This comprehensive guide discusses the UK visa requirements, fees, and application process for Portuguese citizens and residents in 2023. Since Brexit, Portuguese citizens planning to work, study, or settle in the UK need to apply for a visa. However, they don’t require a visa for short visits. Non-EU visa nationals residing in Portugal, such as Indian, Pakistani, South African, and Nigerian passport holders, must apply for a visa to visit the UK. In this article, we cover the fees for UK visit, student, skilled worker, and spouse visas for applicants from Portugal, as well as the process for moving to the UK permanently through work or family routes.
UK Visas for Portuguese Citizens after Brexit
From 1 January 2021, Portuguese Citizens need to apply for a visa for living, working, or studying longer than six months in the UK.
Accordingly, Portuguese Citizens will need to meet specific requirements of respective settlement, study, and work routes for getting a valid visa before arrival in the UK.
After the end of the free movement, Portuguese do not need a visa for visiting the UK for up to six months.
How to Apply for UK Visa from Portugal?
Portuguese Citizens can check whether they require a UK visa by using the online tool. If they require visa, then can apply online.
Portuguese nationals who need to apply for a visa to come to the UK should be able to complete their entire application online using the Immigration App to verify their identity. Accordingly, Portuguese may not need to go to a Visa Application Centre (VAC), for submitting their passport or obtaining a visa vignette prior to travel.
If they require, then can go to Lisbon Visa Application Centre, Leap Serviced Office, Espaço Amoreiras – 1st floor, Rua Dom Joao V 24, 1250-091 Lisbon, Portugal
How Long Does It Take to Process UK Visa in Portugal?
In 2023, non-settlement visit, study, and work visa application processing time in Portugal is usually 3-weeks.
UK priority non-settlement visit, study, and work applications processing time from Portugal is normally 5 working days.
The additional cost of UK priority (non-settlement) visa service from Portugal is €294.
Spouse Settlement Visa Processing Time for Portuguese
The UK settlement visa processing time after biometrics from Portugal for spouse, partner, family applications are usually within 12 weeks.
Spouse priority settlement visa processing time for Portuguese passport holders is 6-weeks.
The additional cost of UK priority settlement visa service from Portugal is €674.
In 2023, UKVI has suspended settlement priority service for new family visa applications.
Super Priority Visa Processing Time in Portugal
Super-priority service fee in Portugal is €1,124 to process UK visa applications by next working day.
How long can Portuguese stay in the UK?
On a visitor (holiday or tourist) visa Portuguese can stay in the UK up to 180 days per visit.
Portuguese on a spouse, student, and work visa in the UK can stay up to the validity of the visa.
Portuguese on valid spouse, work, and student visa can extend their duration of stay in the UK by meeting the relevant leave to remain (LTR) requirements.
Family and some work routes such as Skilled Worker, Innovator etc. also enable Portuguese migrants in the UK to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and subsequently Naturalisation and British Citizenship.
How Many Portuguese Live in the UK?
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), as of 2021, there were an estimated 97,000 Portuguese nationals living in the UK. However, it’s important to note that this figure is an estimate and may not be completely accurate due to factors such as undercounting, incomplete data, and changes in migration patterns. Additionally, it’s worth noting that this figure may have changed since the data was last collected.
Can Portuguese Citizens Travel to the UK?
Portuguese Citizens are non-visa nationals. Therefore, for visiting UK up-to 6 months Portuguese Citizens don’t require a visa.
Please note, in terms of Paragraph V 1.3 of Appendix V Immigration Rules for visitors, a non-visa national may only need to apply for visiting visa, if they are: (a) visiting the UK to marry or to form a civil partnership, or to give notice of this; or (b) seeking to visit the UK for more than 6 months.
Types of UK Visit Visas for Portuguese
The most popular visa for visiting UK from Portugal is the standard visitor visa. However, depending on the purpose of visiting the UK, Portuguese Citizens can apply for other types of visitor visas such as marriage, private medical treatment, permitted paid engagement.
What is UK Visit Visa Success Rate for Portuguese?
In the year ending September 2022, a total of 59 Portuguese applied for visitor visa UK. 49 applications resolved, 36 visit visas granted to Portuguese nationals, and 12 applications rejected. Therefore, the UK visitor visa success and refusal rate from Portugal are 73.47% and 24.49%, respectively.
Standard Visitor Visa
Portuguese nationals can apply for standard visitor visa for tourism (holidays), visiting family in the UK, business meetings, study (courses up to 6 months), and other permitted activities.
Portuguese can apply for either short term (6 months) or long term (2, 5 and 10 years) standard visitor visa.
The UK multiple entry visa rules are same for all types of standard visitor or tourist visa. Therefore, Portuguese on standard visitor or tourist visa can stay in the UK up to 180 days per visit.
How Much is UK Visit Visa Fee in Portugal?
In 2023, the 6 months visit visa fee UK in Portugal is €118.
Frequent travellers from Portugal to UK can apply for long-term visitor visa for tourism, visiting family, and permitted business activities.
The UK visa fees in Portugal for long term 2, 5, and 10 years visit visa applications are €442, €788, and €984, respectively.
How Much is UK Priority Visit Visa Fee in Portugal?
The charges for priority service in Portugal are €294.
UK priority visa fees in Portugal for 6 months, 2, 5 and 10 years tourist or visitor applications are €412, €736, €1,082, and €1,278, respectively.
How much is super priority visa in Portugal?
The cost of UK super priority service in Portugal is €1,124 for tourist or visitor visa.
UK super-priority 6 months, 2, 5 and 10 years visitor or tourist visa fees from Portugal are €1,242, €1,566, €1,912, and €2,108, respectively.
How Much is London or England Visa Price in Portugal?
The application fee of 6 months standard visitor visa UK from Portugal is commonly known as England or London tourist visa price.
The 6-months London or England tourist visa price in Portugal is €118 per applicant.
To get a London or England visa for tourism Portuguese need to prove that they have ample funds for the trip and will leave the UK at the end of the visit.
Use of false documents for London or England visa from Portugal may lead to 10-year deception ban.
How much is Child Visit Visa UK Fees from Portugal?
UK child visitor visa fees in Portugal for 6 months, 2, 5, and 10 years are €118, €442, €788, and €984, respectively.
Infants and children under 5 years of age are not exempt from application fee payment.
Other Visitor Visas UK from Portugal
Marriage Visitor Visa
Portuguese need to apply for marriage visitor visa if they are travelling to the UK for getting married, forming a civil partnership, or giving a notice of marriage or civil partnership.
UK marriage visitor visa fees in Portugal are €118.
Portuguese can stay in the UK up to 180 days on a marriage visitor visa.
Private Medical Treatment Visitor Visa
Portuguese need to apply for a medical visitor visa if they are travelling to the UK for getting private medical treatment and check-up for more than 6 months but not more than 11 months.
The UK Private Medical Treatment Visitor Visa Fees in Portugal are €235.
Portuguese can stay in the UK up to 11 months on private medical treatment visa.
Please note, there is no provision in the Immigration Rules for a family member, friend, or nurse to accompany a visitor, who is coming to the UK for private medical treatment. Therefore, any attendant needs to apply as a visitor and satisfy the requirements.
Visiting Academics
For research and formal exchange arrangements, Portuguese can apply for academic visitor visa UK up to 12 months.
The UK Academic Visitor visa cost for Portuguese is €235.
Portuguese academics (and their accompanying partner or child) can stay in the UK up to 12 months on academic visitor visa.
Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE)
The Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) visitor visa is for those Portuguese experts who are coming to the UK for undertaking specific paid engagements up to one month.
Accordingly, as per Appendix 3 of Appendix V of the Immigration Rules, Portuguese professionals such as visiting examiners, assessors, lecturers, designated air pilot examiners, qualified lawyers, artists, entertainers, and sportspersons can apply for Permitted Paid Engagement visitor visa up to 30 days.
UK Permitted Paid Engagement visit visa fees requirements in Portugal are €118.
Parent of a Child Student Visa
Portuguese can apply for a Parent of Child Student visa up to 12 months if their child is attending an independent fee-paying day school in the UK.
Parent of Tier 4 Child Student visa cost in Portugal is €624.
Transit
Portuguese Citizens usually don’t require a visa to transit the UK.
The transit visa is for those who intend to transit the UK on route to another country outside the Common Travel Area (CTA) and who will enter the UK for up to 48 hours by crossing the UK border unless Appendix Visitor: Transit Without Visa Scheme applies.
How much is Transit Visa Fees in Portugal?
Cost of Direct Airside Transit (DATV) visa in Portugal is €41.
The application charges for ‘Visitor in Transit’ and for ‘Joining a Ship or Aircraft as a Member of Crew of that Ship or Aircraft’ are €75.
UK Student Visas for Portuguese Citizens 2023
As of October 5, 2020, UK student visa under Immigration Rules Appendix Student has replaced Tier 4 (General) Student route.
To study English Language in the UK, Portuguese can also apply for Short-term Student (English language) visa.
If Portuguese intend to study a course for 6 months or less in the UK, then can do so on visitor visa.
Student Visa (aka Tier 4)
If Portuguese intend to study with a UK sponsor on a course of further or higher education, a pre-sessional English course, a recognised foundation programme or to take an elected post as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer then need to apply for Student Visa as per Immigration Rules Appendix Student.
What is UK Student Visa Success Rate for Portuguese?
In the year ending September 2022, a total of 695 Portuguese applied for student visa UK. 698 applications resolved, 678 student visas granted to Portuguese, and 6 applications rejected. Therefore, the UK student visa success and refusal rate for Portuguese are 97.13% and 0.86%, respectively.
How Much is UK Student Visa Fees in Portugal?
UK student visa fees in Portugal are €427 to study in London or elsewhere in England or Britain.
Student dependants (spouse, partner, children) visa UK fees in Portugal are also €427.
UK student visa processing time in Portugal is usually 3 weeks
Priority Student Visa Fee in Portugal 2023
To accelerate processing time within 5 working days, the cost of priority student visa UK in Portugal is €721 i.e. application fee €427 plus priority service charges €294.
Super Priority Student Visa Fee in Portugal 2023
Portuguese can use super priority (premium) service to expedite student visa processing by next working day.
The cost of super priority student visa UK in Portugal is €1,551 i.e. application fee €427 plus super priority service charges €1,124.
IHS Fees for UK Student Visa Portugal
The study visa Immigration Health Charge (aka Immigration Health Surcharge or IHS) requirements for Portuguese students are @ £624 per year for each year of stay in the UK.
IHS for student dependent visa from Portugal is also @ £624 per year for each year of stay in the UK.
Can Portuguese Students Work in the UK?
Portuguese students on degree level course in the UK can work for 20 hours per week during term-time.
Portuguese students on below degree level course in the UK can only work for 10 hours per week during term-time.
During semester break, Portuguese students on degree or below degree course can work fulltime.
Dependent spouse of Portuguese student studying below degree level course cannot work in the UK. However, a dependent spouse of Portuguese students studying degree level course can work (including self-employment and voluntary work) in the UK.
Does UK Give Post Study Work Visa to Portuguese?
Yes, under the Graduate route Portuguese students, who have completed bachelor’s degree or above in the UK, can apply for 2-Year post study work visa.
If Portuguese have completed PhD in the UK, then can get 3-Year post study work visa.
Short Term Student (English Language) Visa
If Portuguese intend to study English language in the UK for more than 6 months but not more than 11 months at an accredited institution, then needs to apply for Short-term Student (English language).
English Language study visa fees requirements for Portuguese students are €235.
If Portuguese intend to study a course for 6 months or less without student sponsor but with an accredited provider, then can apply under Appendix V for Visitor.
Therefore, if English Language course is up to 6 months, then application charges are €118.
UK Family Visas for Portuguese Citizens 2023
The family route is for those Portuguese who can apply for a UK visa because of their relationship to a person settled in the UK or a British citizen. This includes spouse settlement visa, adult dependant relative, parent of a British Child visa etc.
UK Family Visa Success Rate for Portuguese
In the year ending September 2022, a total of 45 Portuguese applied for family settlement visa UK. 23 applications resolved, 22 family settlement visas granted to Portuguese, and 1 application rejected. Therefore, the UK family (spouse) settlement visa success and refusal rate from Portugal are 95.65% and 4.35%, respectively.
Spouse or Partner Visa UK for Portuguese
In terms of Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules, Portuguese can apply for spouse (partner) visa under the 5-year route.
To get spouse visa Portuguese Citizens need to meet genuine and subsisting relationship, intentions to live together permanently, financial, accommodation and English Language requirements.
If Portuguese Citizens meet these requirements, then get an entry clearance for an initial period of 33 months with a condition of no recourse to public funds.
After 30 months Portuguese Citizens need to make spouse visa extension application for a further leave to remain in the UK.
Portuguese may qualify for ILR (indefinite leave to remain) after completing 60 months (5 years) in the UK under the family settlement route Appendix FM.
ILR under the 5-year route is for those who meet all the suitability and eligibility requirements of the Immigration Rules at every stage.
If Portuguese spouse fails to meet the financial, English language or lawful immigration status requirements then cannot apply for settlement under the 5-year route.
If exceptional circumstances under Appendix FM apply, then Portuguese Citizens may be considered for settlement under the 10-year route.
How Much is UK Spouse Visa Fees in Portugal?
In 2023, UK spouse, civil, unmarried, or same-sex partner visa fees in Portugal are €1,808.
To fast track UK spouse settlement visa within 6 weeks the fee in Portugal is €2,482 i.e. application cost €1,808 plus the priority settlement service charges €674.
Can Portuguese Apply for Fiancé(e) Visa UK?
Portuguese can apply for fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner visa if the purpose is getting married or entering a civil partnership in the UK.
The duration of fiancé(e) visa is six (6) months.
After the marriage or civil partnership in the UK, Portuguese can apply for leave to remain as a spouse or civil partner.
Fiancé(e) visa fee in Portugal is €1,808.
Other Family Visa UK Fees and Requirements in Portugal
Parent of a British Child
Portuguese can apply for Parent of a British Child Visa if they have the sole responsibility for or direct access to the child following the breakdown of their relationship with the child’s other parent.
Parent of British Child visa application charges are €1,808.
Adult Dependant Relative
Portuguese can apply for Adult Dependant Relative Visa if they are parents (or other adult dependent relatives such as brothers, sisters etc) and need long-term personal care due to illness, age or disability and the UK sponsor is their only relative, who can provide such long-term personal care without recourse to public funds.
UK Adult Dependant Relative visa fees in Portugal are €3,820.
Dependants joining or accompanying
The ‘joining or accompanying’ route is for those Portuguese who are applying for visa based on their relationship to another migrant who is not settled in the UK or a British citizen, and who is on a route without a specific visa for dependants.
The UK spouse or partner visa fees in Portugal under Dependant Joining or Accompanying route are €1,808.
Returning Residents
Portuguese may be able to live permanently in the UK as a ‘returning resident’ if they were previously settled in the UK.
UK visa application cost in Portugal for Returning residents is €624.
EEA Family Permit
Due to Brexit, the EEA family permit route under EEA Regulations 2016 has ended on June 30, 2021.
EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit
In terms of Appendix EU (Family Permit), Portuguese can apply for EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) Family Permit as a non-EEA family member such as spouse, civil partner, child, child above 21 years of age, and parent of an EEA national living in the UK.
There are no application charges for EUSS Family Permit in Portugal.
UK Work Visas for Portuguese Citizens 2023
The most popular route for getting a job in the UK from Portugal is the Skilled Worker visa.
Portuguese can also apply for other types of UK work visa such as Innovator, Startup, Global Business Mobility, Health and Care Worker etc.
UK Work Visa Success Rate for Portuguese
In the year ending September 2022, a total of 1,415 Portuguese applied for work visa UK. 1,414 applications resolved, 1,317 work visas granted to Portuguese nationals, and 72 applications rejected. Therefore, the UK work visa success and refusal rate from Portugal are 93.14% and 5.09%, respectively.
Skilled Worker (aka Tier 2 General)
If Portuguese are sponsored to do a specific skilled job for a Home Office licensed sponsor, then can apply for Skilled Worker visa.
Skilled Worker visa has replaced the Tier 2 General (aka work permit) in 2020. However, unlike Tier 2 General, this new route for skilled workers can lead to permanent settlement (ILR) in the UK. Therefore, Portuguese Citizens can move to UK from Portugal through the Skilled Worker visa route.
How Much is Skilled Worker Visa Fee in Portugal?
UK Skilled Worker visa fees depends on the duration of the Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) for main applicant and dependants.
If the COS is for 3-years or less, then the UK Skilled Worker Visa Fees in Portugal are €735.
If the COS is for 3-years or more then the fee is €1,452.
Skilled Worker (Shortage Occupation) Visa UK Fees for Portuguese
Skilled Worker Shortage Occupation visa fees depends on the duration of the Certificate of Sponsorship (COS).
If the COS is for three years or less, then the fee is €563.
If the COS is for three years or more then the fee is €1,108.
Health and Care Work Visa UK
If Portuguese are sponsored to work in the UK as a qualified doctor, nurse, or allied health professional for Home Office licensed sponsor, then can apply for Health and Care Visa.
Health and Care work visa route for skilled workers can lead to permanent settlement (ILR) in the UK. Therefore, Portuguese Citizens can move to UK from Portugal through Health and Care Worker visa route.
How Much is Health and Care Visa UK Fee in Portugal?
The UK Health and Care visa fees depends on the duration of the Certificate of Sponsorship (COS).
If the COS is for 3-years or less, then application cost is €290.
If the COS is for 3-years or more, then application charges are €563.
Start-up
If Portuguese intend to set up an innovative business for the first time in the UK, then can apply for the Start-up visa.
UK Start-up Visa Fees in Portugal are €444 for main applicant and dependants.
Please note, Start-up visa has replaced the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur route in March 2019.
Successful applicants may get up to 2-year leave. Start-up is not a route to settlement. However, Portuguese may be eligible to move permanently to UK if they progress from start-up to innovator, which is a route to settlement.
Innovator
If Portuguese intend to do innovative, viable, and scalable business in the UK then can apply for the Innovator visa.
UK Innovator visa fees in Portugal are €1,218 for main applicant and dependants.
Please note, Innovator visa has replaced the Tier 1 Entrepreneur route in March 2019.
To apply for innovator visa UK (aka tier 1 or t1 business visa), Portuguese usually need to have an endorsement letter, £50,000 of investment funds, B2 level of IELTS or equivalent for proving English language ability and at least £1,270 for maintenance funds.
The initial duration of innovator visa is 3 years. After 3 years, Portuguese on innovator visa route can apply for an ILR i.e. permanent settlement in the UK. Therefore, if Portuguese businesspersons or entrepreneurs intend to emigrate (move permanently) to UK from Portugal then Innovator route is a workable option.
Investor
Investor visa is for high value Portuguese, who intend to make an investment in the UK.
UK Investor Visa fees in Portugal are €1,925.
Global Business Mobility Visa UK from Portugal
Global Business Mobility Visa route consists of several new sponsored categories for businesses to establish presence in the UK, transfer overseas staff, or come to the United Kingdom for a specific business purpose.
The five sub-categories to Global Business Mobility Visa UK are:
- Senior or Specialist Worker
- Graduate Trainee
- UK Expansion Worker
- Service Supplier
- Secondment Worker
Portuguese can get the Global Business Mobility visa if the UK employer sponsor the worker to come to the UK for specific job.
The Global Business Mobility visa is points based.
Portuguese need to score 40 to 60 points depending on the sub-category of Global Business Mobility Visa UK.
All five sub-categories of Global Business Mobility visa do not lead to settlement (ILR) in the UK. Therefore, Portuguese Citizens cannot emigrate (permanently move) to UK from Portugal through Global Business Mobility route.
Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
This route is for senior managers or specialist employees who are assigned to a UK business which is linked by common ownership to the overseas employing company.
Senior or Specialist Worker visa has replaced the Intra-company Transfer route.
Senior or Specialist Worker visa fees in Portugal depends on the duration of application.
If the application is for 3-years or less, then the fees are €735.
If the application is for three years or more then the fee is €1,452.
Graduate Trainee
This route is for workers on a graduate training course which leads to a senior management or specialist position and who are required to undertake work placement in the UK.
Graduate Trainee visa has replaced the Intra-Company Graduate Trainee route.
UK Graduate Trainee visa fees in Portugal are €304.
UK Expansion Worker
Portuguese can apply for Expansion Worker visa if they are specialist or senior employees who are assigned for business expansion in the UK.
UK Expansion Worker visa has replaced the Sole Representative of an Overseas Business route. However, the Sole Representative visa will remain open for Media Representatives and those already on Sole Representative visa extending or applying for ILR in the UK.
UK Expansion Worker visa fees from Portugal are €304.
Service Supplier
The Service Supplier Visa is for overseas workers coming to the UK to provide a service that is in line with UK trade commitment.
UK Service Supplier visa fees in Portugal are €304.
Service Supplier visa has replaced contractual service providers and independent professional persons in the T5 Temporary Worker – International Agreement route.
Secondment Worker
The UK Global Business Mobility Secondment Worker Visa is new route.
Secondment Worker route is for those Portuguese workers who are seconded to the UK as part of a high value contract or investment by their employer overseas.
Secondment Worker visa fees in Portugal are €304.
High Potential Individual (HPI)
High Potential Individual visa is for Portuguese graduates from the top-50 Universities across the world who wish to come to the UK to undertake full-time employment or self-employment work or seek employment opportunities.
The High Potential Individual visa fees in Portugal are €840.
Portuguese Citizens having Bachelor’s or Master’s degree will get a 2-year non-extendable High Potential Individual Visa UK. Applicants having a PhD qualification can get a 3-year High Potential Visa.
Portuguese need to meet the English language and financial requirements for scoring 70 points. High Potential Individual Visa route does not lead to settlement (indefinite leave to remain – ILR) but Portuguese Citizens can switch to other routes if they intend to work, emigrate, or move to UK.
Scale-up
The Scale-up visa is those Portuguese who have a sponsored job offer from an authorised UK scale-up company to qualify for a ‘fast-track visa’.
Scale-up Visa UK Fees in Portugal are €840.
Portuguese Citizens will initially get a Scale-up Visa for 2-years – the first six months of which they need to work for the sponsor. Afterwards, Portuguese Citizens may be eligible to extend the Scaleup visa in the UK for up to 3 years.
Portuguese migrants in the UK on a Scale-up visa can apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain – ILR) after a period of 5 years. Therefore, Portuguese Citizens can emigrate (permanently move) to UK from Portugal through Scale-up visa route.
Global Talent
Portuguese can apply for Global Talent visa if they are a leader or potential leader in academia or research, arts and culture, and digital technology.
Global Talent visa UK fees in Portugal are as under:
- Approval Letter from a competent body in respect of an initial application €536
- Main Applicant – where Approval Letter is required €196
- Main Applicant – where Approval Letter is not required €732
- Dependants €732
Please note, Global Talent visa has replaced the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent route.
Portuguese can emigrate (permanently move) to UK from Portugal through Global Talent visa route.
T2 Minister of Religion
The T2 Minister of Religion route is for those Portuguese Citizens who intend to undertake preaching and pastoral work, Missionary, or Member of a Religious Order in the UK.
The T2 Minister of Religion visa fees in Portugal are €735.
T2 Sportsperson
The T2 Sportsperson route is for an elite Portuguese sportsperson or coach whose employment will make a significant contribution to the development of sport at the highest level in the UK.
T2 Sportsperson visa fees depends on the duration of the Certificate of Sponsorship (COS).
If the COS is up to 12 months, then application charges are €304.
if the COS is for more than 12 months then application cost is €735.
T5 (Temporary Worker)
T5 (Temporary Worker) visa is for:
- Seasonal Worker
- Religious Worker
- Charity Worker
- Creative and Sporting Worker
- Government Authorised Exchange Worker
- Youth Mobility Scheme.
The T5 (Temporary Worker) visa fees in Portugal are €304 for main applicant and dependants.
How to Apply for UK Visitor Visa from Portugal?
After Brexit, Portuguese Citizens do not need a visa for visiting the UK for up to six months. However, visa nationals such as Indians, Pakistanis, South Africans etc. living, working, or studying in Portugal need to apply for tourist visa if they intend to visit the UK for short holidays.
The visa application process starts with the purpose of visiting the UK and ends with passport collection.
Purpose of Visiting the UK from Portugal
The first step is to specify the purpose of visiting the UK and start gathering supporting documents.
Portuguese can travel to the UK for holidays, short term study, limited business activities or family visits.
Portuguese visiting the UK can do following permitted activities:
- Tourism and leisure
- Volunteering
- Private medical treatment
- Transit
- Permitted Business Activities such as attending conference, seminar, meetings etc.
- Conversion of a civil partnership into a marriage
- Short Term Study
- Participation in an exchange program
- Educational visit
Can Portuguese Work on Visiting Visa in the UK?
Portuguese visiting the UK are not allowed to do work.
Portuguese travelling on a visitor visa needs to abide the conditions of stay in the UK.
If the Home Office finds a visiting Portuguese breaching their conditions of stay, then may cancel the visitor visa with a re-entry ban.
Immigration App or Online Application Form
Portuguese nationals who need to apply for a visitor visa should be able to complete their entire application online using the Immigration App to verify their identity. Accordingly, Portuguese Citizens may not need to go to Visa Application Centre (VAC).
Alternatively, Portuguese Citizens can apply online and no paper application form is required.
Portuguese can read questions in languages other than English but can only fill the online visa application form in English.
After selecting a language for reading the questions, applicants need to select Portugal as the country of application if an applicant is applying from inside Portugal.
If a Portuguese passport holder is applying from some other country, then needs to select that country. And need to provide the details of the permission to reside in that country.
After reviewing and finalising the online application, Portuguese can select the service type (standard or priority) and schedule an appointment at UKVACs in Portugal.
Required Documents UK Visit Visa from Portugal
Portuguese need to upload/submit the required supporting documents for UK visit visa such as:
- Print out of the UK visa online application form
- Current valid Portuguese passport
- Previous Portuguese passport, if applicable
- Translation of documents, which are not in English/Welsh
- Invitation letter, if applicable
- A UK address for staying during the visit
- Residential address in Portugal
- Telephone or mobile number
- Marriage certificate, if applicable
- Family certificate, if applicable
- Business/Employer details
- Tax registration certificate
- Tax returns
- Bank statements
- Salary slips (for employed persons)
- Conveyance/Mortgage Deed or Rental Agreement of the address in Portugal
- Evidence of assets
Please note, this is not an exhaustive checklist of UK visit visa supporting documents from Portugal, as the actual supporting documents may differ due to the personal circumstances of an applicant.
Portuguese can provide UK sponsor’s supporting documents for visit visa application.
If Portuguese provide false or forged supporting documents, then may get a 10 Year Deception Ban under General Grounds for UK visa refusal.
Identity Verification (Biometrics) UK Visa from Portugal
If Portuguese Citizens have used the Immigration App to verify their identity, then they do not need to book an appointment at the UKVAC.
If Portuguese Citizens have used the online application form, then for biometrics and application submission, they need to book an appointment at UK Visa Application Centre (UKVAC).
Staff of the application centre takes electronic photograph and biometrics (scanning of fingers + thumbs).
If the application is successful British HC or Embassy uses the electronic photograph taken at UKVAC for visa vignette.
Visit Visa UK Waiting Time in Portugal 2023
The UK visa processing time from Portugal for all the short and long-term visitor visa application is usually within 10-15 working days i.e. 2 to 3 weeks.
Priority visitor visa processing time from Portugal is normally within 5-7 working days.
At times tourist visa processing time for Portuguese may escalate up-to 12 weeks due to documents verification, interview, administrative bottlenecks etc.
UKVI Decision Email for Portuguese
If Portuguese Citizens have visited application centre to prove their identity, then processing time starts from the appointment day, when they provide their biometrics (fingerprints and a photograph).
If Portuguese Citizens have used the UK Immigration: ID Check app to prove their identity, then processing time starts from the working day after they have finished uploading their documents.
The UK visa processing time ends when Portuguese receive email from UKVI.
UKVI’s decision email usually states that visa application has been processed and the application centre will inform the applicant when passport is ready from collection.
Passport Collection
Once the UKVI makes the decision on the application then the UKVAC will inform the applicant for passport collection.
If application remains unresolved even after 12 weeks or sixty working days, then applicants may need to contact UKVI.
How to Track UK Visa Application in Portugal?
A few years ago, Portuguese were able to track UK visa application after biometrics. However, now it is not possible to track UK visa application after biometrics from Portugal.
If for any reason Portuguese intend to know the application status, then can contact UKVI by phone or email:
Telephone: +44 (0)300 790 6268 – select option 1 – If you cannot contact UK 0300 numbers, use +44 (0) 203 875 4669.
Monday to Friday, 24 hours
Calls cost US$1 per minute on top of your standard network charges.
Email enquiries cost US$4. You will not be charged for any follow-up emails about the same enquiry.
Please note, Portuguese may contact UKVI for:
- general queries about applying for a visa to come to the UK
- questions about the progress of their UK visa application from Portugal
- technical problems with their UK visa application
- a mistake in their online application
- problems logging into their account or with their password
- problems with making a payment to UKVI online or pending payments
However, UKVI contact centre staff cannot give advice to Portuguese about their personal circumstances
What Portuguese can do if UK Visit Visa is Refused?
Portuguese can either reapply or file Judicial Review after UK visitor or tourist visa rejection.
There is no right of appeal or administrative review against UK visitor visa denial.
If Portuguese have applied for UK visa on human rights grounds, then can file appeal after refusal.
Please note, common reasons for visitor or tourist visa refusal for Portuguese includes but not limited to doubtful intentions and large unexplained transactions in the bank statement.
