Portugal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that the standard national visa processing fee stands at €110 for most applicants in 2026. However, the Portuguese government has identified five categories of foreign nationals who qualify for a complete exemption from the visa fee. This move appears designed to ease access for vulnerable individuals and those contributing to the country's academic or scientific sectors.
The exemptions cover a range of applicants, including children below the age of six, who are fully exempt from the €110 processing fee. Descendants of citizens holding a Portuguese residency permit are also exempt, provided they are applying under family reunification provisions. This exemption aims to facilitate family reunification for Portuguese residents.
Foreign nationals awarded a study scholarship by the Portuguese government qualify for a third exemption. This move is likely to encourage more international students to pursue their studies in Portugal. Individuals travelling to Portugal for highly qualified research activity, whether on a residency or temporary stay basis, are similarly not required to pay the standard fee.
The fifth exemption covers patients and their accompanying persons travelling under Cooperation Agreements in the Field of Health with Portugal. This exemption is expected to facilitate medical tourism and cooperation in the healthcare sector. Portugal's visa authority has published these exemptions to clarify the eligibility criteria for foreign nationals.
Beyond the fee structure, Portugal provides two broad categories of long-stay visas for foreign nationals. The first covers temporary stays, permitting entry and residence in Portugal for a period of less than one year. These visas remain valid for the full duration of the stay and allow multiple entries into the country.
The second category is the residency authorisation visa, designed for individuals intending to remain in Portugal for longer periods. Both visa types accommodate a variety of purposes, including study, internships, employment, and medical treatment. Portugal has also introduced a dedicated visa for foreign citizens who wish to enter the country specifically in search of employment.
Earlier, Portugal had listed 10 countries whose citizens qualify for its Youth Mobility visa, including Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, New Zealand, Peru, Republic of Korea, United States of America, and Uruguay. This visa programme aims to promote cultural exchange and mobility between Portugal and these countries.
Key points
- Portugal exempts five categories of foreigners from the €110 national visa processing fee.
- The exemptions cover children, descendants of Portuguese residents, scholarship recipients, researchers, and patients under healthcare cooperation agreements.
- Portugal offers two broad categories of long-stay visas for temporary stays and residency authorisation.
