Portugal Tourist Visa from Dubai

In order to visit Portugal, you will need a 90-day short-term visa. The Schengen visa is another name for the Portugal visit visa. The Schengen visa is valid in all European countries that are part of the Schengen agreement. The Schengen Agreement includes Portugal as one of the nations.

 

Documents Required for Portugal Visit Visa

• Passport (issued within last 10 years; 3+ months validity after departure; 2 blank pages)
• UAE residence permit/card
• Completed Schengen application form and compliant photos
• Travel itinerary and accommodation proof (hotel/host)
• Travel medical insurance covering at least €30,000
• Proof of funds (bank statements, salary slips)
• Employment evidence (NOC/leave approval) or proof of self‑employment/studies
• Any additional documents requested by the consulate for your purpose of travel

 

Step-by-Step Process for a Portugal Schengen Visa (from UAE)

Step 1 — Choose your visa type
Decide on the purpose of your short-stay Schengen visa (Type C), such as tourism, business, family/friends visit, or transit. This visa allows you to stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Step 2 — Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents:

• Passport (issued within the last 10 years, valid at least 3 months after departure from Schengen, with 2 blank pages)
• Valid UAE residence visa/card
• Completed application form and recent photos (per Schengen specifications)
• Travel medical insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000
• Proof of funds (bank statements, salary slips)
• Travel itinerary and accommodation proof
• If applying for a business visa: invitation letter from the Portuguese company and a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from your UAE employer

(Authorities may request additional documents depending on your case.)

Step 3 — Complete the Schengen application form
Fill in the Portugal Schengen visa application form carefully. Cross-check the official checklist to ensure all supporting evidence matches your travel purpose.

Step 4 — Book your VFS appointment (Dubai or Abu Dhabi)
Visa applications from UAE residents must be submitted at VFS Global centres in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Appointments must be booked in advance.

Step 5 — Attend appointment & give biometrics
Visit the VFS centre on your appointment date with all required documents. During submission, you will provide fingerprints and a digital photo. If your Schengen biometrics were recorded within the last 59 months and are still valid, you may be exempt from re-enrolment.

Step 6 — Pay visa fee in AED + service charges
The Schengen visa fee is set in euros (€90 for adults, €45 for children aged 6–11, free for children under 6) but is paid in AED at the VFS centre. A separate VFS service charge also applies.

Step 7 — Track your application & collect your passport
After submission, your application is transferred to the Portuguese Embassy/Consulate for processing. You can track progress online using the VFS reference number. Once a decision is made, you can collect your passport from VFS or opt for courier delivery if available.

Portugal Schengen Visa Fees (from UAE)

The Schengen visa fee is set in euros by the European Union, but applicants in the UAE must pay in AED at VFS Global centres. A mandatory VFS service fee also applies. Fees are non-refundable, even if the application is refused.

Fee Component	Official Amount (EUR)	Indicative AED
Schengen visa (adult, 12+ yrs)	€ 90	~AED 355–365
Schengen visa (child 6–11 yrs)	€ 45	~AED 175–185
Children under 6	€ 0	AED 0
VFS service fee	Applies	Collected in AED

 

Processing Time for a Portugal Tourist Visa

Stage	What to Expect
Standard timeline	Around 15 calendar days after the Embassy/Consulate receives your application.
Peak seasons / additional checks	May extend up to 45 calendar days under the Schengen Visa Code. Applicants are advised to apply well in advance (up to 6 months before travel, or 9 months for seafarers).

 

Why are Portugal visas rejected — and how can I avoid rejection?

Common refusal reasons include:

• Incomplete or inconsistent documentation
• Insufficient proof of financial means
• Unclear travel purpose or itinerary
• Invalid or inadequate travel insurance
• Concerns about intention to return after the visit

How to avoid rejection:

• Follow the official checklist carefully
• Ensure all dates and details match across flights, hotels, invitations, and forms
• Provide recent and sufficient financial evidence (bank statements, salary slips)
• Demonstrate strong ties to the UAE such as employment, family, or property
• If refused, check the decision letter for reasons and appeal options, or reapply with corrected evidence