Portugal is part of the Schengen Area, meaning Ethiopian passport holders will generally need to apply for a visa if they wish to visit for short stays or more extended purposes. Here’s an overview of the process and requirements, filtered by visa type:
1. Short-Stay Visa (Schengen C Visa)
If you plan to visit Portugal for less than 90 days, a short-stay visa is required. The Schengen visa applies to tourism, business, family visits, or attending events. The following are the key steps:
- Visa Type: Tourist, Business, Visitor, Medical, Cultural, Sports, Study, or Airport Transit.
- Documents Needed:
- Valid passport (with at least two blank pages, valid for three months beyond your intended stay).
- Completed visa application form.
- Passport-sized photographs (usually two).
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal.
- Travel itinerary, including flight booking.
- Proof of sufficient financial means (bank statements for the last three months).
- Travel insurance covering up to 30,000 EUR.
- Visa fee payment.
- Application Process:
- Determine the appropriate visa type based on your visit purpose.
- Submit your application at the nearest Portuguese consulate or embassy in Ethiopia or any other country where you are legally residing.
- After submitting, schedule an interview and provide biometric data.
2. Long-Stay Visa (D Visa)
For stays exceeding 90 days, such as work, study, family reunification, or other long-term purposes, you need a long-stay visa.
- Types of Long-Stay Visas:
- Work Visa: If you have a job offer from a Portuguese employer.
- Study Visa: For students who have been accepted into a Portuguese educational institution.
- Family Reunification Visa: If you plan to join family members living in Portugal.
- Startup Visa: If you’re interested in launching a business in Portugal.
- Digital Nomad Visa: For remote workers who wish to live in Portugal while maintaining employment abroad.
- Required Documents:
- Valid passport and visa application form.
- Proof of accommodation and financial stability.
- A signed employment contract (if applicable for work-related visas).
- Proof of enrollment at a Portuguese institution (for students).
- Health insurance.
- For startup and digital nomad visas, business plans and proof of income may be required.
3. Visa Fees and Processing Time
- Processing Time: It generally takes around 10 to 15 business days for a short-stay visa and up to 30 days or more for a long-stay visa, depending on the complexity.
- Visa Fees: Fees for short-stay visas typically range from 60 EUR for adults and 35 EUR for children under 12 years old. Long-stay visas may have higher fees depending on the type.
Final Notes:
To ensure the process runs smoothly, make sure to apply well in advance and gather all required documents. Portugal’s visa policies are aligned with the broader EU Schengen area guidelines, and requirements may vary slightly based on the exact nature of your visit
