When do Ukrainians need a visa to enter Portugal and how do I apply for one?

Choosing the right type of visa, accurate preparation of documents and compliance with all formalities are the main factors in successfully obtaining a Portuguese visa. Find out all the nuances of this issue and how to facilitate the processing of such an important document

Legal counselling on migration issues

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Since 2017, Ukrainian citizens holding biometric passports have been able to visit Schengen countries, including Portugal, without a visa for short-term trips (up to 90 days) within a 180-day period. However, there are a number of situations where a visa is still required. Knowing all the nuances of visa application will help to avoid refusals and delays, especially when it comes to long-term travel, study or work.

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If you have any questions or need professional assistance in preparing documents, we recommend that you contact visa lawyers to save time and reduce the risk of refusal at the first stage.

When do Ukrainians need a visa to enter Portugal?

For short-term visits for tourist or private purposes (up to 90 days), Ukrainian citizens holding biometric passports can stay in Portugal without a visa. However, a visa is required in the following cases:

1. Long tourist trip (more than 90 days)

If you plan to stay in Portugal for more than three months, the visa-free regime no longer applies, and you will need to apply for a long-term visa.

2. Trips with a ‘purpose’ (work, study, family reunion, etc.)

Work. Employment in a Portuguese company requires a work visa or a residence permit with the right to work.

Education. For long-term study programmes (from language courses to university degrees), a student visa is required.

Family reunification. If your close relatives live in Portugal, you may need a family reunion visa.

Other purposes. This can be an internship, volunteering, participation in research or cultural projects that require a stay of more than 90 days.

If you are in doubt about whether you need a visa, it is best to consult with professionals. Even at this stage, it is important to understand the correct visa category, otherwise you may face a refusal. Visa lawyers will help you determine the necessary documents and avoid confusion in the rules.

How to apply for a visa to enter Portugal?

Step 1: Determine the type of visa

Before you start collecting documents, check what type of visa you need. The main categories are: long-term tourist, work, study, family reunion, and others. If it is difficult to figure it out on your own, you can use the services of migration specialists who will advise you on the best option and prepare you for the interview.

Step 2: Prepare the documents

The list of basic documents usually includes:

1. A foreign passport valid for at least 3 months after the expected return.

2. Completed visa application form.

3. Photographs that meet the established requirements (usually 2 pieces, 3.5×4.5 cm).

4. Health insurance covering the costs in case of illness or accident.

5. Proof of financial solvency (bank statements, income statement, etc.).

6. Documents confirming the purpose of the trip: an invitation from an employer, a study invitation, a rental agreement, a hotel reservation, etc.

Step 3: Making an appointment to submit documents to the Portuguese Consulate

When all the documents are collected, you need to make an appointment at the Portuguese consulate or embassy. In some cases, the application process is carried out through official visa application centres, but the procedure may differ depending on your region.

Step 4: Submit your application through a visa application centre (if applicable)

In a number of countries, visa applications can only be submitted through authorised visa application centres. Check whether such a centre operates in your country and what services it provides (e.g. additional document verification, passport courier delivery, etc.).

Step 5: Submitting documents and paying fees

On the appointed day, you need to come to the consulate or visa centre with all the necessary documents, pay the visa fee and undergo fingerprinting (fingerprinting), if you have not done it before. It is very important that all the papers are filled out correctly and the information is true.

Step 6: Obtaining a visa

The processing time for your application may vary from a few days to several weeks, depending on the visa category and the workload of the consulate. If the decision is positive, you will receive a passport with a visa sticker. If you have any problems or are required to provide additional documents, it is better to consult a visa lawyer promptly to provide all the necessary information correctly and on time.

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What documents are required for a visa to Portugal?

The list may vary depending on the type of visa, but there is a general mandatory package:

🔻 International passport (valid for at least 3 months after return).

A completed visa application form and correct contact information.

🔻 Colour photos (two pieces, 3.5×4.5 cm).

🔻 Medical insurance with coverage of at least 30,000 euros.

🔻 Proof of the purpose of the trip (hotel reservation, invitation, training contract, etc.).

🔻 Financial guarantees: bank statements, income certificates.

🔻 Paid visa fee receipt (the receipt must be attached to the application package).

Depending on the purpose of the trip, additional documents are required: parental permission for minors, a certificate from the place of work or study, a motivation letter (for students, researchers), etc.

How can you avoid mistakes when submitting documents?

1. Observe the validity of the documents. Make sure that your passport and insurance are valid for the required period.

2. Check the correctness of the application form. Any mistake in your surname, name, date of birth or travel dates may result in a refusal.

3. Provide true information. Any attempt to mislead the consulate is fraught with refusal and possible difficulties in repeated applications.

4. Prepare all additional certificates. Lack of documents (for example, confirming financial solvency or the purpose of the trip) is one of the most common reasons for refusal.

If you don't have time to understand the requirements in detail or are afraid of making a mistake, be sure to contact a professional. At this second stage, the work of visa lawyers is especially valuable: they will check the documents before submitting them, tell you what is missing, and help you avoid common mistakes.

Why should you contact Visit Ukraine lawyers to apply for a visa to Portugal?

Professional expertise. Visit Ukraine lawyers specialise in visa and migration law. They are always aware of the latest changes in legislation, which increases the chances of successful visa obtainment.

Saving time. Well-prepared documents are the key to fast processing of an application. Experts will help you prepare a package of documents, taking into account all the individual nuances of your situation.

Personalised approach. Depending on the purpose of the visit and your life circumstances, you may need various additional certificates. Visit Ukraine's lawyers will help you adapt your application to the specific requirements of the Portuguese Consulate.

Support at all stages. From the initial consultation to obtaining a passport with a visa. If you have additional requests from the consulate, our specialists will quickly guide you and help you provide the necessary documents.

What can Visit Ukraine lawyers help with?

✅ Registration of short-term and long-term visas: tourist, work, student.

✅ Consultations on migration issues: if you plan to obtain a residence permit, work or study permit.

✅ Preparation of a package of documents: from collecting certificates to translation and notarisation.

✅ Appeals and appeals against refusals: if for some reason you have been denied a visa, lawyers will help you to prepare a competent appeal.

If you need guarantees and confidence in a positive outcome, it is better to contact professionals in advance. With lawyers, you can get full support, which will relieve you of most of the organisational and legal burdens.

We remind you! According to Eurostat, more than 56,000 Ukrainians currently live in Portugal, including labour migrants and war refugees. Almost every one of them is employed in the country in various ways - by obtaining a visa or temporary protection. We talked about employment in Portugal - vacancies, documents, remuneration and job search portals.

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