
5. Child under 6 years the Visa is Free of charge
6. Child between ages 6 – 12 Visa fee is half
4. Documents to be provided by STUDENTS:
1. Letter from school/college/university confirming attendance.
5. Documents to be provided by NON-SOUTH AFRICAN nationals:
1. Evidence of a legal stay or a residence permit in South Africa valid for a period of at least 3 months after the applicant’s last day of stay in the Schengen states.

Photo Specifications

Note: The photographs submitted must meet with these specifications.

Please provide One recent photographs (not more than 3 months old) of yourself. The photographs should be in colour and:

• Taken against a light background (white or off-white) so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background.
• Clear share quality and with the face in focus.
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print).
• Full face, non-smiling [without sunglasses, a hat/cap or other head covering, unless the applicant wears such items because of their religious belief or ethnic background].
• Please stick (not stapled) one Photograph on the Visa Application Form and the second photograph to be handed over separately along with the documentation during submission at the visa application center.

Note : Please follow these instructions carefully. If photographs presented do not meet these requirements your application will be considered incomplete. Kindly download the Photo Specification file for more information.

Processing Time

The minimum recommended processing time for C-type visa applications is 15 calendar days. Please note that the Portuguese Consulate in Cape Town, processes applications in line with your travel date.

Applicants who apply far in advance, your application will likely exceed the minimum 15 working days of processing time. It is hence recommended that you do not apply too far in advance for your C-type visa.

According to the common Visa Code signed by the Schengen member states, the processing time for an admissible visa application must not exceed 15 Working days. This period may be extended up to a maximum of 60 calendar days in cases where additional documentation or scrutiny is needed. A visa can have one, two or multiple entries depending if you need to travel outside the Schengen area and back again during your visit. If you apply for two or several entries, this must be justified.

To get an update on the status of your application:

You can also track your visa application status online https://www.vfsvisaonline.com/Global-Passporttracking/Track/Index?q=shSA0YnE4pLF9Xzwon/x/NNL8oYEDVviiH9LFkvyoJmx/fXKYWsKwvlIATddMeXNAQnjAJvCjk2kNX3vMPqBMskWlC7q/NUzKvrjObnvuLE=. Please keep your date of birth and receipt number information handy while tracking your application status.

Or Email us at: info.porza@vfshelpline.com

Or Contact our Helpline at: +27 (1) 24 253 003

Also one may request for an SMS update service which is an automated confirmation feedback message sent to the applicant's mobile phone, at various stages of the visa application process.

Experience the benefits of this service, which can be purchased for ZAR 41 (VAT inclusive), during the time of submission of the visa application.

Download Forms

Visa application form has to be completed for all the applicants including minors electronically on your computer or in writing. The VAF has to be filled out in English language Only. The form needs to be signed personally by the applicant in the field 37 and on the last page.

For minors, the application must be signed by one of the parents or a legal guardian.

New Visa application form can be downloaded and printed from the link below.

Visa Application Form

Or for Portugal form please click here

Checklist

Please click here

Term of Responsibility Form

To Download a Form:

1. Click on the form link
2. When the form opens, save the form on your computer.

OR

1. Press the right button on your mouse on the required link.
   
2. Select Save Target As from the list

3. Save the form on your computer.
   

Overview

Long-stay visas, in compliance with existing domestic law, can be either temporary or for residency authorization purposes, depending on the duration of the stay and granting the visa holder an authorization to stay in the country according to different purposes: study, internship, work, medical treatment, among others.

Temporary stay visas allow entry and stay in Portugal for less than a year. Temporary stay visas are valid during the entire stay and allow for multiple entries.

Documents Required

General documentation

• Official form;
• Passport or other travel document, valid for an additional 3 months following the duration of the intended stay;
• Two identical passport photographs, up-to-date and in good condition, allowing proper identification;
• Transport document (return ticket);
• Document certifying the third-country national is in a regular situation when the applicant is from a different nationality than that of the country where the visa is being requested;
• Valid travel insurance covering necessary medical expenses, including emergency assistance and repatriation;
• Form authorizing access to Portuguese criminal record by the Immigration and Border Services (SEF);
• Criminal record certificate (not older than 3 months) from country of origin or country of residency for over one year (minors under 16 years of age are exempt from producing any criminal record related document);
• Proof of means of subsistence, as stipulated by law;
• Proof of subsistence means can be made through a statement of responsibility, signed by a Portuguese national or by a foreign national legally resident in Portugal.

Specific documentation related to purpose of stay

Temporary stay visa for medical treatment purposes

• Medical report;
• Document issued by the public health establishment or officially recognized health establishment certifying inpatient or outpatient care;
• In case of patients traveling under Cooperation Agreements, a document issued by a medical committee and medical appointment must be produced. In such cases, proof of means of subsistence and proof of housing may be replaced by a statement issued by the relevant Embassy in Lisbon to ensure the referred conditions.

Temporary stay visa to accompany a family member undergoing medical treatment

• Proof of kinship;
• Medical report;
• Document issued by the public health establishment or officially recognized health establishment certifying inpatient or outpatient care;
• In case of patients traveling under Cooperation Agreements, a document issued by a medical committee and medical appointment must be produced. In such cases, proof of means of subsistence and proof of housing may be replaced by a statement issued by the relevant Embassy in Lisbon to ensure the referred conditions.

Temporary stay visa in the framework of transfer of nationals to state parties to the World Trade Organization (WTO), for service providing or professional training purposes

Document certifying that the transfer:

• is occurring within the same company or corporate group, and that the host institution is providing similar services to those provided by the institution from which the third-country national is being transferred;

• or is referring to partners or workers, that have been in that institution for at least one year, based in another state party to the WTO falling under one of the following categories:

  • partners or workers in a managerial position working as senior staff and perform executive administration tasks, under the guidance of the board of administration;
  • partners or workers with the necessary technical skills to the delivery of the referred activity, research equipment, as well as technical and managerial skills;
  • Partners or workers due to get professional training in Portugal.

Temporary stay visa for independent work purposes

• Work contract or service agreement in the framework of an independent and temporary work activity.
• When applicable, statement issued by the competent institution verifying compliance with necessary professional requisites, when the referred profession is subject to special qualification in Portugal.

Temporary stay visa for scientific research purposes, academic teaching purposes, or highly qualified activity purposes, for less than a year

Document certifying:

• Admission to collaborate with the research center, dully recognized by the Ministry of Education and Science, namely through a work contract or confirmation of employment offer, service agreement or service agreement offer, or scientific research scholarship; or,
• Work contract or confirmation of employment offer, service agreement or service agreement offer, for academic teaching purposes or for highly qualified activity purposes in Portugal.
• To determine means of subsistence, means obtained through a work contract or work contract promise should be taken into consideration. Proof of means of subsistence can be produced through a statement of responsibility issued by the workers hosting entity.

In case of doubt regarding the referred professional activity, an official opinion is necessary from the Ministry of Education and Science.

Temporary stay visa for amateur sports purposes

• Work contract for less than one year;
• Document issued by sports federation certifying the practice of the referred sport;
• Statement of responsibility signed by the sports association or sports club responsible for housing and payment of necessary health care and repatriation costs.
• To determine means of subsistence, means obtained through a work contract or work contract promise should be taken into consideration. Proof of means of subsistence can be produced through a statement of responsibility issued by the workers hosting entity.

Temporary stay visa for periods of over 3 months, in exceptional and well-founded circumstances, namely for programs of study in a certified institution, student exchange, unpaid professional internship, volunteer work or pursuant to WTO obligations or those arising from conventions and international agreements to which Portugal is a state party

• Proof of exceptional circumstances; or,
• For study purposes for less than a year in a certified institution, or in the framework of a student exchange program, for a similar duration, the following documentation is necessary:
• Document issued by the institution and document certifying enrollment;
• Statement signed by the host family; or,
• Proof of housing.
• To determine means of subsistence, means obtained through grants or scholarships should be taken into consideration. Proof of means of subsistence can be produced through a statement of responsibility issued by the workers hosting entity.

• For professional internship purposes, the following documents are necessary, document issued by the company or professional training facility, officially recognized, certifying acceptance to the program, and when necessary, training contract and calendar. Proof of means of subsistence can be produced through a statement of responsibility issued by the organization hosting interns.

• For volunteer work purposes, there is a minimum age requirement as set by the relevant ordinance issued by the Government entity responsible for home affairs. Additionally, the following documents are necessary: document issued by an officially recognized institution in charge of the volunteer program, in Portugal, certifying admission to the program. Proof of means of subsistence can be produced through a statement of responsibility issued by the organization hosting volunteers.
• In the framework of international commitments related to free movement of services, the following documents are necessary
• Service agreement contract between the third-country national and the final consumer; 
• Certificate of technical qualification for the delivery of the referred service. 

Temporary stay visa for seasonal work purposes for a period of over 90 days

• PTransport document (return ticket) may be waived;
• Work contract or valid work offer for seasonal work purposes, with a temporary work company or an employer established in Portuguese territory, identifying the location, time, type of work, as well as duration, salary and paid vacation.
• In case of regulated professions, compliance with national legal requirements for that profession is mandatory;
• Adequate medical protection, in similar terms to national citizens, or medical insurance for the periods that may not be covered by medical protection; as well as work accidents insurance provided for my the employer;

The work activity must be registered in the list of work sectors for which seasonal work is available, defined by the Government:

• Agriculture, livestock, hunting, forestry and fishing (Division 1, 2 and 3 of the CAE Rev.3);
• Hospitality, restaurants and similar (Division 55 and 65 of the CAE Rev.3);
• Food industry, licor and tobacco industries (Division 10, 11 and 12 of the CAE Rev.3);
• Gross and Retail commerce (Division 46 and 47 of the CAE Rev.3);
• Construction; (Division 41, 42 and 43 da CAE Rev.3);
• Land transport (Division 49 of the CAE Rev.3).

Simplified procedure

A third-country national that has had a prior admission into national territory for the purpose of seasonal work, at least once, in the last five years, having respected the requirements set by law regarding entry and stay in Portugal, will benefit from a simplified procedure for the delivery of a temporary stay visa for seasonal work purposes. Namely, the referred third-country national is exempt from producing documents referred in subparagraph c) and e) of paragraph 1 of article 51. A (housing, regulated profession certificate and return ticket). The visa application should be granted priority status for treatment purposes, and the deadline for issuing a decision cannot exceed 15 days.

Temporary stay visa for academic or professional training purposes

• Document issued by the higher education or training institution certifying admission to a course for the duration of less than one year.

Documents to be presented are the general documents necessary for a visa application, without prejudice of the consular post requesting additional documents.

Photo Specifications

Note: The photographs submitted must meet with these specifications.

Please provide One recent photographs (not more than 3 months old) of yourself. The photographs should be in colour and:

• Taken against a light background (white or off-white) so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background.
• Clear share quality and with the face in focus.
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print).
• Full face, non-smiling [without sunglasses, a hat/cap or other head covering, unless the applicant wears such items because of their religious belief or ethnic background].
• Please stick (not stapled) one Photograph on the Visa Application Form and the second photograph to be handed over separately along with the documentation during submission at the visa application center.

Note : Please follow these instructions carefully. If photographs presented do not meet these requirements your application will be considered incomplete. Kindly download the Photo Specification file for more information.

Processing Time

The processing time for Long Stay visa is a minimum processing time of 8 weeks and can take up to 1 year. This period may be extended in cases where additional documentation or scrutiny is needed.

Please be informed that SEF in Portugal requires Residence visa applicants to only be accepted 60 days prior to their travel dates.

To get an update on the status of your application:

You may visit our website http://www.vfsglobal.com/portugal/southafrica/index.html and click on the link “Track your Application”. Please keep your date of birth and receipt number information handy while tracking your application status.

Or Email us at: info.porza@vfshelpline.com

Or Contact our Helpline at: +27 (1) 24 253 003

Also one may request for an SMS update service which is an automated confirmation feedback message sent to the applicant's mobile phone, at various stages of the visa application process.

Experience the benefits of this service, which can be purchased for ZAR 20 (VAT inclusive), during the time of submission of the visa application.

Download Forms

	Application Form
	E1 Checklist
	DR Checklist
	DP Checklist
	DF Checklist
	D7 Checklist
	D6 Checklist
	D4 Checklist
	D3 Checklist
	D2 Checklist
	D1 Checklist

Overview

Long-stay visas, in compliance with existing domestic law, can be either temporary or for residency authorization purposes, depending on the duration of the stay and granting the visa holder an authorization to stay in the country according to different purposes: study, internship, work, medical treatment, among others.

Residency visas allow two entries and is valid for a period of 4 months. During that time, the holder of a residency visa is required to request a residency permit with the Immigration and Border Services (SEF).

Documents Required

General documentation

• Official form; 
• Passport or additional travel document valid for 3 months after the duration of the stay;
• Two passport photos, up-to-date and with enough quality to identify the applicant; 
• Valid travel insurance, allowing medical coverage, including medical emergencies and repatriation; 
• Proof of being in a regular situation when from a different nationality than that of the country where the visa is being applied for; 
• Request for criminal record enquiry by the Immigration and Border Services (SEF); 
• Criminal record certificate (not older than 3 months) from the country of origin or the country where the applicant is residing for over a year. (children under the age of 16 are exempt from producing a criminal record);
• Proof of means of subsistence as stipulated by law;
• Proof of subsistence means can be made through a statement of responsibility, signed by a Portuguese national or by a foreign national legally resident in Portugal.

Specific documentation related to the purpose of stay

Subordinate work activity

• Work contract, work promise or demonstration of interest; 
• Declaration issued by the Employment and Training Institute (IEFP); 
• Professional certificate, when such profession is regulated in Portugal.
• To determine means of subsistence, means obtained through a work contract or work contract promise should be taken into consideration.
• Proof of means of subsistence can be produced through a statement of responsibility issued by the workers hosting entity.

Independent work activity or migrant entrepreneur

Independent Professional Activity:

• Contract or written service provider proposal for liberal professions; and, if applicable, declaration by competent authorities certifying professional competence for the referred activity;

Migrants Entrepreneurs: 

• Investment operations executed; 
• Proof of financial means available in Portugal, including those obtain through a financial institution is Portugal, and proof, by any means, of intention to invest in Portuguese territory; or,

• Declaration issued by the Agency for Competition and Innovation (IAPMEI), certifying the signing of an incubation contract with a certified incubator, in accordance with Article 6o of Normative Order n.º 4/2018 of the Minister of Economy, of 2 February that regulates the «Startup Visa» Program.

Teaching purposes, highly qualified or cultural activity, or highly qualified subordinate activity

Professorial activity, highly qualified activity and cultural activity (art. 61.º):

• Work contract, work promise or service provider contract; or,
• Invitation letter issued by a higher education institution or professional training institution; or,
• Statement of responsibility provided by a certified company as stipulated by law; or,
• Inivitation letter issued by a company or institute developing a relevant cultural activity, in the Portuguese territory, reconized by the government agent responsible for cultural activities, or as stipulated by law; or,
• Invitation letter issued by a research center;
• To determine means of subsistence, means obtained through a work contract or work contract promise should be taken into consideration. Proof of means of subsistence can be made through a statement of responsibility signed by the workers hosting entity.

Subordinate highly qualified activity (art. 61.º-A):

• Valid work contract or work promise, for a minimum period of one year and for a salary of 1,5 times de annual gross salary, or three times de indexed value for social welfare support (IAS);
• Professional certificate, when required, for regulated highly qualified professions, as stipulated by Law n.º 9/2009, 4 March, or specific legislation referring to the recognition of professional qualifications necessary for the profession mentioned on the work contract or work promise;
• Professional certificate, in case of un-regulated professions, adequate for the referred field of work or sector stipulated in the work contract or the work promise. For work related activities in the 1st and 2nd international category types (CITP) groups, as stipulated by the Council of Ministers, and following the opinion of the Permanent Commission for Social Harmonization (CPCS). For professional activities considered particularly in need for professionals from third countries, de minimum salary should (Article 1, a) ) correspond to 1,2 times de annual gross salary, or two times de indexed value for social welfare support (IAS);
• To determine means of subsistence, means obtained through a work contract or work contract promise should be taken into consideration. Proof of means of subsistence can be made through a statement of responsibility signed by the workers hosting entity.

For further information on types of activities and for the purpose of verification of professional experience of third-country nationals, line ministries responsible for employment, education and science should provide their formal opinion prior to the decision to issue the visa.

Research, study, higher education student’s exchange, internships and volunteer work

Research purposes:

Work contract or agreement with the research center or university, letter of acceptance by the research center or university scholarship or research stipend or statement of responsibility signed by the research center or university to cover admission and living costs.

Researchers that have been admitted to officially recognized research centers or universities are exempt from producing any health insurance or similar, work contract or agreement, travel insurance or means of subsistence.

To determine means of subsistence, means obtained through grants or scholarships should be taken into consideration. Proof of means of substience will not be necessary when the applicant benefits from a scholarship or research grant. Researchers admitted to officially recognized research or higher education centers (Article 91o-B Law 23/2007) are exempt from providing proof of means of subsistence.

Higher education purposes: 

Fulfils admission criteria or has been accepted to university for a study program and has sufficient resources to attend such program. Students that have been admitted to officially recognized university are exempt from producing any health insurance or similar, proof of compliance with admission criteria or acceptance to the university, travel insurance or means of subsistence.

Document issued by the higher education institution certifying admission or eligibility for admission. This document is waived when benefiting from a scholarship.

To determine means of subsistence, means obtained through grants or scholarships should be taken into consideration. Students benefiting from a scholarship are exempt to provide proof of means of subsistence, as well as nationals from Portuguese-speaking countries.

Secondary Education purposes:

Proof of acceptance in high-school; respect the maximum age limit set by law; proof of host family or of adequate housing, for the duration of the stay. These documents will not be necessary when benefiting from a scholarship from the Instituto Camões.

To determine means of subsistence, means obtained through grants or scholarships should be taken into consideration. In case of student exchange, proof of means of subsistence can be made through a statement of responsibility issued by the organization in charge of student exchange programs.

For internship purposes:

Proof of internship acceptance by certified host institution, proof of practical and theoretical training in the field of studies obtained or ongoing, including:

• Description of training program, including objectives and learning components;
• Duration and schedule for training; 
• Location and supervising conditions;
• Legal status of the intern within the host institution;
• Statement that internship does not constitute a replacement for a professional post and acknowledgment of responsibility of payment by the host institution of living costs and removal in case of illegal stay.

To determine means of subsistence, means obtained through grants or scholarships should be taken into consideration. Proof of means of subsistence can be made through a statement of responsibility issued by the entity hosting interns.

For volunteer work purposes:

Proof of contract with host institution responsible for volunteer program, including description of content and duration of program, schedule, supervising conditions, and living costs guarantee (housing and food), including a minimum living stipend or per diem; subscription of a civil liability insurance except for volunteers participating in the European Volunteer Service.

In case of student exchange, proof of means of subsistence can be made through a statement of responsibility issued by the organization in charge of volunteer work programs.

Family reunification

• Notification of family reunification authorization by the Immigration and Border Services (SEF);
• Proof of family relationship: birth certificate or marriage certificate;
• Minors or unfit persons require a travel authorization by the parents or legal guardian.

Fixed residency for retirement purposes, religious purposes or people living out from individual revenues 

For religious purposes: 

Certificate from the church or congregation they belong to, as long as such church or congregation is recognized by the Portuguese legal system.

For retirement purposes:

Document certifying retirement amount.

For people living out from personal revenue:

Document certifying revenue from movable and immovable property; intellectual or financial assets.

The referred documents are the mandatory initial documents to be submitted. The consular post may request additional documents, at their discretion.

Photo Specifications

Note: The photographs submitted must meet with these specifications.

Please provide One recent photographs (not more than 3 months old) of yourself. The photographs should be in colour and:

• Taken against a light background (white or off-white) so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background.
• Clear share quality and with the face in focus.
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print).
• Full face, non-smiling [without sunglasses, a hat/cap or other head covering, unless the applicant wears such items because of their religious belief or ethnic background].
• Please stick (not stapled) one Photograph on the Visa Application Form and the second photograph to be handed over separately along with the documentation during submission at the visa application center.

Note : Please follow these instructions carefully. If photographs presented do not meet these requirements your application will be considered incomplete. Kindly download the Photo Specification file for more information.

Processing Time

The processing time for Long Stay visa is a minimum processing time of 8 weeks and can take up to 1 year. This period may be extended in cases where additional documentation or scrutiny is needed.

To get an update on the status of your application:

You may visit our website http://www.vfsglobal.com/portugal/southafrica/index.html and click on the link “Track your Application”. Please keep your date of birth and receipt number information handy while tracking your application status.

Or Email us at: [email protected]

Or Contact our Helpline at: +27 (1) 24 253 003

Also one may request for an SMS update service which is an automated confirmation feedback message sent to the applicant's mobile phone, at various stages of the visa application process.

Experience the benefits of this service, which can be purchased for ZAR 41 (VAT inclusive), during the time of submission of the visa application.

Download Forms

	Application Form
	ER Checklist
	EF Checklist
	E9 Checklist
	E8 Checklist
	E7 Checklist
	E6 Checklist
	E5 Checklist
	E4 Checklist
	E3 Checklist
	E2 Checklist
	E1 Checklist
	D7 Document Checklist