Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C)
Non-EU travellers visiting Portugal and the Schengen Area for tourism, family, or business trips.
The Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) is a Portuguese visitor & short stay visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€90 (~€45 for children 6-11)) and processing time (~15 days (up to 45 in busy periods)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) is for
Non-EU travellers visiting Portugal and the Schengen Area for tourism, family, or business trips.
No pathway to residence; you must apply for a national (D) visa to settle.
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) - eligibility criteria
- Valid passport with at least 3 months validity beyond departure
- Proof of accommodation and round-trip travel
- Travel medical insurance with €30,000 cover
- Proof of sufficient funds for the stay
- Clear purpose of visit (tourism, family, business)
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) (Portugal) is ~€90 (~€45 for children 6-11), with an indicative processing time of ~15 days (up to 45 in busy periods). Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at AIMA (Portugal).
| Type | Short stay |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | At a Portuguese consulate or VFS centre abroad |
| Length of stay | Up to 90 days in any 180-day period |
| Work rights | No work allowed |
| Study rights | Short courses only, no long study |
| Government fee | ~€90 (~€45 for children 6-11) |
| Processing time | ~15 days (up to 45 in busy periods) |
| Route to PR | No pathway to residence; you must apply for a national (D) visa to settle. |
Pathway & next steps
No pathway to residence; you must apply for a national (D) visa to settle.
Many applicants also compare Schengen A · Airport Transit Visa (Type A), Temporary Stay · Temporary Stay National Visa (Type E), D7 · D7 Residence Visa (Passive Income / Retirement). Run a free VisaChief check to see which Portuguese route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) pitfalls we fix
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) cost?
The Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) government fee is ~€90 (~€45 for children 6-11). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at AIMA (Portugal) before applying.
How long does the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~15 days (up to 45 in busy periods). Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) lead to permanent residence?
No pathway to residence; you must apply for a national (D) visa to settle.
Can I work on the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C)?
Work rights: No work allowed.
Who can apply for the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C)?
Non-EU travellers visiting Portugal and the Schengen Area for tourism, family, or business trips.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Portugal government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- AIMA (Portugal) - official Portugal immigration authority