Wayne E. Says:
My wife and I are planning a three-month scouting trip through Portugal this summer. How will this work in terms of visas?
IL Contributor Tricia Pimental Says:
As a visitor from the U.S. or Canada with a valid passport, you’re permitted to remain in Portugal for 90 days without obtaining a visa.
Two important points to note:
- Your passport must be valid for the entire length of your stay.
- Remember that 90 days is not the same as three months.
Don’t plan, for instance, to stay for June, July, and August, because those extra days in the latter two months could cause you trouble.
Those wishing to stay longer than 90 days (up to one year) are required to obtain a Temporary Stay National Visa. These are granted for a variety of purposes, including work, study, medical treatment, religious purposes, etc.
If you’re planning to spend longer than that, you’ll need a Long Stay National Visa, of which there are several. The most common is the D7, often referred to as the Retirement or Passive Income Visa. This visa is renewable and puts you onto the path of citizenship, if that’s something you might consider down the line.
For more information about visas and residency in Portugal, read Chapter 5 of IL’s Escape to Portugal book, available on the IL Bookstore here. We also offer suggested itineraries, which you can use to plan your scouting trip in detail. You can find them here.
You’ve chosen a marvellous destination to scout this summer. Boa viagem!
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