NigeriaPortugal
Nigerian passport · policy checked 5 Jul 2026
Visa required
Apply before you travel.
90
days
on a tourist visa
90
EUR · visa fee
about $104
≤30
days
processing time
VFS
visa application centre
How Nigerian citizens apply for a Portugal visa
- Lodge your application at a VFS Global visa application centre, with the completed form and required documents. Apply here ↗
Portugal visa cost for Nigerian citizens
EUR 90
Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) - adult
Lodged through VFS Global, whose service fee applies on top and varies by centre.
Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) - adult
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period
EUR 90
Portugal visa types for Nigerian citizens
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) - Tourism/Family/BusinessTourist
90 daysmultiple entry
Allows entry for tourism, family visits, business meetings, and other short-stay purposes in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
The visa application centre publishes no document checklist for this type.
Standard Schengen short-stay visa fee is EUR 90 for adults; EUR 45 for children aged 6-12; free for children under 6. Reduced fee of EUR 35 applies to nationals of Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belarus, Georgia, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, and Ukraine under EU visa facilitation agreements. Reduced fee of EUR 67.75 applies to Cape Verde nationals. Visa does not guarantee entry - border control may still refuse. ETIAS authorisation expected to replace the visa-free regime for exempt nationals from Q4 2026.
Official page ↗Airport Transit Visa (ATV) - SchengenTransit
single entry
Permits transit through the international zone of Portuguese airports without entering the Schengen Area, applicable to nationals of countries subject to ATV requirements.
The visa application centre publishes no document checklist for this type.
Required for nationals of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Somalia at all Schengen airports. Additionally required at Portuguese airports specifically for nationals of Guinea, Senegal, and Uzbekistan. Exemptions apply to holders of valid Schengen visas/permits, US/Canada/Japan visas or residence permits, and diplomatic passport holders.
Official page ↗National Visa - Medical Treatment (Temporary Stay)Medical
365 daysmultiple entryup to 30d processingvalid 365d
Allows third-country nationals to enter Portugal for medical treatment and permits accompanying family members of patients undergoing treatment.
The visa application centre publishes no document checklist for this type.
Covers both the patient and accompanying family members. Fee waived for patients and companions under health cooperation agreements. Temporary Stay Visa valid up to 1 year with multiple entries. Processing deadline 30 days.
Official page ↗National Residency Visa - Family ReunificationFamily
120 daysmultiple entryup to 60d processingvalid 120d
Allows family members of residents legally residing in Portugal to join them and apply for a residence permit through AIMA.
The visa application centre publishes no document checklist for this type.
Fee waived for family reunification descendants of residency permit holders and family members exempt under EU legislation. Residency visa valid 4 months with 2 entries; holder must apply to AIMA for a residence permit within Portugal. Processing deadline 60 days.
Official page ↗National Visa - Professional Training / Internship / Volunteer Work (Temporary Stay)Student
365 daysmultiple entryup to 30d processingvalid 365d
Allows third-country nationals to enter Portugal for professional training programs, formal internships, or volunteer work for more than 3 months.
Covers structured training programs, accredited internships, and recognised volunteer schemes. Also available as a Residency Visa (4 months, 2 entries).
Official page ↗National Visa - Study (Temporary Stay)Student
365 daysmultiple entryup to 30d processingvalid 365d
Permits third-country nationals to enter Portugal for secondary education, bachelor's, master's, PhD, or post-doctoral study programs for more than 3 months.
Fee waived for holders of Portuguese government study scholarships. Covers all levels of formal education. Also available as a Residency Visa (4 months, 2 entries) for students intending to apply for a student residence permit through AIMA.
Official page ↗EU Blue Card (Cartão Azul UE) - Highly Qualified Employment Residence PermitWork
up to 60d processingvalid 730d
Residence permit allowing highly qualified third-country nationals with a qualifying job offer and salary to live and work in Portugal, with intra-EU mobility rights.
Granted under Articles 121-A et seq. of the Foreigners Law (Law 23/2007), transposing EU Directive 2021/1883, and administered by AIMA. Requires a work contract of at least one year offering a gross annual salary of at least 1.5x the national average (approximately EUR 35,000+ as of 2026) plus higher-education qualifications or equivalent professional experience. Initially valid for 2 years and renewable for 3-year periods; no labour-market test is applied. During the first 12 months of residence the holder is restricted to the employer/activity that justified the card, after which they may change employer freely. Maximum processing time 60 days. Entry to Portugal is obtained via the National Visa for Highly Qualified Activity; this permit is distinct from the Article 90 national highly-qualified residence permit.
Official page ↗National Residency Visa - Subordinate WorkWork
120 daysmultiple entryup to 60d processingvalid 120d
Allows third-country nationals to enter Portugal and apply for a residence permit for subordinate employment through AIMA.
Residency visa valid 4 months (approximately 120 days) with 2 entries. Holder must apply for a residence permit with AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) within Portugal during validity. Processing deadline 60 days. Fee EUR 110.
Official page ↗National Visa - Highly Qualified Activity (Temporary Stay)Work
365 daysmultiple entryup to 30d processingvalid 365d
Allows highly qualified third-country nationals to enter Portugal for scientific research, higher education, or highly qualified professional activity for up to one year.
Fee waived for highly qualified researchers. Covers university professors, researchers, and senior professionals. Also available as Residency Visa (4 months, 2 entries). Tech Visa program (IAPMEI-certified companies) provides fast-track access to this category.
Official page ↗National Visa - Independent Work / Self-Employment (Temporary Stay)Work
365 daysmultiple entryup to 30d processingvalid 365d
Permits third-country nationals to enter Portugal to carry out independent professional work or self-employed activity for up to one year.
Covers freelancers and independent contractors. Also available as a Residency Visa (4 months, 2 entries) for applicants intending to obtain a full residence permit.
Official page ↗National Visa - Subordinate Work (Temporary Stay)Work
365 daysmultiple entryup to 30d processingvalid 365d
Allows third-country nationals to enter and remain in Portugal for subordinate (employed) work for stays of more than 90 days and up to one year.
Temporary Stay Visa valid for up to 1 year with multiple entries. Standard national visa fee EUR 110. Processing deadline 30 days. A separate Residency Visa for subordinate work (valid 4 months, 2 entries) is available for those seeking to obtain a full residence permit through AIMA.
Official page ↗Schengen Seasonal Work VisaWork
90 dayssingle entry
Allows third-country nationals to engage in subordinate seasonal employment in Portugal for a period of up to 90 days.
This is a Schengen-category visa for short-term seasonal work (90 days or less). For seasonal work exceeding 90 days, a national Temporary Stay Visa for seasonal work is required instead.
Official page ↗Long TermOtherdocuments
Residence Visas · Temporary Stay Visas
- Duly completed and signed National Visa application form. For minors or incapacitated applicants, the form must be signed by the legal guardian;
- Two recent passport photographs, identical and in good condition for identification;
- Passport or other valid travel document, valid for at least 3 months beyond the expected duration of stay;
- Copy of the passport biographical page;
- Proof of regular situation in Nigeria, if the applicant is not a Nigerian national;
- Valid travel insurance covering medical expenses, including urgent medical assistance and possible repatriation;
- Police Character Certificate issued by the competent authority of the applicant’s country of nationality or of the country where the applicant has resided for more than one year. The certificate must be legalised or apostilled, where applicable, and must have been issued within 90 days before the visa application is submitted. This requirement does not apply to minors under 16 years old. Police Character Certificates issued in Chad, Niger, Benin Republic or Cameroon must be duly legalised in the country where the document was issued and then legalised by the respective Embassy or High Commission in Abuja. Police Character Certificates issued in Togo or Ghana must be duly legalised by the Embassy of Portugal in Abidjan at the time of submission;
- Proof of means of subsistence, according to the applicable visa type;
- Transport reservation, according to the applicable visa type;
- Additional documents for minors, where applicable.
Applicants must submit the general documents listed below, together with the specific documents required for the purpose of stay in Portugal.
The applicable checklist must always be consulted before submitting the application, as additional or specific documents may be required depending on the visa type.
General documents required for Long Term Visa applications
The following documents are generally required for National Visa applications:
Specific documentation related to the purpose of stay
Please select the category that corresponds to the main purpose of your stay and click on the relevant link to download the applicable checklist.
Main Long Term Visa categories
1. Higher education leading to an academic degree, including bachelor’s, master’s, postgraduate studies, PhD and post-doctoral research
2. Family reunification
3. Family members of Portuguese citizens
Applicants under this category do not need to book an appointment before submitting their application. Under the walk-in arrangement, they may submit their application directly at the VFS Visa Application Centre. This arrangement is available in Abuja only. Applicants may still book an appointment if they prefer to do so for convenience.
4. Other visa types
Applicants whose purpose of stay is not covered by the three categories above should select the relevant visa type below.
Subordinated professional activity
Independent professional activity, entrepreneur or Startup Visa
Teaching, highly qualified or cultural activity, including highly qualified activity carried out by salaried employees
Research, non-degree study, secondary education, vocational education, student exchange, internship or volunteering
This category applies to residence visa applications for research, study purposes not covered by the higher education category above, secondary education, vocational education, student exchange programmes, internships and volunteering.
Pensioners, religious purposes or people living on their own income
Accompanying family member of a residence visa applicant
Remote work, digital nomads
Medical treatment
Transfer of nationals of WTO Member States for service provision or professional training
Independent professional activity
Research, teaching or highly qualified activity
Amateur sports
Study programmes, student exchange, unpaid internship, volunteering or international commitments under freedom to provide services
Seasonal work for more than 90 days
Course in an educational or vocational training establishment
Accompanying family member of a temporary stay visa holder or applicant
Remote work, digital nomads
Important information
The Embassy of Portugal may request additional documents whenever necessary for the examination of the application.
Submitting all listed documents does not guarantee that a visa will be granted. The visa application will be assessed by the competent authorities in accordance with the applicable legal requirements.
Short TermOtherdocuments
All applicants must submit: · Tourism · Business · Airport Transit Visas
- Business, tourism and other stays up to 90 days
- Proof of employment, such as employment letter stating the approved leave period;
- For business owners: Tax Clearance Certificate and Certificate of Business Incorporation;
- For scholars and students: letter from school or university;
- For businesspersons: proof of commercial activities in Nigeria and overseas, such as bills of lading, receipt books or similar documents;
- Any proof of ties in Nigeria, such as marriage certificate or proof of real estate property.
- Proof of relationship between the visa applicant and the person to be visited, such as birth certificate, marriage certificate, correspondence, photos or other relevant evidence;
- Formal written and signed invitation or sponsorship document from the host, in accordance with the applicable requirements;
- Where applicable, proof of the host’s legal residence in Portugal or in the relevant Schengen Member State;
- Where applicable, proof of accommodation and/or statement of responsibility: PDF checklist ↗ (PDF checklist ↗)
- Invitation letter from the company based in Portugal or in the relevant Schengen Member State, stating the invited person’s personal data, purpose of visit and duration of stay;
- Tax Clearance Certificate and Certificate of Business Incorporation;
- Proof of commercial activities in Nigeria and recent business contacts, such as contracts, invoices, bills, commercial correspondence or other evidence of an ongoing commercial relationship;
- For conferences, fairs, seminars or congresses: invitation from the company or authorized body, proof of registration and entry tickets, where applicable.
- Certificate of enrolment at an educational establishment for studying, scientific training, practical training, vocational training or similar activities;
- Student card or certificate relating to the course to be attended;
- Proof of pre-payment of courses or training activities, where applicable.
- Certificate from the applicant’s physician or hospital in Nigeria confirming the need for the specific medical treatment;
- Official document from the receiving medical institution in Portugal or in the relevant Schengen Member State confirming that the treatment can be performed and that the patient will be accepted;
- Proof of pre-payment of the treatment or other proof of sufficient financial means to cover the medical treatment and related expenses;
- Any correspondence between the sending and receiving medical institutions, where available.
- Copy of the official invitation;
- Invitation, entry tickets, enrolment confirmation or programme stating, where possible, the name of the host organization, the length of stay and the purpose of the journey.
- Duly completed and signed Schengen visa application form;
- Passport photograph;
- Valid travel document;
- Copy of the passport or national ID card of the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen or UK citizen covered by the Withdrawal Agreement;
- Proof of family relationship, such as marriage certificate, birth certificate, registered partnership certificate or other relevant official document;
- Where applicable, proof of dependency;
- Proof that the applicant is travelling with or joining the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen or UK citizen covered by the Withdrawal Agreement.
Applicants must submit the documents listed below, together with the documents required for the specific purpose of travel.
Please note that the Embassy of Portugal in Abuja may request additional documents or invite the applicant for an interview during the examination of the application.
All documents must be submitted in original, together with a copy, where applicable.
General documents required for all Short-Stay Schengen Visa applications
Duly completed and signed Schengen visa application form;
Passport photograph, according to Schengen visa photo specifications;
Valid travel document, valid for at least 3 months after the intended date of departure from the Schengen area, with at least two blank pages;
Copy of previous passports and previous visas, where applicable;
Flight reservation, including return flight;
Travel medical insurance valid for all Schengen countries and covering the entire intended stay: vistos.mne.gov.pt ↗ (vistos.mne.gov.pt ↗)
Verifiable evidence of sufficient means of subsistence during the intended stay, such as salary slips, recent personal bank statements for the last three months, or regular income generated by property;
Proof of accommodation for the whole duration of the intended stay, such as hotel reservation, rental of holiday home, campus residence reservation or proof of private accommodation from the host;
For non-Nigerian nationals residing in Nigeria: copy of the Nigerian residence permit;
For minors travelling alone or with only one parent: letter of consent from both parents or legal guardians, copy of the minor’s birth certificate, and copy of the ID card or passport of both parents or legal guardians.
Applications under this category must be submitted by appointment through the VFS appointment platform.
In addition to the general documents, applicants travelling for tourism must submit:
Family or private visit
In addition to the general documents, applicants travelling for a family or private visit must submit:
In addition to the general documents, applicants travelling for business must submit:
Study, research or training up to 90 days
In addition to the general documents, applicants travelling for study, research or training purposes must submit:
Medical treatment
In addition to the general documents, applicants travelling for medical treatment must submit:
Cultural, sports, scientific, religious events or other reasons
In addition to the general documents, applicants travelling for cultural, sports, scientific, religious events or other similar reasons must submit:
Family Members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and UK citizens under the Withdrawal Agreement
Applicants under this category must provide documentary evidence proving that they are family members covered by the applicable rules.
The following documents should be submitted, where applicable:
Applicants who need to apply for an Airport Transit Visa must contact the Consular Section of the Embassy of Portugal in Abuja directly before submitting an application.
For information on the required documentation for Airport Transit Visas, please click here: vistos.mne.gov.pt ↗ (url.uk.m.mimecastprotect.com ↗)
ARI - Autorização de Residência para Investimento (Golden Visa)Investment
Grants residency to third-country nationals making qualifying investments in Portugal, including capital transfers, job creation, cultural heritage, or scientific research.
Regulated under Article 90-A of the Aliens Act (Law 23/2007), as amended by Law 56/2023 ('Mais Habitação', in force from 7 October 2023). Real estate purchase routes were eliminated by Law 56/2023. Current qualifying routes: (1) EUR 500,000 capital transfer into qualifying non-real estate investment funds; (2) EUR 500,000 to establish or reinforce a Portuguese company with job creation; (3) EUR 500,000 for scientific research; (4) EUR 250,000 for artistic production or national cultural heritage; (5) Creation of at least 10 job positions. Minimum physical presence: 7 days in year 1, 14 days per subsequent 2-year renewal. Path to permanent residency and citizenship after 5 years. Applications managed by AIMA.
Official page ↗D7 Passive Income / Retirement Residency VisaRetirement
120 daysmultiple entryup to 60d processingvalid 120d
Allows retirees and passive income holders to enter Portugal and apply for a long-term residence permit through AIMA.
Residency visa valid 4 months with 2 entries. Holder must apply for a residence permit with AIMA within Portugal. Renewable; leads to permanent residency after 5 years of legal residence. Processing deadline 60 days. Fee EUR 110.
Official page ↗D7 Passive Income / Retirement Visa (Temporary Stay)Retirement
365 daysmultiple entryup to 30d processingvalid 365d
Allows retirees and persons living from passive income (pensions, property income, dividends, or financial assets) to reside in Portugal for up to one year.
Applicant must demonstrate sufficient regular passive income. No statutory minimum income amount is specified on the official page - documentary evidence of income/assets required. Also available as a Residency Visa D7 (4 months, 2 entries) for those intending to obtain a long-term residence permit. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
Official page ↗D8 Digital Nomad / Remote Work Residency VisaDigital nomad
120 daysmultiple entryup to 60d processingvalid 120d
Allows remote workers to enter Portugal and apply for a 2-year residence permit through AIMA, establishing long-term residency as a digital nomad.
Residency visa valid 4 months with 2 entries. Holder must apply to AIMA for a 2-year residence permit within Portugal. Renewable; leads to permanent residency after 5 years. Processing deadline 60 days. Fee EUR 110.
Official page ↗D8 Digital Nomad / Remote Work Visa (Temporary Stay)Digital nomad
365 daysmultiple entryup to 30d processingvalid 365d
Allows remote workers and digital nomads who earn income from sources outside Portugal to reside in Portugal and work remotely for up to one year.
Established under Article 60(2)(c) of the Foreigners Law. Minimum income approximately EUR 3,480/month (4x national minimum wage as of 2025) for the preceding 3 months. Applies to both salaried employees working remotely and self-employed/freelancers. Also available as Residency Visa D8 (valid 4 months, 2 entries) for those seeking a 2-year residence permit from AIMA. Minimum stay for maintaining D8 residence permit: 183 days/year.
Official page ↗Diplomatic / Service / Official VisaDiplomatic
Issued to diplomatic personnel, official government representatives, and their dependants travelling to Portugal on official duty.
Holders of diplomatic passports are exempt from airport transit visa requirements under Article 3(5)(e) of Regulation (EC) No 810/2009. Bilateral diplomatic and service passport waiver agreements exist with numerous countries (Turkey confirmed: service and special passports exempt from Schengen short-stay requirement under agreement signed 14 July 2010). Diplomatic visas are issued outside standard procedures and fees are typically waived.
Official page ↗National Visa - Amateur Sports (Temporary Stay)Other
365 daysmultiple entryup to 30d processingvalid 365d
Allows third-country nationals to enter Portugal for amateur sporting activities and competitions for stays of more than 90 days and up to one year.
Specifically for amateur athletes; professional sporting activities would fall under work visa categories. Temporary Stay Visa valid up to 1 year with multiple entries. Processing deadline 30 days. Fee EUR 110.
Official page ↗National Visa - Religious Purposes (Temporary Stay)Other
365 daysmultiple entryup to 30d processingvalid 365d
Permits third-country nationals to enter Portugal for religious activities or ministry for more than 3 months in exceptional cases.
Available in exceptional cases only. Temporary Stay Visa valid up to 1 year with multiple entries. Processing deadline 30 days. Fee EUR 110.
Official page ↗Skilled Job Seeker VisaOther
up to 60d processing
Allows specialised technical professionals to enter Portugal to seek qualified employment, permitting highly qualified work until visa expiration or residence permit issuance.
Exists in Portuguese legislation under Article 57-A of the Foreigners Law but was not yet operational at consular posts as of the last official page update. Not currently accepting applications - awaiting regulatory implementation. Processing deadline would be 60 days once operational.
Official page ↗Youth Mobility (Work and Holiday) Visa - Temporary StayWorking holiday
365 daysmultiple entryvalid 365d
Allows young people from partner countries to spend an extended holiday in Portugal of up to 12 months with authorisation to work on a secondary basis.
Temporary stay visa issued under bilateral Youth Mobility / Work and Holiday Memoranda of Understanding. Eligible nationalities: Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, New Zealand, Peru, Republic of Korea, United States, and Uruguay. Age range varies by country (18-30 Argentina/Chile/Japan/New Zealand; 18-31 Australia/Peru; 18-34 Republic of Korea; 18-35 Canada/Uruguay; 18+ USA). Stay of up to 12 months with no possibility of extension (Uruguay: up to 6 months). Purpose must be primarily holiday; paid work is allowed but the holder may not hold a permanent contract or work more than 3 months for the same employer, and may attend training/study of up to 6 months. Annual quotas apply per country (e.g. Australia 500, Canada 600, USA 400).
Official page ↗via VFS Global ↗Portugal visa policy, fees & entry rules in full →
Portugal visa for Nigerian citizens - FAQ
Do Nigerian citizens need a visa for Portugal?
Yes - Nigerian citizens must apply for a visa in advance at a Portugal embassy, consulate, or official visa portal before travelling.
What documents do Nigerian citizens need for Portugal?
A valid passport plus the Portugal document checklist for your visa type - Earth Visa lists the full required documents per visa category from the official visa application centre.
Check entry with visas you already hold →What “visa required” means →