Portugal Visas From Korea

Can Koreans Visit Portugal As Tourists Without a Visa?

Under the Schengen Agreement, which allows for border-free travel across many European countries, South Koreans can enjoy visa-free travel to Portugal for short stays of up to 90 days within 180 days. South Koreans, like approximately 60 other visa-exempt nations will need an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) to travel from mid-2025 onwards.

With visa-free access or ETIAS (when effective), you can visit for tourism, take a short course, attend a business meeting, or get medical treatment. If you wish to extend your stay in Portugal beyond the initial 90 days, it’s possible to apply for an extension for a total stay of up to 180 days.

However, this extension is granted at the discretion of the immigration authorities. As such, you must have a compelling reason to remain in Portugal for an extension application to be successful.

Some compelling reasons that could grant you an extended stay include further medical checks as requested by a doctor, in cases of war or natural disaster in your home country, or if you need to attend an unplanned event.

ETIAS Requirement for Korean Citizens in 2025

South Korean citizens and other visa-exempt nationals must obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before traveling to Portugal or any other Schengen Area country from mid-2025, with the transition expected to end before 2026, meaning that, as long as you meet all other entry requirements you should be allowed to enter even without an ETIAS. We strongly recommend you apply for an ETIAS when available for peace of mind.

The ETIAS is a pre-travel authorisation designed to enhance security and streamline the entry process for travellers. It allows multiple entries into the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for three years or until the passport expires.

To obtain an ETIAS before your trip to Portugal, you must fill out an online application, provide personal information, travel details, and passport information, and answer some background questions. You might also need to pay a €7 application fee.

It’s a straightforward process; you can get your authorisation in a few minutes. Once approved, the ETIAS authorisation will be electronically linked to your passport.

Portugal Visas That Korean Citizens Need to Apply For

There are three types of Portuguese visas that South Koreans must apply for if visiting Portugal for more than 90 days, and they include the following:

Job Seeker Visa

The Portuguese Job Seeker Visa is a single entry visa valid for 120 days and can be extended for an additional 60 days. This visa allows you to enter Portugal to find employment opportunities.

You can switch to a national or residence visa if you get a job within the visa’s validity period. However, if you can’t get a job after 180 days, you must return to your home country. In this case, you can reapply for the Job Seeker Visa one year after the previous visa expires.

Temporary Stay Visas

Portugal’s temporary stay visas allow you to visit the country for not more than one year. You can work, study, take an unpaid internship, and engage in a student exchange program during this period.

Depending on the specific temporary stay visa category, extending your stay beyond the initial one-year period may be possible if you meet the necessary requirements. Some examples of Portuguese temporary stay visas include the Seasonal Work Visa and the D4 Study Visa.

With a temporary visa, you won’t need to get a residence card, as the visa is valid for your duration of stay and allows multiple entries into Portugal within its validity period.

National Stay Visas

National Stay visas, also known as residency or long stay visas, allow you to live in Portugal indefinitely as long as you fulfil the conditions on your visa.

Typically, residency visas are valid for four months and allow for two entries into Portugal. During this time, you must apply for a residency permit through the Immigration and Border Services (SEF). This permit is valid for an initial two years and can be extended for an additional three years.

Some popular residency visas include the Golden Visa, Entrepreneur Visa, and Highly Qualified Professional Visa.

Portugal D1 Visa

Overview

The Portugal D1 Visa, also known as the Subordinate Worker Visa, is designed for individuals who have a job offer in Portugal.

To qualify for the D1 Visa, you must secure an employment contract from a Portuguese employer that is valid for a minimum of 12 months. Additional eligibility criteria include the following:

• Prove that the job offered was not readily available to Portuguese or EU citizens.
• Commit to residing in Portugal for at least 183 days annually.
• Ensure that your wages exceed the minimum wage requirement.

Required Documents for the D1 Visa Application

When applying for the Portuguese D1 Visa, you will need to submit the following documents:

• A completed and signed D1 visa application form.
• A valid passport.
• Two recent passport-sized photographs.
• A copy of your curriculum vitae (CV) and any other documents showcasing your professional qualifications.
• A signed employment contract.
• A letter from your Portuguese employer explaining why they chose to hire you over a Portuguese or EU citizen.
• A statement from the IEFP (Institute for Employment and Vocational Training) regarding your employment contract.
• Travel insurance coverage.
• A certificate of a clean criminal record.

D1 Visa Processing Time and Fees

The D1 visa application fee is €90. You may also need to pay other expenses, including those for notarising your documents at the consulate. The visa is typically issued within 30 to 90 days of attending the visa interview.

Portugal D2 Visa

Overview

The Portugal D2 Visa, or the Entrepreneur Visa, offers you the opportunity to establish a new business, acquire an existing Portuguese business or a share in it, or expand a business that you started in your home country.

As part of the application process, it is essential to provide a well-detailed business plan that demonstrates at least one of the following:

• You have a business investment in Portugal.
• You have the intention to invest in a business in Portugal.
• You have proof of sufficient financial resources to support your life in Portugal.

The immigration officers will carefully assess your business plan to evaluate its feasibility and potential contribution to the country’s economy. Additionally, they will verify your genuine intent to reside in Portugal before granting you a visa.

Required Documents for the D2 Visa Application

Here is a list of the essential documents required for the D2 Entrepreneur Visa application:

• A completed D2 visa application form.
• A detailed business plan
• A copy of your valid passport.
• Proof of health insurance coverage.
• Two recent coloured passport photographs.
• Evidence of accommodation arrangements in Portugal.
• A certificate of criminal record issued by the authorities in your home country.
• Documentation confirming that you have the necessary financial means to sustain yourself while residing in Portugal.
• If you plan to start a new company or invest in an existing Portuguese business, furnish bank statements demonstrating that you possess sufficient funds for your investment.
• If you’re expanding an overseas business, provide registration documents, contracts, invoices, financial reports, and bank statements related to your current enterprise.

D2 Visa Processing Time and Fees

The processing time for the Portugal D2 (Entrepreneur) Visa is approximately three months, and the visa application fee is €90.

Portugal D3 Visa

Overview

The D3 Visa, or Highly Qualified Professional Visa, is designed for exceptionally skilled professionals seeking employment in Portugal.

You are eligible to apply for this visa if you have received a job offer from a Portuguese employer for a position demanding specialised expertise or qualifications. This includes roles such as executive or director positions in management or scientific and technical roles, among others.

Besides having a job offer, you must meet the following requirements:

• Prove that you have the requisite experience, skills, and qualifications pertinent to the job specified in your employment agreement.
• Ensure that your employment contract spans a minimum of 12 months.
• Your anticipated salary should exceed the national annual gross wage by at least 1.5 times the established minimum threshold.

Required Documents for the D3 Visa Application

To apply for the Portuguese D3 Visa, you must submit the following documents to demonstrate your eligibility:

• A valid passport.
• Two recent passport photos with a plain background and in colour
• International medical insurance coverage that is valid in EU countries.
• A criminal records certificate from your home country.
• Permission for the Portuguese immigration authorities to consult your criminal record.
• A completed and signed D3 visa application form.
• Proof of suitable accommodation, which can be a rental contract or an invitation letter from a legally residing Portuguese citizen.
• Copies of your academic degrees and certificates of professional qualifications.
• Your employment contract from the Portuguese employee or organisation.

Cost and Processing Time

The D3 Highly Qualified Professional Visa application fee is €90, and the processing time is between 30 to 90 days, depending on the volume of applications at the Embassy.

Portugal Study Visas

Overview

If you intend to study in Portugal, you can either apply for a short-term D4 student visa or a long-term D5 student visa, depending on the duration of your study program.

The D4 visa is a temporary stay visa that allows you to live and study in Portugal for less than a year, while the D5 visa is a residency visa that allows you to live, study, and work in Portugal for more than one year.

To get the student visa, you must first secure admission to a Portuguese higher education institution.

Required Documents for the Portuguese Student Visas

You must submit the following documents when applying for the Portuguese study visas:

• A valid passport
• Two recent passport photographs
• A letter of acceptance from a university or place of study in Portugal that proves your enrollment
• A bank receipt confirming payment of processing fees
• Proof that you have paid your tuition fees
• A valid health insurance
• Proof of sufficient income to support yourself in Portugal
• Evidence of accommodation during your stay in Portugal, such as a rental agreement for an apartment or hostel.
• A criminal record certificate if you’re older than 16
• A completed form authorising Portuguese law enforcement authorities to conduct a criminal background check.

Cost and Processing Time for the Portugal Study Visas

The D5 long-term visa fee is €90, while the D4 short-term visa costs €75. Keep in mind that you must also pay the tuition fees for the course you intend to study and service fees for notarising your documents.

The embassy will process your student visa application within 30 to 90 days.

Portugal D6 Visa

Overview

You might be able to migrate to Portugal on the D6 or Family Reunification Visa if you have family members who are Portuguese citizens or permanent residents. The D6 visa allows you to live, work, and study in Portugal with a duration matching that of your Portuguese family member’s residence permit.

To qualify for the Family Reunification Visa, you must be a direct relative of the Portuguese residence with any of the following relationships:

• Spouse
• Dependent child under 18 years old (including adopted children)
• Dependent children enrolled in a Portuguese educational institution
• Minor siblings under the legal custody of the Portuguese citizen
• Parents who are financially dependent on the Portuguese citizen

If you are a civil or unmarried partner of a Portuguese resident, you and your dependents are also eligible for the Family Reunification Visa if you meet the following criteria:

• You are in a legally recognised non-marital relationship with the Portuguese resident, whether within Portugal or abroad.
• Your children (including adopted children) are under the lawful guardianship of the Portuguese resident.

Required Documents for the D6 Visa Application Process

When applying for the Family Reunification visa, you must prove your familial relationship with the Portuguese citizen using the following documents:

• Birth certificates for dependent children
• Marriage certificates for spouses
• Circumstantial evidence of unmarried partnership
• Proof of economic dependence for dependent parents under the age of 65.

You must also submit the following documents:

• Your valid passport
• Proof of no criminal record
• Health insurance

Additionally, your relative in Portugal will need to provide the following documents to begin the application process:

• Proof of their legal residency in Portugal
• Evidence of sufficient financial means to support you
• Their valid passport

Cost and Processing Time for the D6 Visa

The application fee for the D6 Family Reunification Visa is €84. The processing time for this visa typically takes approximately 60 days after submitting your application at the Portuguese Embassy.

Portugal D7 Visa

Overview

The Portugal D7 Visa, also known as the Retirement or Passive Income Visa, is designed for individuals 18 years or older who intend to move to Portugal and sustain themselves through passive income sources.

You must provide evidence of substantial passive income, which can include pensions, salaries, dividends, or income generated from real estate investments, to qualify for the D7 visa.

Also, you must show that you meet the minimum passive income requirement of €9,120 for your first twelve months of stay.

If you’re applying for the D7 Visa with your spouse, you will need an additional 50% of the income requirement (€4,560 for the first 12 months). For each dependent child you apply with, you will need an additional 30% of the income requirement (€2,736 annually).

Furthermore, you must commit to spending at least 16 months in Portugal during your first two years of residency.

Required Documents for the Portugal D7 Visa

When applying for the D7 Visa, you must prepare and submit the following essential documents:

• A valid passport.
• Two recent passport-sized photographs.
• Evidence of adequate financial resources obtained from passive income, including bank statements for the last six months.
• A Portuguese tax number.
• A Portuguese bank account number.
• A criminal background record.
• Proof of comprehensive health insurance coverage.

What is the Cost and Processing Time for the Portuguese D7 Visa From Korea?

The D7 Visa application fee is €90, and the processing time is 6 to 8 weeks

Portugal D9 Golden Visa

Overview

The Portugal Golden Visa or D9 Visa is a popular residency-by-investment program that allows applicants and their families to obtain Portuguese residency by making qualifying investments in the country.

The program offers various investment options, and you can choose the option that best suits your interests and financial capacity. These investment routes include the following:

• At least €500,000 to start a business and generate at least ten jobs.
• A minimum of €500,000 in an existing Portuguese business and generate at least five jobs.
• €500,000 in a qualified investment fund.
• A minimum of €500,000 in research initiatives.
• A minimum of €250,000 for cultural art or national heritage restoration projects.

Other eligibility requirements include the following:

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• Have a clean criminal record.
• Commit to residing in Portugal for at least seven days every year.

Required Documents for the Portuguese Golden Visa

Here are the documents you need to apply for the Portuguese Golden Visa:

• The visa application form
• A valid passport
• Two passport-sized photographs
• Proof of accommodation
• Portuguese Tax number
• Portuguese bank account number
• A declaration confirming your commitment to meet the investment criteria
• A document confirming that the Portuguese immigration authorities can access your criminal records within the country.
• Proof of income with six months of bank statements.

What is the Cost and Processing Time of the Golden Visa?

After submitting an application, you should typically receive a decision from the embassy within four months. Here’s a breakdown of the cost of obtaining a Portuguese Golden Visa from Korea:

General Steps to Apply for a Visa From Korea

Overview

To apply for the Portuguese Visa from South Korea, follow these steps:

1. Gather Your Documents: Collect all the required documents for your Portugal visa application, depending on the specific visa you’re applying for.
2. Email the Embassy: Submit your documents via email to the Embassy of Portugal in Seoul. The immigration officials will review your documents, and if they require additional documentation, they will reach out to you. If your documents are sufficient, they will book an appointment for you.
3. Visit the Embassy: Head to the Portuguese Consulate on the day of your scheduled interview. Be prepared to answer questions supporting your visa application and to pay the necessary visa application fee.
4. Await Approval: Your visa application will undergo a thorough review process. If your application meets the requirements, your visa will be approved, and you will receive a notification via mail.

Initial Application Steps for the Family Reunification Visa

If you’re applying for the D6 Family Reunification Visa, your application process will begin with your Portuguese relative initiating the process on your behalf. They will be required to send a sponsorship application to the immigration authorities (SEF) in Portugal.

You should expect to get a decision within 60 days. If the sponsorship application is successful, you can gather your documents and contact the Embassy of Portugal in Seoul to begin the next steps of the application.

Initial Application Steps for the Portuguese Golden Visa

Before submitting an application for the Golden Visa at the Portuguese Embassy, as described in the general application steps above, you must ensure that you have gotten your tax number, opened a bank account, and made your investment in that order.

To apply for the Portuguese tax number, you should submit your documents to the tax offices in Portugal. If you’re currently residing in Korea, a legal representative can act as a proxy on your behalf in Portugal.

Your lawyer can also help you open a bank account in Portugal. Otherwise, you can find a bank offering online bank opening services. Contact a lawyer at +44 (0)333 305 9375 to begin your Golden Visa application process.

How To Get a Portuguese Residency Permit as a Korean Citizen

Once you receive your visa, it will be valid for 120 days (4 months). Within this time, you must travel to Portugal and apply for a temporary residency permit. This permit is valid for two years, with a possible three-year renewal.

After five years as a temporary resident, you may become eligible to apply for permanent residency status. With a permanent resident permit, you can access social benefits like health care, public education, and social security.

To qualify for permanent residency, you must meet the following requirements:

• Demonstrate an understanding of Portuguese at a minimum A2 level by taking the Centro de Avaliação de Português Língua Estrangeira (CIPLE) test.
• Have a clean criminal record.
• Show that you possess sufficient financial means to sustain yourself throughout your stay in Portugal.

During the application process, you should submit essential documents such as your passport, residence permit, criminal record clearance, and evidence of suitable accommodation.

Portuguese Citizenship Requirements For Korean Citizens

You may also be eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship after residing in Portugal for five years on a residency visa.

To qualify for Portuguese citizenship, you must satisfy these key requirements:

• Meet the residency requirement on your national stay visa
• Exhibit a proficient command of the Portuguese language
• Be actively involved in the Portuguese community
• Have no criminal convictions

In support of your citizenship application, you’ll need to provide a range of essential documents, including:

• Valid passport
• Birth certificate
• Current residence permit details
• Evidence of your language proficiency
• Criminal record certificate

The citizenship application cost €250.

How Can IAS Help?

Immigration and legal matters can be complex and overwhelming, especially when navigating the process of obtaining visas, residence permits, or citizenship in a foreign country like Portugal.

That’s where IAS comes in. Our team of immigration lawyers are knowledgeable in and has experience handling Portugal immigration cases.

We provide expert immigration consultations to help you understand the various visas, assess your circumstances, and provide tailored advice on the most suitable immigration pathways.

We will help you prepare and submit your visa and residency applications and address any concerns you may have.

If you’d like to begin your immigration journey with professional help, call us today at +44 (0)333 305 9375 or request a call back through the online contact form.