United StatesPortugal

American passport · policy checked 11 Jul 2026

Visa-free

Nothing to arrange. Visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism, business, conferences, family visits.

90

days

max stay per entry

0

visa fee

free entry

1

document

your valid passport

0

forms

no application, no appointment

Entering Portugal on an American passport

  1. Travel with your valid American passport - no visa, no application.

Portugal visa types

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.

Checklist filed by the visa centre as “2. EU/EEA Family Member”

  • TRAVEL INSURANCE:
  • Application Form;
  • Visa application filled and duly signed by applicant (For minors and incapacitated, forms should be signed the legal guardian);
  • Passport Photograph;
  • A recent color photograph (35mmx45mm) up-to-date and with enough quality to identify the applicant;
  • Passport or Travel Document;
  • Passport or Travel document must be valid for 3 months beyond the Schengen stay; a photocopy of prior passport and Schengen visas required.
  • Certificate of being in a regular situation when the applicant is from a different nationality than that of the country where the visa is being requested;
  • Proof and copy of residency status in the United States (Green card, Employment Authorization Card, United States Visa)
  • Travel reservation
  • Roundtrip flight reservation showing date of departure and date of return
  • Travel authorization for minors or court decision (when applicable);
  • Hotel reservation (if applicable);
  • Proof of accommodations for entire stay or statement of responsibility.
  • For journeys undertaken for medical reasons;
  • An official document of the medical institution confirming necessity for medical care in that institution and proof of sufficient financial means to pay for the medical treatment;
  • Entry visa for the destination country (if applicable).

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

click here (vti.travel ↗)

Important - Retention of document: Please be informed that after processing of Visa/Resident permit applications, Embassy/Consulates only return passport with payment receipt.

Other documents submitted along with your Visa/ Resident permit applications are not returned. We strongly encourage you to retain a copy of all the important document for your reference.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED: The list of documents below is not an exhaustive list of documents and the applicant could be asked for additional documents if desired by the Consulate General of Portugal.

For applying for a short-stay Schengen visa, the following documentation is required:

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 ↗
4. Student VisaStudent

National Visa Temporary Category E · National Visa Residency Type D

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.

Click the link below to download the checklist for the Temporary Stay Visa (Type E):

Temporary Stay Visa for Study Program at an Educational Establishment, Student Exchange Program, Unpaid Professional Internship, Voluntary Work and International Commitments Related to the Free Movement of Services

Temporary Stay Visa for Scientific Research, Academic Teaching or Highly Qualified Activity

Temporary Stay Visa for Academic or Professional Training Course

Residence 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 apply for a residency permit with AIMA - Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo.

Click the link below to download the checklist for the Residence Visa (Type D):

Residency Visa for Research, Study, Students Exchange, Internship and Voluntary Work

Please select the consular jurisdiction you reside in to determine which Visa Application Centre you should submit your application to.

Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not yet purchased insurance, you may do so by clicking here (vti.travel ↗). Before submitting your application, please also make sure to check any applicable jurisdiction restrictions.

We recommend including your original passport along with the required documents as outlined in the checklist. The Embassy will return your passport along with the visa decision using the FedEx label provided by us.

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 ↗
1. Schengen Visa (Short Stay Visa)Other
  • TRAVEL INSURANCE:
  • Application Form;
  • Visa application completely filled and duly signed by applicant (For minors and incapacitated, forms should be signed the legal guardian);
  • Passport Photograph;
  • A recent color photograph (35mmx45mm) up-to-date and with enough quality to identify the applicant;
  • Passport or Travel Document;
  • Passport or Travel document must be valid for 3 months beyond the Schengen stay; a photocopy of prior passport and Schengen visas required.
  • Certificate of being in a regular situation when the applicant is from a different nationality than that of the country where the visa is being requested;
  • Proof and copy of residency status in the United States (Green card, Employment Authorization Card, United States Visa)
  • Travel reservation
  • Roundtrip flight reservation showing date of departure and date of return
  • Travel medical insurance
  • Proof of medical coverage, including medical emergencies and repatriation. The insurance should have a minimum coverage of €30,000 or 50,000 USD; shall a multiple entry visa be granted, applicants shall sign the statement, set out in the application form, declaring that they are aware of the need to be in possession of travel medical insurance for subsequent stays.
  • Economic and work conditions:
  • Work certificate and salary, as well as three last bank transcripts (proof of means of subsistence), covering the entire stay and return to the country of origin.
  • Travel authorization for minors or court decision (when applicable);
  • Hotel reservation (if applicable);
  • Proof of accommodations for entire stay or statement of responsibility.
  • For journeys undertaken for medical reasons;
  • An official document of the medical institution confirming necessity for medical care in that institution and proof of sufficient financial means to pay for the medical treatment;
  • Entry visa for the destination country (if applicable).
  • Students going to attend a conference/seminar/workshop related to their studies
  • Applicants/Employees going to attend a conference/seminar/workshop organized by their company or another company directly related to their company
  • Applicants going to be actively involved in a conference/seminar/workshop

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

click here (vti.travel ↗)

Important - Retention of document: Please be informed that after processing of Visa/Resident permit applications, Embassy/Consulates only return passport with payment receipt.

Other documents submitted along with your Visa/ Resident permit applications are not returned. We strongly encourage you to retain a copy of all the important document for your reference.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED: The list of documents below is not an exhaustive list of documents and the applicant could be asked for additional documents if desired by the Consulate General of Portugal.

Applicants always have to bring and show their original Passport, but they only need to submit photocopies of the same; unless the requirements specify that an original document has to be submitted. Please refer to the checklist for the list of documents as required by the Portugal consulate, ensure that you have all the documents as per your Visa Categories.

For applying for a short-stay Schengen visa, the following documentation is required:

Applicants, who intend to travel for business purposes, i.e. visiting a business/company to have meetings, to make business deals, to recruit, to train or other work related activities can apply for a Business visa.

Every Business visa application has to be confirmed by an invitation letter from a business/company based in Portugal, if not, applicant will have to apply as a Tourist.

In regards to conference/seminar/workshop the following applicants can also apply for a Business visa:

3. National VisaOther

GENERAL DOCUMENTATION · ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS FOR MINORS

  • National Visa application (PDF checklist ↗) filled and duly signed by applicant (For minors and incapacitated, forms should be signed the legal guardian).
  • 2 Photos, even, passport type, recent and in good condition to identify the applicant (1 for this form).
  • Passport or other travel document, valid for 3 months after the estimated date of return. Photocopy of passport (biographical data).
  • Proof of regular status, if you are of a nationality other than that of the country where you are applying for a visa, valid for more than the date of expiry of the visa you are applying for.
  • Valid travel insurance, covering necessary medical expenses, including urgent medical assistance and possible repatriation; (*)
  • Police clearance certificate issued less than 90 days before the submission of the visa application, by the competent authority of the applicant’s country of nationality or the country where the applicant has resided for over a year, with the Hague Apostille. If the applicant has resided in the USA for over a year, the police clearance certificate must be issued by the FBI, duly apostilled (Hague Apostille) and issued less than 90 days before the submission of the visa application. Proof of financial resources, as defined by decree of the competent government members.
  • When minors are not travelling with both parents, or are travelling with a third person, a travel authorization of one or both parents respectively, is required, or a court order.
  • Copy of the parent’s identity card.
  • Temporary Stay Visa for Study Program at an Educational Establishment, Student Exchange Program, Unpaid Professional Internship, Voluntary Work and International Commitments Related to the Free Movement of Services
  • Temporary Stay Visa for the Transfer of National Citizens from State Parties to the World Trade Organization
  • Temporary Stay Visa for Self-Employment
  • Temporary Stay Visa for Seasonal Work
  • Temporary Stay Visa for Scientific Research, Academic Teaching or Highly Qualified Activity
  • Temporary Stay Visa for Medical Treatment
  • Temporary Stay Visa for Amateur Sports
  • Temporary Stay Visa for Accompanying a Family Member Undergoing Medical Treatment
  • Temporary Stay Visa for Accompanying a Family Member
  • Temporary Stay Visa for Academic or Professional Training Course
  • Temporary Stay Visa for Remote Work “Digital Nomads”
  • Residency Visa for Research, Study, Students Exchange, Internship and Voluntary Work
  • Residence Visa for Employment
  • Residence Visa for Self-Employment or Immigrant Entrepreneur and Startup Visa
  • Residence Visa for Teaching, Highly Qualified and Cultural Activity or Highly Qualified Activities Carried Out by Salaried Employees
  • Residency Visa For Accompanying a Family Member
  • Residency Visa for Establishment of Residence for Pensioners, Religious Purposes or People Living on their own Income
  • Residency Visa for Family Reunification
  • Residency Visa for Remote Work- “Digital Nomads”

SPECIFIC DOCUMENTATION RELATED TO THE PURPOSE OF THE STAY

Please click on links to download checklists:

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.

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 apply for a residency permit with AIMA - Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo.

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

free

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 American citizens - FAQ

Do American citizens need a visa for Portugal?

No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

How long can American citizens stay in Portugal?

American passport holders can stay in Portugal for up to 90 days per entry under the current visa-free arrangement.

What documents do American citizens need for Portugal?

A valid passport is all American citizens need for a short visa-free visit (up to 90 days). If you apply for a longer-stay visa, 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-free” means →