Explore Portugal with This Complete Visa Guide for Travelers from Saudi Arabia

Traveling to a country like Portugal can be overwhelming, as it offers travelers an enriching experience. However, you cannot enter the country as per your wish. Securing a Portugal visa from Saudi Arabia should be your priority.

As a result, it offers access to the Schengen Zone, which requires applicants to manage their regional logistics and document criteria, including Iqama validity and bank statements.

Portugal would be an ideal place to spend your holidays. Why? It presents a mixture of stunning places, rich history, and lively culture. You can plan different activities in Portugal, such as vacations, a business trip, or a dream to study abroad. Hence, securing the right visa with great purpose is a crucial step.

Therefore, this guide will help you get through the process of obtaining a Portugal visa from Saudi Arabia. Moreover, it also provides valuable insights and tips to ensure a smooth visa application process. The article will shed light on the process of obtaining tourist or long-term residency visas, along with the appointment requirements in Jeddah, Riyadh, or Khobar.

Discovering Portugal As A Gateway to Europe

According to the map, Portugal is located on the Iberian Peninsula, often referred to as a gem of Southwestern Europe. It is famous for its beautiful coastline, delicious food, and historic cities like Lisbon and Porto. Other than that, a Mediterranean climate, vibrant culture, and rich maritime history also make Portugal popular in the Schengen Region.

Hence, Portugal offers both old-world charm and modern-day attractions. Additionally, it is an ideal place for travelers because the people here are welcoming and the climate is mild.

Key facts

• The capital of the country is Lisbon
• Portuguese is the official language of Portugal, with a widely spoken international language, English.
• The Euro is the national currency of this Schengen state.
• Almost 10.4 million people live in Portugal.
• Surprisingly, this country only shares its land border with Spain to the east and north.

Benefits of Visiting Portugal

The simple breakdown of the benefits of visiting Portugal is as follows: 

Schengen Zone Access

Portugal is one of the member states of the Schengen Zone. Hence, its visa allows travelers to move freely within the entire Schengen Area. It consists of 29 countries, which means that travellers are free to explore all these states with one visa. However, the nearest and neighboring countries that travelers can easily explore are Spain, France, and Italy, without any additional requirements. The names of the Schengen states are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Rich Cultural Heritage

Many old buildings and cities in Portugal tell the story of the country’s long history. Interestingly, the country is home to almost 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with 16 cultural landmarks and 1 natural wonder. These historic locations are located on mainland Portugal and its autonomous island regions.

Moreover, sites like the Monastery of Batalha, the historic center of Porto, Monastery of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belém in Lisbon, Cultural Landscape of Sintra, Royal Building of Mafra, Convent of Christ in Tomar, Monastery of Alcobaça, University of Coimbra (Alta and Sofia), Historic Centre of Évora, Garrison Border Town of Elvas and its Fortifications, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar, Historic Centre of Guimarães, Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga, Alto Douro Wine Region, Prehistoric Rock Art Sites in the Côa Valley and Siega Verde, Central Zone of the Town of Angra do Heroísmo in the Azores, Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture, and Laurisilva of Madeira are part of UNESCO. 

Beautiful view

Portugal is famous for its breathtaking beauty too. Therefore, visiting the country is on many travelers’ bucket lists. The country has some marvelous places to show, such as the golden beaches of the Algarve with clear water and the lush vineyards of the Douro Valley.

In addition, the diverse landscapes of Portugal are packed into a small area, with a division into distinct regions.

• Northern Portugal is home to rugged mountains, the historic city of Porto, and the Douro Valley vineyards.
• Sandy coastlines, historic villages, and the Serra da Estrela mountain range characterize Central Portugal.
• The Lisbon Region of the country is a bustling area with historic neighborhoods like Alfama and modern Atlantic beaches.
• Alentejo is a vast and sun-drenched region famous for its cork oak trees, towns like Évora, and rolling plains.
• The southernmost region is Algarve, which is internationally renowned for its golden beaches, golf resorts, and dramatic limestone cliffs.
• Lastly, the islands or the volcanic archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira are located in the Atlantic Ocean.

Great Weather

The country enjoys a Mediterranean climate, which includes mild winters and hot summers. Hence, travelers can enjoy good sunshine in the Algarve. Moreover, the country is heaven for beach lovers. 

Old Meets New: Portugal’s Friendly Environment

The country is known for its hospitality and welcoming nature of the people. Hence, travelers can enjoy both local traditions and festivals, whether in the big cities of Portugal or in the villages. Additionally, cities like Lisbon are a mixture of old buildings with modern cafes and art galleries, giving visitors a taste of both history and modern life.

In Western Europe, Portugal is often considered one of the most affordable destinations. The reasons are as follows:

• It is said that dining in Portugal is like a treat without breaking the bank. Because the traditional Portuguese restaurants offer tasty meals at reasonable prices. And if you visit a restaurant that is not at tourist points, you will get served tasty meals. Thus, you can enjoy local meals, such as grilled fish, hearty stews, and pastries.
• There are many activities that travelers can enjoy for free in Portugal, which include visiting museums, historic sites, and natural parks, as these places offer affordable or free admission. Therefore, making it easy for travelers to experience the country’s rich culture and beautiful places without high costs.
• If you want to find local goods at fair prices, you can visit the local markets and shops, which offer a variety of items ranging from homemade crafts to traditional products like textiles.

What is a Portugal Visa from Saudi Arabia?

A Portugal visa from Saudi Arabia is a mandatory travel authorization or official permit required for Saudi citizens and other foreign expatriates (Iqama holders) living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to enter Portugal. Without a visa, you cannot travel to the destination country because Saudi Arabia is not on the list of visa-free countries.

Moreover, Portugal is a part of the European Union and the Schengen Zone. So, a short-stay visa granted by the authorities of Portugal will allow the holder to visit the rest of the 29 Schengen member states.

Note: Visa applications from Saudi Arabia are managed by the official outsourcing partner, VFS Global Portugal in Saudi Arabia. However, the final decision is made by the Embassy of Portugal in Riyadh.

Can I travel to Portugal on a visa-on-arrival or an eVisa as a Saudi citizen?

Unfortunately, no. Portugal does not offer a visa-on-arrival or an eVisa for travelers coming from Saudi Arabia. Thus, it is necessary to obtain a paper or physical visa sticker using the conventional embassy application method.

However, if you have dual citizenship, i.e., hold a passport from a visa-exempt country (the USA, Canada, Japan, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand) alongside your Saudi nationality, you can enter Portugal without a visa for up to 90 days.

Another instance for visa-free entry to Portugal is holding a valid residence permit or long-term visa from any other EU/Schengen nation. In such a case, you are allowed free transit directly into Portugal.

Important: As a Saudi national, if you hold diplomatic and special passports, you can travel directly to Portugal visa-free. This is because of the formal bilateral agreement between Saudi Arabia and Portugal. This does not apply to standard passport holders.

Types of Portugal Visas for the Citizens of Saudi Arabia

To start the application process, it is important to first understand the different types of visas available to travel to Portugal. Since Portugal belongs to the Schengen Area, there are several visa categories that you can choose from based on the purpose of your visit and the duration of your stay in the target country.

Take a look at the following points. The three major visa categories are classified depending on the stay duration, whereas the subclasses are categorized according to the purpose of your trip.

Airport transit visa

An airport transit or Type A visa is usually required to pass through the transit area of the Portuguese international airport while traveling to a non-Schengen country, even though you do not enter the state.

However, surprisingly, Saudi citizens do not need a Type A visa to pass through the Portuguese airport. They have to make sure that they remain within the international transit area and that their layover is less than 24 hours.

Why is this the case?

Because Saudi Arabia is not on the European Union’s uniform list of nationalities required to hold an airport transit visa.

When do you not need a visa?

You can transit through the Portuguese airport visa-free if you meet the following criteria.

1. If you arrive from a non-Schengen country and fly out to a non-Schengen destination.
2. You remain within the international transit lounge, do not pick up or re-check bags, or do not pass through passport control.
3. Portugal is your only transit spot inside the Schengen Area.

Schengen visa

Apart from the above, a Schengen visa is another short-stay visa category that allows the holder to stay in Portugal for almost 90 days. It has a validity duration of one hundred and eighty days or six months. You can visit the country for purposes including tourism, business, or private visits.

Please note that this is alternatively known as a Type C or short-term visa, which is rarely extended unless in a critical situation. For instance, humanitarian reasons, force majeure, or medical purposes.

So, instead of overstaying or facing legal consequences, it is better to return home and then apply for a new visa. The following are some of the common subtypes of this category.

• Tourist visa: It is typically used for leisure travel, holidays, and sightseeing. Moreover, it requires confirmed hotel bookings and round-trip flight itineraries.
• Business visa: A business visa allows Saudi nationals to attend corporate meetings, trade fairs, or commercial training in Portugal. Make sure that you have an official invitation letter from a registered Portuguese company.
• Private visit visa: This visa is for visiting family or friends who reside legally in Portugal. Submit an officially certified Termo de Responsabilidade (Term of Responsibility) signed by your host in Portugal.

National visa

This is the third major visa category known as a National or Type D visa. You can apply for this visa type if you are planning to stay in Portugal for more than 90 days or three months. Generally, it stays valid for up to six months or one year, depending on the duration of the contract or the chosen educational program.

After that period, you can still extend your long-stay visa by visiting the local police station in Portugal or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Furthermore, this visa grants entry to Portugal so you can collect a formal residence permit from immigration authorities.

Let’s take a look at the following subclasses of a Type D visa.

• Work visa (D1): An employment or work visa is for those individuals who have secured a formal, long-term employment contract with a Portuguese employer. This visa only grants you entry; if you want to legally work there, you need a work permit filed by the employer on your behalf after providing evidence that no local or native employee is available to fill the job position.
• Student visa (D4): Saudi Arabian citizens can travel to Portugal for academic pursuits, including university degrees, exchange programs, or long-term research by applying for a student visa. It requires a formal university acceptance letter.
• Family reunion visa (D6): This visa is for immediate family members (spouses, children, dependent parents) of a legal resident currently living in Portugal. You are required to submit a pre-approval form from the Portuguese migration agency.

Legal Requirements for a Portugal Visa from Saudi Arabia

To get a Portugal visa from Saudi Arabia, applicants are required to fulfill certain legal requirements to show their eligibility. Among them, one essential requirement is to submit mandatory and supporting documents depending on the selected visa type and the purpose of your trip to the host country.

For this purpose, go through the following section to recheck the visa document checklist.

Visa Application Form

A visa application form is required to be submitted at the embassy or the consulate after filling it out correctly. The purpose of this document is to disclose all the required information. For instance, the form usually has four sections, requiring you to provide details related to your personal data, travel, and accommodation plans. At the end, you are supposed to date and sign the form for authenticity.

You can download the visa application form from the official website of VFS Global. Providing incorrect information or leaving any field empty will result in immediate visa rejection. If you are unsure about the answer, feel free to reach the help desk of VFS Global.

Passport

Another vital requirement for a Portugal visa from Saudi Arabia is a valid passport. It is known as the most universally acknowledged travel document that you need to apply for a visa.

To ensure that your passport is valid, check the following few requirements.

1. Firstly, analyze the condition of your passport and make sure that it is in good condition. If it is damaged, about to expire, or has signs of wear/tear, renew it before starting the application process.
2. Secondly, check the availability of blank pages at the end of the passport. A passport must have two empty pages at the end to affix new visa stamps.
3. Furthermore, it should not be older than the last ten years.
4. Lastly, it is important to ensure that your passport has a validity of at least six months beyond your departure from the destination country.

Photographs

Saudi nationals need to submit two identical passport-size photographs to the Portuguese authorities. These pictures act as means of identification and verification.

So, make sure that they are according to the following Schengen visa photo guidelines.

• The dimensions of the picture should be 35*45mm.
• Also, the background color of the photographs must be white or plain.
• The photos should be identical and not older than the last three to six months.
• Almost 70-80% of the face and shoulders must be covered in the photo.
• Avoid wearing any headgear or accessories except for religious purposes.
• The visa photographs must be of HD quality, colored print, and matte finish.

Proof of Flight Reservations

A flight itinerary discloses your travel plans to the destination country. One of the most essential parts of the itinerary is your flight bookings. So, make sure to choose reputed airlines to reserve your flight.

Usually, applicants are required to provide the complete details of the flight, including the flight number and the booking details, along with the time and date of departure and arrival from the destination country. Other than that, a flight reservation document mentions the luggage weight, the destination country name, 6-digit PNR (passenger name record), IATA codes, etc.

It is important to inform the applicants that a flight reservation is different from the flight ticket. Buying a flight requires payment to be made immediately, while flight reservations provide time for the applicants to rethink their travel plans. Get flight reservation for visa, as it can also be made online without any payment. These reservations are valid for the visa application process. As a result, they will help you avoid spending thousands of dollars without a guarantee of visa approval.

Hotel Accommodations

Providing proof of your stay is one of the fundamental requirements of the visa application process. This will help you prove that you have arranged a place to stay in the destination state. Therefore, as a traveler from Saudi Arabia, you can provide your accommodation details in the following forms, such as:

• Hotel booking for visa application​
• Hostel reservations in case you are traveling to Portugal on a student visa
• Rental agreement for an apartment or house if you want to live alone in a private property
• Letter of invitation from a host in the destination country demonstrating that they will be responsible for arranging a place for your stay

Once a facility is chosen, ensure that the document contains information related to the name, address, and contact details of the place. Moreover, include the reservation ID, booking number, travel dates, and check-in & check-out times.

Travel Health Insurance

Traveling to a Schengen country requires you to have an authentic travel health insurance policy of at least €30,000. Moreover, make sure that your policy provides you with coverage for your complete stay in the Schengen Area.

The most important element to consider while buying a travel health insurance policy is to make sure that it is valid in the destination country. Hence, it’s better to choose an authentic and well-reputed buyer for your health insurance, such as SFRV Travels. The key aspects of a travel insurance visa application policy are:

Coverage for Medical Expenses

• Accident 
• Surgery 
• Doctor Visits
• Hospitalization
• Medications
• Death 
• Evacuation
• Repatriation

Coverage for travel expenses

• Luggage loss
• Flight cancellation
• Passport loss 

Why You Need Travel Health Insurance

• Peace of Mind
• Cost Saving
• Mandatory for Visas

Choosing the Right Policy

There are a few things that applicants should consider while choosing a travel health insurance policy: 

• Coverage Limits
• Exclusions
• Duration
• Reputable Provider

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a supporting document that accompanies the rest of the paperwork when applying for a visa. This document contains information related to the purpose of your trip, travel dates & itinerary, your intention to travel back to your home country, etc.

It also includes attached documents for hotel reservations and flight bookings to help the embassy know vital travel details. As a result, it increases the credibility of your visa application and enhances the approval chances.

Cover Letter for Visa

A cover letter for a visa is a document that allows you to introduce yourself to the embassy officials and disclose the reasons for traveling to the target country. Besides, writing a cover letter is also a good method to communicate with the visa officer.

How can you get a good cover letter?

To get a well-crafted and professional cover letter for your visa application, you can visit coverletterforvisa.com. This will help save you time in meeting the technicalities of writing a cover letter.

Follow the steps discussed below to get your document in no time.

• Firstly, make sure to choose the visa type depending on the purpose of your trip to the host country.
• Then, fill out the form by including all the essential details, such as the name of the target country’s embassy, your home country, the travel dates, the duration of your stay, etc.
• Next, pay the specific amount, and you will get your cover letter via email shortly.

Proof of Financial Stability

Proof of finances is required to show that the traveler has enough or sufficient funds to support their travel plans. The purpose of providing this document is to make sure that the applicant can manage their food, transportation, and living expenses during their stay in the destination country.

Moreover, financial evidence can be provided in the form of bank statements, employment letters, or sponsorship letters.

• For instance, your bank statement should be stamped, demonstrating enough transactions over the period. Avoid depositing a lump sum right before starting the visa process.
• Depending on your employment status, you need to submit an official salary certificate from your Saudi employer, stamped by the Chamber of Commerce.
• Other than that, income tax return slips (ITRs) from the past 2-3 years can also be attached with the rest of the visa essentials.
• If a Portuguese host is inviting you to Portugal, they must submit a letter of sponsorship, along with their residence permit and bank statement.

Proof of residency for Saudi expats

If you are a Saudi expatriate living in the country with a third-world country nationality, you need to provide a valid Iqama and a valid Saudi exit/re-entry visa to proceed with the application process.

What other documents are required for a Portugal Visa from Saudi Arabia?

The documents discussed above must be submitted with every visa application, regardless of the chosen visa type. However, the other set of documents is supposed to be selected based on the purpose of the visit to the target state.

For instance, go through the following section.

Tourist visa

A short-stay tourist visa requires you to have the following additional documents.

• Proof of return or round-trip flight booking
• Hotel booking or rental agreement for the entire duration of stay
• A detailed travel itinerary

Visit visa

For a private visit visa to friends or family members, bring the following essentials.

• An official invitation letter signed by the host in Portugal detailing the details of the trip.
• A copy of the host ID/passport or a valid Portuguese residence permit.
• An official Portuguese statement of responsibility (AIMA Model 4 form) if the host is financing your trip.

Business visa

If traveling to Portugal on a business visa, carry the documents below.

• An official invitation letter from the host company or event organizer detailing the purpose and duration of the business meetings or conference.
• A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current employer
• In case you are a business owner, a copy of the Saudi valid trade license translated into English is required.

Student visa

For a Portuguese student visa, you need to have:

• Letter of acceptance from the authorized university or educational institution in Portugal.
• Proof of accommodation or housing agreement, e.g., campus residence booking.
• Also, Saudi students need to provide proof of tuition fee payment confirming that the university enrollment fees are paid.
• A legalized and translated police clearance certificate (PCC) covering the last 5 years should be submitted.
• Lastly, if you are a minor below 18 years old, you need to submit a formally signed parental consent letter.

Work visa

A long-stay work visa makes it mandatory for you to submit the following documents.

• A valid employment/work contract or a formal company letter of invitation from a potential employer registered in Portugal.
• Proof of clearance or work declaration issued by the competent Portuguese employment authorities, such as IEFP or AIMA.
• Proof of professional qualifications including diplomas or certificates relevant to the job and translated into English or Portuguese.

Family reunion visa

In the end, a family reunion visa requires you to submit the following documents.

• AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migrations and Asylum) approval notice or an official letter in Portugal approving the family reunification. Make sure to submit it within 90 days of issuance.
• Another requirement is the sponsor’s documents, including a residence permit, proof of income, housing contract.
• Civil certificates, including legally translated and attested marriage and birth certificates, proving family ties.
• A clean criminal record or PCC is required for all applicants over the age of 16.

Where to Apply for a Portugal Visa from Saudi Arabia?

Usually, Schengen countries require applicants to submit their applications to the designated diplomatic missions, including an embassy or consulate. Additionally, third-party visa application centers can also help you during the visa application process.

In this case, you can either visit the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in Saudi Arabia to officially initiate the process. However, the ideal approach is to visit the VFS Global Portuguese Visa Application Center in Saudi cities, such as Riyadh and Jeddah.

Look at the following information.

VFS Global Visa Application Centers

The official visa service provider for a Portugal visa in Saudi Arabia is VFS Global. Hence, applicants can apply at any of the VFS centers in Saudi Arabia. The three major VFS centers for Portugal visas are Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. The contact details and locations of these three are as follows. 

 1. VFS Global – Riyadh

• Address: Dove Plaza, Umm Al Hammam Street, Umm Al Hammam, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
• Phone: +966 9200 03042

2. VFS Global – Jeddah

• Address: Al-Hada Tower, 6th Floor, King Abdullah Road, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
• Phone: +966 9200 03042

3. VFS Global – Dammam

• Address: First floor, Lulu Mall – Dammam, 6929 – Eighteenth-Al-Adhamah District, Dammam 32242-3544, Saudi Arabia.
• Phone: +966 11 520 4892

Step-by-Step Process To Apply for a Portugal Visa from Saudi Arabia Through VFS Global

As discussed earlier, the application process through VFS Global is the easiest method to obtain a visa. Therefore, the following guide will focus on how you can apply for a Portugal visa from Saudi Arabia through the website of the VFS Global visa application center (VAC).

Determine the countries

After searching VFS Global on Google and landing on the home page, you need to identify the home and destination countries. For this purpose, write Saudi Arabia and Portugal respectively. Then, hit ‘take me to the website’ to proceed. Once a new page is visible, click ‘start’ to initiate the process, and the next page will guide you through a step-by-step process.

Identify visa type

The second step requires you to choose the right visa for your trip according to your purpose of visit. Since there are multiple subcategories for a Schengen and National visa, ensure to select the right one keeping in mind the visit purpose.

For more details, you can visit the visa types section given above.

Begin your application

Then, click on the next step to begin your application. After selecting a visa type based on the purpose of your visit, you need to download and print the visa application form.

Please note that the requirements vary by visa category. That is the reason you need to go through each section carefully. For a Type C visa, you need to get a Schengen visa application form. Besides, fill out a National visa application form if you are traveling to Portugal for more than 90 days.

Also, note that each page of the form must be accurately completed, along with the date and signature. Avoid typical mistakes while filling out the form that lead to rejection.

Book an appointment

Once the visa application form filling has been carried out, you can move ahead with the next step. Thus, you need to choose a Visa Application Centre and make an appointment. It is suggested to choose the nearest one according to your convenience.

For example, this can be either in Jeddah, Dammam, or Riyadh.

You need to create or log in to an account on VFS Global to schedule an appointment with the officials. Complete this step quickly because appointment slots are filled in fast. At the end, you will receive a confirmation email along with the letter of appointment.

Tip: You may only book an appointment under the correct visa category. If it turns out on the day of your appointment that you have selected the wrong visa category, then you will not be allowed to submit your visa application, and you will lose the VFS service fee that you had paid, and you will be requested to book a new appointment with the relevant visa category.

Pay your fees

Find out the amount you need to pay, as this varies based on the chosen visa category. You can pay the fee at the time of your appointment with the consulate. Remember that the visa fee is nonrefundable regardless of the visa approval or denial.

Make sure to carry equivalent cash because credit/debit card payments are not accepted.

Visit a Visa Application Centre

Attend your scheduled appointment at your nearest visa application centre. Do not forget to take all your required documents with you. This step requires you to submit your essentials along with the visa application form. Before that, ensure you have all the documents translated into English or Portuguese.

Also, provide your biometric data (fingerprints and a digital photo) and get all the necessary information. The biometric data is stored in the VIS (Visa Information System) for almost 5 years. So, in case you have traveled to any Schengen country in the last 59 months, you are not obligated for biometric enrollment.

Furthermore, the visa officials may also request you to appear for a visa interview, especially if you are traveling for the first-time. Make sure that you are prepared for this quick interview session beforehand.

Track your application

Once the above steps are completed, you can return home and wait for the processing of the application, which typically takes 20 days to 6 months, depending on the visa type.

However, stay informed about the progress of your application. You can track your visa application online, or you can keep yourself updated by reading the emails or messages from the VFS Global application status.

For online checking, you need to enter your application reference number along with the date of your birth. Hit send to get the results.

Collect your Visa

Lastly, when the processing time is over, you will get an email from the authorities telling you to collect your passport. Upon opening the folder, you will know whether your application is approved or rejected.

If approved, you can collect your stamped passport from the same center to travel to Portugal. Make sure to recheck the visa details to avoid any discrepancy.

However, if your application is rejected, you will receive a refusal letter and a right to appeal within 30 days. Besides, you can also reapply for a new visa with updated documents. You should review the letter to identify the visa rejection reason.

FAQs- Portugal Visa from Saudi Arabia

The following are some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to a Portugal visa from Saudi Arabia.

1. Can I apply for a Portugal visa directly at the Embassy of Portugal in Riyadh?

Unfortunately, no. All standard short-stay and long-stay visa applications must be submitted by appointment through VFS Global visa application centers in Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam.

2. How early should I apply for a visa before the trip?

Usually, you can apply for a Portuguese visa up to 6 months before your planned departure date. Besides, it is highly recommended to apply at least 3 to 4 weeks in advance to avoid any last-minute problems and processing delays.

3. How much money must I have in my Saudi bank account?

There is no fixed amount specified by the authorities. However, Portugal requires travelers to prove their financial sufficiency. Therefore, you need a minimum of 75 euros (322 SAR) for your entry plus 40 euros (172 SAR) for each day you plan to stay in the Schengen Zone.

4. Do citizens of Saudi Arabia need a transit visa if they are connecting through Lisbon?

Surprisingly, no. As discussed, Saudi citizens do not need an Airport Transit Visa if they stay within the international transit lounge, hold a single-ticket booking to a non-Schengen country, and transit for less than 24 hours.

5. Can I travel to France or Norway using a Schengen visa issued by Portugal?

Yes. A Portuguese Schengen visa allows you to travel across all Schengen member states without getting another visa. However, Portugal must remain your primary destination or your first point of entry into Europe.

6. How much does a Portugal visa from Saudi Arabia cost?

It depends on the visa type you are applying for, the age of the applicant, and the applicant’s nationality. For instance, a Portuguese Schengen visa fee is around 90 euros for adults over 12 and 45 euros for children between the ages of 6-12. However, minors below six are free to travel the world.

Contrary to this, a long-stay visa may cost you around 110 euros.

7. What happens if my Iqama or Saudi visa is expiring soon?

If your Iqama or Saudi exit/re-entry visa is expiring soon, you need to renew it before starting the application process. Why? Because both the residence permit and visa should be valid for at least 3 months beyond your date of return to Saudi Arabia.

8. Do children require a separate VFS appointment and visa fee?

Yes. Every traveler, including minors or infants, must have their own individual VFS appointment slots and separate application form. As stated, the visa fee for children ages 6 to 12 is less than 90 euros, i.e., 45 euros, whale minors below 6 are exempt from the government visa fee.

9. Is a police clearance certificate mandatory for a tourist visa?

Usually, a PCC (police clearance certificate) is required for Type D visa applications only. So, it’s a NO. A police clearance certificate is only mandatory for student, work, or family reunification National visas.

10. Is it permissible to submit my documents to VFS in Arabic?

No, it’s not a joke. All official documents that are issued in Arabic must be translated into English or Portuguese by a certified translation office. This includes salary certificates, business registrations, or marriage certificates.

11. Is it possible to work for a Saudi company with a Portugal digital nomad visa?

Yes. A digital nomad visa (D8) allows you to live in Portugal while working remotely for clients or employers outside of Portugal. This also includes companies in Saudi Arabia, if you meet the minimum remote income threshold.

12. How long does it take to process a Portugal visa from Saudi Arabia?

Similar to the visa fee, the processing time also depends on several factors. For instance, this includes the visa type, the workload at the embassy, or the completeness of the application. So, for a Type C visa, it may take around 15 to 20 days, but the processing time for a National visa is around 3 to 6 months.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Portugal visa from Saudi Arabia becomes a convenient way of visiting the Iberian Peninsula. However, this makes it mandatory for you to prepare for the various bureaucratic requirements, such as Iqama validity and VFS Global appointments.

The key here is preparation, which involves choosing the right visa type and gathering all the necessary certificates. With all the permissions in place, you are free to benefit from the country’s high standard of living and its well-developed infrastructure.

The document preparation has been made easy with SFRV Travels. You can smoothly get your flight reservation, hotel booking, and travel insurance from the comfort of your home.

Wait no more and embark on your journey 🙂

Looking for More?

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