Portugal Visa Guide for Indian Citizens Complete Application Guide 2025
Yes, Indian citizens need a Schengen visa to travel to Portugal. It's your nationality that decides your visa requirement, not where you're living or staying. For Portugal visa applications in India, you'll need to book an appointment through VFS Global, which has centers in major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.
Lisbon, Portugal
Jerónimos Monastery
Porto, Portugal
Historic Ribeira District
Algarve, Portugal
Praia da Marinha
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Eligibility Criteria for Portugal Visa from London
UK Residency Requirements
- ✓ You must hold a valid Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or residence visa. Visitor visas are not accepted.
- ✓ Your UK residency permit must be valid for your entire Portugal trip, ideally with a few months of buffer after your return.
Basic Eligibility
- ✓ No strict age limit, though minors require additional documentation and parental consent.
- ✓ Passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in Portugal.
- ✓ Eligible purposes include tourism, business, study, or family visits. Other purposes may require a different visa type.
Who Cannot Apply
- ✗ Applicants staying in the UK on a short-term visitor visa.
- ✗ Those with invalid or expired UK residency permits.
- ✗ Applicants unable to prove lawful residence in the UK. These individuals must apply from their home country.
Required Documents Checklist
Essential Documents
Travel Arrangements
Status Documentation
Additional Requirements
💡 Pro Tip: Double-check passport expiry, BRP validity, and insurance coverage before your appointment. Most delays come from missing or invalid documents.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow these steps if you want to handle the application yourself
Online Application
Start your application at the Portuguese consulate site or VFS Global. Fill carefully—details can’t be changed once submitted.
Appointment Booking
Book at VFS Global London (2 Butts Wynd, Edinburgh EH1 2JJ). Peak slots fill fast—book 2–3 weeks ahead. Service fee: ~£25.
Document Preparation
Arrange docs per checklist. Translate Hindi docs (£20–30/page). Make photocopies—originals returned after verification.
Appointment Day
Arrive 15 mins early. Go through security, doc check & biometrics (fingerprints & photo). Process takes 45–60 mins.
Tracking & Collection
Track online with your reference number. Processing: 10–15 working days. Collect passport or pay for courier delivery.
Travel
Travel within visa validity. Carry hotel bookings & return tickets—immigration may check at entry.
Visa Fees and Processing Costs
Adults
€80 (≈ £70)
Children 6-12
€40 (≈ £35)
Children under 6
Free
Additional Service Fees
TLScontact charges around £25–30 per applicant for biometric collection and handling. Priority/prime time slots cost extra but don’t speed up consulate processing.
Processing Timelines
Standard processing: 15 calendar days. During peak travel (holidays/festivals) it can extend to 30+ days. Apply early to avoid last-minute stress.
Timeline Planning
Apply at least 6–8 weeks before travel. Track your application online via TLScontact’s portal for updates and peace of mind.
Financial Requirements for Portugal Visa: How Much Money Should Indian Applicants Show?
Daily Financial Requirements
Indian applicants must show they can cover between €40–€120 per day in Portugal, depending on their accommodation. For longer trips, multiply the daily rate by the number of days and add a buffer.
Hotel Accommodation
€120/day
Higher daily requirement
Budget/Private Stay
€40–65/day
Lower daily requirement
💡 Bank Statement Requirements
Submit bank statements covering 3–6 months with consistent activity. The balance must cover your entire trip plus extra. Avoid sudden large deposits without proof.
Additional Financial Proof
Provide salary slips, tax returns, or an employment letter confirming your job and income. Include extra income sources such as rental or dividends if available.
Sponsorship Options
If using a sponsor (family or host in Portugal), include a sponsorship letter, their bank statements, income proof, and ID/passport copy. All documents must be official and consistent.
Tips to Increase Portugal Visa Approval Chances for Indian Citizens in London
Common Rejection Reasons
Insufficient financial proof, incomplete documentation, weak ties to the UK, or unrealistic travel itineraries are the most frequent reasons for rejection.
Preparation Strategies
Apply 6–8 weeks in advance. Organize documents with a checklist. Ensure bank statements reflect steady income. Keep your itinerary realistic and avoid over-packing destinations.
Success Tips
Demonstrate UK ties via employment, property, or family commitments. Write a clear, genuine cover letter. Double-check all details on forms and documents for consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions About Portugal Visa for Indian Citizens in London
Do Indian citizens need a visa to visit Portugal?
Yes, Indian citizens require a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) for visits up to 90 days. For work, study, or long stays, a different visa type is required.
What documents are required?
Completed visa form, passport, photos, UK residence proof, travel insurance (€30,000 coverage), accommodation proof, flight booking, and 3 months of bank statements. Invitation letters or event details may be needed depending on purpose.
Where and how to apply?
Applications are submitted via VFS Global Portugal in the UK. Book an appointment online, pay the service fee, and attend in person for documents and biometrics. Embassy direct submissions are not allowed.
Processing time and fees?
Processing takes about 15 calendar days, longer during peak seasons. Fees are €80 for adults, €40 for children (6–12), plus the VFS service fee.
What are the financial requirements?
Bank statements for 3–6 months showing at least €40–€50/day of stay plus accommodation. For long-term visas, higher reserves are required. Sponsorship is accepted with valid supporting documents.
Expert Review & Official Sources
Expert Verification
Reviewed by Visa Expert Kritika, specializing in European visa requirements and UK-based applications, on September 09, 2025.
Source Verification
All information cross-referenced with official Portugal Embassy sources and immigration policies as of September 16, 2025.
Official Source
Check the official source: https://www.londres.embaixadaportugal.mne.pt/en/