Portugal

🇵🇹

Telefonvorwahl

+351

Hauptstadt

Lisbon

Bevölkerung

10 Millionen

Einheimischer Name

Portugal

Region

Europe

Southern Europe

Zeitzonen

Azores Standard Time

UTC-01:00

+2 more

Auf dieser Seite

Geld & WährungVisa-ÜbersichtVisa-ArtenWichtige HinweiseStädteBotschaften im AuslandBotschaften im Land

Portugal is a southwestern European country on the Iberian Peninsula, bordered by Spain and the Atlantic Ocean. Lisbon serves as the capital and largest city. Portugal has a population of approximately 10 million. The country has a rich maritime history as a global power during the Age of Discovery (15th-16th centuries) when Portuguese explorers including Vasco da Gama, Bartolomeu Dias, and Ferdinand Magellan pioneered sea routes to India, Brazil, Africa, and Asia, establishing a vast colonial empire. This heritage is evident in Manueline architecture, maritime monuments, and cultural influences shared with former colonies (Brazil, Mozambique, Angola). Portugal is the oldest nation-state in Europe with borders essentially unchanged since 1297. The 20th century saw dictatorship under Salazar (1932-1974) ended by the peaceful Carnation Revolution (1974), democratic transition, and EU membership (1986, euro adoption 2002). Modern Portugal is renowned for historic cities (Lisbon with hilly streets and iconic trams, Porto with port wine cellars and Ribeira waterfront), Atlantic beaches and surfing (Nazaré giant waves, Algarve golden beaches, Ericeira surf reserve), UNESCO World Heritage Sites (16 total including Sintra palaces, Belém monuments, Douro Valley, Évora), world-class wine regions (Port, Douro, Alentejo, Vinho Verde), distinctive Fado music (melancholic Portuguese soul), exceptional cuisine (seafood, pastéis de nata custard tarts, bacalhau cod dishes), and over 300 days of sunshine annually. Portugal has become increasingly popular for tourism (30+ million visitors), retirement, and remote work due to affordable cost of living (compared to Western Europe), excellent climate, safety, quality of life, and accessible residence visa programs (D7 visa for passive income, Golden Visa for investment, Digital Nomad visa). Portugal is a Schengen Area member offering visa-free entry for 90 days to citizens of the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, and many other countries. The country includes mainland Portugal plus the autonomous Atlantic island regions of Azores (volcanic archipelago) and Madeira (subtropical island known as the 'Pearl of the Atlantic').

Visa Requirements for Portugal

Portugal is a member of the Schengen Area, allowing visa-free entry for citizens of approximately 60 countries including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom (post-Brexit, 90 days visa-free in 180-day period), Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and most Latin American countries for tourism and business purposes for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens have unlimited freedom of movement and residence. Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure from Schengen Area. Schengen visa-free days are cumulative across all 27 Schengen countries - travelers can stay maximum 90 days total across all Schengen countries in any 180-day period. No specific travel insurance requirement for visa-free visitors but recommended. Proof of sufficient funds and return ticket may be requested at border though rarely checked. Entry through Lisbon Portela Airport, Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, Faro Airport (Algarve), or land border with Spain. Citizens of approximately 100+ countries require Schengen visas applied through Portuguese consulates or VFS Global visa centers with standard documentation (application, passport valid 3+ months beyond stay, travel insurance minimum €30,000 coverage, proof of accommodation, financial means, return ticket, visa fee €80 adults / €40 children 6-12). Portugal follows standard Schengen visa policies. For longer stays, Portugal offers various residence visa programs that have made it popular among retirees, digital nomads, and investors: D7 visa (passive income/retirement visa for those with pensions or remote income, minimum approximately €760/month), Digital Nomad visa (for remote workers, requires employment contract or business, minimum income €3,280/month or 4x Portuguese minimum wage), and Golden Visa (residence by investment, requires real estate purchase €500,000+ or other qualifying investments). Travel to Portugal is generally very safe with low crime rates, excellent infrastructure, and well-developed tourism facilities. Portugal ranks among the safest countries globally.

Gängige Visumtypen

Schengen Visa-Free Entry (Tourism/Business)

90 days within any 180-day period across entire Schengen Area; passport valid 3+ months beyond departure required; no advance application needed; entry stamp at Schengen border; counts toward cumulative 90-day Schengen limit; proof of funds, return ticket, accommodation may be requested but rarely checked; travel insurance recommended but not required for visa-free nationals; straightforward entry; EU/EEA/Swiss citizens have unlimited freedom of movement and residence; UK citizens post-Brexit have 90-day visa-free access as third-country nationals; standard Schengen visa-free access - no extensions possible beyond 90 days without leaving Schengen Area for 90 days to reset counter.

For tourism or business for citizens of approximately 60 countries including US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and most of Latin America.

Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C)

Up to 90 days within 180-day period; apply at Portuguese consulate or VFS Global visa center in home country 15-90 days before travel; requires completed application form, passport (valid 3+ months beyond stay with 2 blank pages), recent passport photo, travel insurance (minimum €30,000 medical coverage for entire Schengen Area), proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter), flight reservations, financial proof (bank statements showing approximately €50-60/day or sponsorship letter), visa fee €80 adults / €40 children 6-12 / free for children under 6; processing typically 15 calendar days (can extend to 30-45 days); single, double, or multiple entry granted; approval allows travel throughout Schengen Area; valid for tourism, business, family visits, cultural/sports events; extensions generally not possible; standard Schengen visa process applies.

For tourism, business, or visits for citizens of countries requiring visas (approximately 100+ countries including China, India, Russia, and most African countries).

D7 Visa (Passive Income / Retirement Visa)

1 year initially, renewable for 2-year periods; pathway to permanent residence after 5 years and citizenship after 5 years of legal residence (with basic Portuguese language proficiency A2 level); requires proof of stable passive income or pension (minimum approximately €760/month for single applicant, €380/month per additional family member - amounts based on Portuguese minimum wage and updated annually); acceptable income sources include pensions, rental income, dividends, remote employment (salary from foreign employer), freelancing; application through Portuguese consulate before travel; documents include proof of income (pension statements, rental agreements, employment contracts, bank statements showing 12+ months income), Portuguese bank account with deposited funds (approximately 12 months of income, €9,000-10,000+), health insurance, criminal record certificate (apostilled), accommodation proof in Portugal (rental agreement or property ownership), application forms, visa fee €80-90; processing 2-4 months; approval grants 4-month entry visa to finalize residence permit in Portugal; after arrival, apply for residence card (valid 2 years, renewable); allows legal residence, work (though intended for passive income), access to healthcare, and freedom to travel Schengen; extremely popular among American, British, and other retirees/digital nomads due to affordable cost of living ($1,500-2,500/month comfortable lifestyle), excellent climate, safety, quality healthcare; no minimum stay requirements initially (later permanent residence requires physical presence); Algarve, Lisbon, Porto, and Silver Coast popular areas for D7 visa holders.

Long-stay residence visa for retirees, pensioners, and individuals with passive income (rental, investments, remote work), extremely popular program.

Golden Visa (Residence by Investment)

1 year initially, renewable for 2-year periods; pathway to permanent residence after 5 years and citizenship after 5 years (Portuguese language A2 proficiency required); requires qualifying investment: real estate purchase minimum €500,000 (or €400,000 in low-density areas, or €280,000 for properties over 30 years requiring renovation), capital transfer €1.5 million, job creation (10+ positions), or investment in funds €500,000; application after investment completed; documents include proof of investment, criminal record (apostilled), health insurance, Portuguese tax number (NIF), proof of legal fund source, application fee (~€5,000-6,000); processing 6-12 months; minimal stay requirements (7 days first year, 14 days subsequent two-year periods) - can maintain residence while living elsewhere; allows travel throughout Schengen, access to Portuguese healthcare and education, work authorization, and family reunification (spouse and children included); popular among wealthy Chinese, Brazilian, and American investors; real estate investment restrictions implemented 2023 (banned in Lisbon, Porto, coastal areas - allowed in interior) to address housing affordability; alternative investment routes (funds, job creation) remain available; professional legal advice essential for Golden Visa applications.

Residence permit for non-EU investors making qualifying investments in Portugal, pathway to EU residence.

Important Travel Information

Lisbon Charm and Historic Trams: Lisbon, Portugal's capital, is built on seven hills overlooking the Tagus River estuary, creating dramatic vistas, steep cobblestone streets, and the need for the city's iconic yellow historic trams. Tram 28 is legendary - a vintage 1930s tram that climbs and descends Lisbon's steepest hills, rattling through narrow streets barely wider than the tram itself, passing major sights including Alfama (oldest neighborhood with Moorish influences, Fado houses, São Jorge Castle), Baixa (downtown grid rebuilt after 1755 earthquake), and Estrela (basilica and gardens). The 40-minute route is both practical transport and tourist experience ($3 single ride, $6.50 day pass). However, it's extremely crowded with tourists and pickpocketing hotspot - ride early morning (before 9am) or late afternoon, secure valuables. Elevador da Bica and Elevador da Glória are funicular trams climbing hills. Other essential Lisbon experiences include Belém district (UNESCO sites - Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, Monument to Discoveries, and original Pastéis de Belém bakery selling 20,000+ custard tarts daily since 1837), Alfama's winding alleys and Fado music venues (traditional melancholic Portuguese music, UNESCO Intangible Heritage - dinner with Fado performance $40-80), viewpoint miradouros (Portas do Sol, Senhora do Monte offering panoramic city views), Time Out Market (gourmet food hall), LX Factory (creative district in converted factory), and nightlife in Bairro Alto. Lisbon has mild year-round climate (15-28°C / 59-82°F), affordable dining ($8-15 for meals), excellent coffee culture, and safe tourism environment. Budget 3-4 days minimum.

Porto and Port Wine Heritage: Porto (also Oporto) is Portugal's second-largest city, located in the north where the Douro River meets the Atlantic. The historic Ribeira district along the riverfront features colorful buildings cascading down hillsides, medieval alleys, and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge (double-deck iron bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel's student, connecting Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia). Porto is synonymous with port wine - the fortified sweet wine aged in cellars (caves) across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia. Major port houses (Taylor's, Sandeman, Graham's, Ferreira, Cálem) offer tours and tastings ($15-25 including cellar tour, history, and 2-4 port samples - tawny, ruby, vintage, white varieties). Port wine's unique production involves adding grape spirit during fermentation to stop fermentation and retain sweetness, then aging in oak barrels for years. UNESCO-listed Douro Valley (2 hours inland) is where port grapes are grown on terraced vineyards along the Douro River - boat cruises ($60-100/day) or train rides (Linha do Douro, one of Europe's most scenic routes) explore the valley with wine estates offering tastings and lunch. Porto's other attractions include Livraria Lello (one of world's most beautiful bookshops, €5 entry redeemable with purchase), São Bento railway station (azulejo tile murals), Clérigos Tower (panoramic views after 225-step climb), and Majestic Café (belle époque café). Porto has cooler, rainier climate than Lisbon (winters 8-14°C / 46-57°F, summers 18-25°C / 64-77°F). Food scene excellent - francesinhas (Porto's caloric sandwich with meats, melted cheese, beer sauce), seafood, donut-like pastries. Budget 2-3 days. Gateway to northern Portugal including Braga, Guimarães (birthplace of Portugal), and Douro Valley.

Algarve Beaches and Golden Coast: The Algarve is Portugal's southernmost region along the Atlantic coast, famous for dramatic golden limestone cliffs, hidden coves, sandy beaches, year-round mild climate (300+ days sunshine, winter 12-18°C / 54-64°F, summer 25-30°C / 77-86°F), and developed tourism infrastructure. The region attracts 7+ million visitors annually and is popular with British, German, and Irish tourists and retirees. Key areas include: Lagos (historic town with stunning beaches - Praia Dona Ana with orange cliffs, Ponta da Piedade rock formations accessible by boat tours $15-25 or kayak), Albufeira (largest resort town, long beaches, lively nightlife, family-friendly), Tavira (charming historic town, less developed, authentic Portuguese character), and Sagres (westernmost point of Europe, dramatic clifftops, surfing, laid-back vibe). Activities include beach time (water temperature 16-18°C / 61-64°F in summer, swimmable June-September), boat tours to sea caves and grottoes, dolphin watching, golfing (world-class golf courses, 40+ courses, green fees €80-200), water sports, coastal hiking (Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, Ponta da Piedade coastal walk), and exploring whitewashed fishing villages. Algarve offers all-inclusive resorts, boutique hotels, and villa rentals ($60-300+/night). Faro serves as gateway airport (direct flights from UK, Germany, Netherlands). The region can feel over-touristed in summer (July-August) with package tour crowds - shoulder seasons (April-June, September-October) offer better value and pleasant weather. Costa Vicentina (western Algarve coast) is more rugged, less developed, and popular for surfing. Overall, Algarve provides classic beach resort experience with Portuguese character, excellent seafood restaurants, and value compared to Mediterranean alternatives.

Städte mit Vertretungen

Wo dieses Land Botschaften oder Konsulate unterhält

Lisbon
Vertretungen vor Ort

Ausländische Vertretungen in Portugal

Diese Botschaften und Konsulate haben ihren Sitz in diesem Land. Wähle eine Vertretung, um Details und Kontaktinformationen zu öffnen.

Deutschland

Portugal

Lisbon
Vertretung öffnen
Österreich

Portugal

LisbonFunchalPorchesPorto
Vertretung öffnen
Schweiz

Portugal

LisbonPorto
Vertretung öffnen
USA

Portugal

Lisbon
Vertretung öffnen

Planning your Portugal adventure?

Check visa requirements