Portugal visa from Sri Lanka
Getting a Portugal visa from Sri Lanka can be straightforward when you know the steps to take. Whether you’re planning to work, study, or live in Portugal, having clear information about the visa process is crucial.
Start your Portuguese journey with the expert guidance of the Immigration Advice Service (IAS). Our dedicated team at IAS is here to simplify your visa application process, ensuring it is handled with utmost professionalism and care. Reach out to us today by sending a message online or calling +44 (0)333 305 9375.
Portugal Visa from Sri Lanka Overview
Sri Lankan citizens planning to visit, work, or study in Portugal will indeed need to apply for a visa. The specific type of visa required depends on various purposes, such as tourism, business trips, or attending conferences.
However, it’s essential to be aware that there are many types of visas available for Portugal, which may have longer processing times and higher associated costs. Regardless of the visa you apply for, meeting all the requirements, including demonstrating sufficient financial means for your trip, is crucial for a successful visa application.
Page Contents
- Portugal Visa from Sri Lanka Overview
- Types Of Portugal Visas Available For Sri Lankan Citizens
- An Overview Of Portugal’s Golden Visa For Sri Lankans
- Portugal Golden Visa Requirements for Sri Lankan Citizens
- Portugal Schengen Visa for Sri Lankan Citizens
- Portugal Golden Visa Processing Time and Cost for Sri Lankan Citizens
- Portugal Residency Visa Application Process for Sri Lankan Citizens
- Benefits of Portugal Residence for Sri Lankan Citizens
- How Can IAS Help?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Types Of Portugal Visas Available For Sri Lankan Citizens
When considering a journey from Sri Lanka to Portugal, you must navigate the landscape of visa options available.
Portugal work visa from Sri Lanka
The primary purpose of a Portugal work visa is to allow non-EU/EEA citizens, including Sri Lankans, to live and work in Portugal.
Required Documents
Applicants should commonly provide the following:
- A valid passport with a minimum of three months validity beyond your intended return date.
- Two recent passport-sized photos adhere to the Schengen Visa picture guidelines.
- Proof of sufficient funds for sustenance during the stay.
- A confirmed job offer or employment contract from a Portuguese company.
- Criminal record certificate from Sri Lanka and other countries if resided there for over a year.
- A document allowing SEF (Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service) to access your Portuguese criminal records.
- Proof of health insurance or evidence of coverage under the Portuguese National Health Service, ensuring a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000.
- Evidence of accommodation in Portugal, like a rental agreement or hotel reservation.
- Proof of legal entry (if already in Portugal) or proof of legal residency if applying from a third country.
- The application fee receipt.
Eligibility Criteria
The applicant should have a confirmed job offer or employment contract from a Portuguese employer. The employer often has to demonstrate that the position cannot be filled by a Portuguese or another EU/EEA citizen.
Processing Time
The processing period for the Portugal work visa usually ranges from 15 to 60 days. However, this can extend to a few months, especially during high-demand periods or due to individual complications.
Fee
The entry visa costs €90. Should you decide to extend your stay, the application for a residence permit is €83, and upon approval, the permit itself is priced at €72.
Visa Validity
A Portuguese work visa is valid for four months, permitting two entries. During this time, holders can apply for a residence permit with the SEF. This permit can span up to five years. After five continuous years on a temporary residency, one qualifies for permanent residency, which can lead to citizenship after another five years.
Portugal student visa from Sri Lanka
The Portugal student visa primarily facilitates non-EU/EEA nationals, including Sri Lankans, in undertaking their academic endeavours within Portugal’s educational institutions.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should be enrolled in a recognised educational institution in Portugal. This can range from primary and secondary to higher education, including vocational and non-vocational courses.
Requirements
- A valid passport.
- Payment proof of tuition fees.
- Admission confirmation from a Portuguese academic institution.
- Evidence of financial sustenance for your stay.
- Private health insurance.
- Confirmed accommodation in Portugal.
- Completed visa application form with recent photos.
Processing Time
Start your visa application process immediately after obtaining your university admission letter. The processing period is around 60 days. Non-EU/EFTA students can work up to 20 hours weekly during term but are allowed full-time employment during school breaks.
Fees
For Sri Lankan students, the Portuguese visa costs are €90 each for the embassy fee and entry visa. In Portugal, an SEF application is €83, a residence permit €72, and long-term residence €108. Students must show finances equating to a monthly EUR 665, adjusted for accompanying family. Submitting false documents risks visa refusal and legal issues.
Visa Validity
Portugal offers short-term student visas for courses up to a year. For longer degree programs, students need a long-term visa and must obtain a residence permit from SEF upon arrival, renewable for up to five years.
Portugal D7 Visa For Sri Lankans
The Portugal D7 visa, often known as the Passive Income Visa, provides a pathway for non-EU nationals, including Sri Lankans, to reside in the country based on regular, predictable income sources.
Eligibility Criteria
- Over 18 years old.
- A clear criminal record.
- Legal and predictable income of at least €760 monthly.
- Valid passport extending 6 months beyond the D7 visa duration.
- Procurement or rental of housing in Portugal.
Processing Time
- Generally, the Portuguese consulate decides within 60 days, but the entire D7 visa process might span 3-4 months.
Requirements
- Visa application form.
- Passport-sized photograph.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Medical insurance.
- Police clearance.
- 6-month bank statement.
- Proof of income or pensions (€7,200 for primary applicant, €3,600 for additional adults, €2,160 per child).
Fees
- D7 visa application: €83.
- Residence permit: €72.
Visa Validity
- Initial validity is two years, extendable by three more years. Holders must spend 16 months in Portugal during the first two years and 28 months over the next three years. After five years, options for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship emerge.

An Overview Of Portugal's Golden Visa For Sri Lankans
The Portugal Golden Visa program is an avenue for non-EU nationals, including Sri Lankans, to obtain residency in Portugal through specific qualifying investments. This residency provides beneficiaries with the advantage of travelling within the Schengen Area.
Although continuous residence in Portugal isn’t mandatory, there’s a minimum stay requirement. Over time, holders have the opportunity to progress to permanent residency and eventually to Portuguese citizenship.
Portugal Golden Visa Requirements for Sri Lankan Citizens
The Portugal Golden Visa program is a strategic initiative designed to attract non-EU investors, including Sri Lankans, to make meaningful contributions to the Portuguese economy. It serves as an attractive path for these investors to gain residency in the country. Here’s a breakdown of the requirements:
Eligibility Criteria
- The primary applicant must be a non-EU/EEA citizen, in this context, a Sri Lankan.
- Must have a clean criminal record in both Portugal and the country of origin.
- Should meet the investment requirements as laid down by the program.
Investment Options
- A minimum of 10 jobs must be created and maintained. Job creation can be achieved through either establishing a new business or expanding an existing one, as long as the minimum number of jobs is sustained.
- Investors can opt for a capital transfer into Portugal as a qualifying investment. A capital transfer of at least €1 million to a Portuguese bank or into shares of Portuguese companies qualifies for this option.
Minimum Stay Requirements
- A total of 7 days of stay in Portugal in the first year. For every two years after the first year, a combined total stay of 14 days is required.
Portugal Schengen Visa for Sri Lankan Citizens
The Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows its holders to travel throughout the Schengen Area, which comprises 26 European countries, including Portugal. It’s designed for tourists, business visitors, and others who wish to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
For Sri Lankan citizens desiring to visit Portugal, obtaining a Schengen visa is necessary. The primary objective of this visa is to facilitate tourism, business visits, or short-term stays in the region.
Validity Period
The Schengen visa typically permits stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day timeframe. However, the exact duration of the visa’s validity can vary based on the consulate’s discretion and the applicant’s travel itinerary.
Application Requirements
In order to apply for a Schengen visa, Sri Lankan citizens must provide a series of documents. These documents include:
- A valid passport with at least two blank pages, issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least three months after the planned departure from the Schengen Area.
- Completed and signed visa application form.
- Recent passport-sized photographs, adhering to the Schengen visa specifications.
- Travel insurance covers medical emergencies with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal (e.g., hotel reservation or invitation letter).
- Flight itinerary detailing entry and exit from the Schengen Area.
- Proof of financial sufficiency to cover the stay.
- Any other documents supporting the travel purpose, such as invitation letters for business trips or enrolment confirmations for students.
Portugal Golden Visa Processing Time and Cost for Sri Lankan Citizens
For Sri Lankan citizens eyeing the Portugal Golden Visa, the process, while straightforward, requires adherence to several steps and associated fees:
Processing Time & financial commitments
Before diving into the submission process, you need to compile all necessary documents and finalise the investment choice. The preparation phase might range between 1 to 3 months, influenced by the chosen investment’s difficulties and the accumulation of documents.
After ensuring a complete application, it is forwarded to the designated Portuguese authorities. They generally take 4 to 6 months for an in-depth review, but this can extend, especially if there’s a surge in applications.
Applicants are required to travel to Portugal to provide essential biometric identification details, such as fingerprints.
Considering the entire procedure, from application preparation to biometric submission, the overall processing time for the Portugal Golden Visa for a Sri Lankan applicant spans between 12 to 18 months.
In terms of financial commitments:
- There’s an upfront application fee of €533 for the main applicant and an additional €83 for every dependent.
- Renewals, which are integral to the process, come at a cost of €2,663 per individual.
- Additionally, a processing charge of €5,325 per applicant is applicable.
- It’s also crucial to update and submit original documents at every renewal stage.
- Post submission, applicants can generally expect a waiting period of 3-6 months for the comprehensive review and final approval.
Investment Amount & Additional Contribution
An investment choice is crucial to obtaining the Portugal Golden Visa, and the exact amount depends on the route chosen. Possible options include:
- Investing in a qualified fund with a commitment of no less than €500,000.
- Maintaining a balance of at least €1.5 million in a Portuguese bank account.
If you invest in less populated areas, you can save up to 20% on the required minimum amounts.
Portugal Residency Visa Application Process for Sri Lankan Citizens
For Sri Lankan citizens aiming to get the Portugal Residency Visa, there are clear residency rules. In the initial year, they must stay in Portugal for at least seven days. After that, a 14-day stay is required for every two-year interval.
For the Portugal visa application process for Sri Lanka, applicants should first understand the requirements and ensure eligibility. Key documents include a valid passport, recent photos, financial proofs, accommodation evidence in Portugal, and a Sri Lankan criminal record certificate. The application is submitted to the Portuguese embassy in Sri Lanka.
Post-submission, an interview is usually arranged. Upon completion, the final decision is communicated after a waiting period. Preparations for moving to Portugal can begin if the application is successful. To avoid any setbacks in the Portugal residency visa from Sri Lanka, you must be timely and accurate.
Benefits of Portugal Residence for Sri Lankan Citizens
Sri Lankan citizens can benefit greatly from obtaining permanent residency in Portugal.
One of the most notable Portugal visa benefits for Sri Lankan citizens is visa-free travel within the Schengen Area. This privilege facilitates seamless travel across numerous European countries, unlocking vast cultural and economic opportunities.
Global business professionals and investors can also benefit from the taxation structure; residents are not required to remit taxes on worldwide income.
How Can IAS Help?
At Immigration Advice Service, we understand the complexity of international migration processes. Our team of experienced professionals will ensure a smooth transition to your new life in Portugal every step of the way.
IAS covers every aspect of the Portugal visa process tailored for Sri Lankan citizens, from understanding eligibility criteria to preparing a flawless application. We pride ourselves on providing comprehensive, accurate, and timely advice to all our clients.
If you are considering making the move, or if you have any questions about the process, please do not hesitate to contact us at +44 (0)333 305 9375 or message us online today.
Last modified on October 20th, 2023 at 10:19 am

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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, under the Portugal Work Visa provisions, primary visa holders can apply for dependent visas to bring their family members, which include spouses and minor children, to join them in Portugal.