UK Visas for Portuguese 2024 Fees & Requirements in Portugal

1. Overview: UK Visas for Portuguese

---

Do Portuguese need visa for UK?

Portuguese citizens do not require a visa for visiting the UK. However, visas are required for work, study, and family settlement.

Can a Portuguese citizen live in UK?

Yes, but after Brexit, Portuguese citizens need a visa to live in the UK for work, study, or family settlement purposes.

Can I work in UK with Portuguese passport?

Yes, but you will need to obtain a specific work visa, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, to work in the UK.

Visa Requirements for Portuguese Citizens

Tourism, Business Meetings, Academic Conferences:

Portuguese citizens can stay in the UK for up to six months without a visa for tourism and short business meetings.

• Application Fee:
  • 6 Month Standard Visitor or Tourist Visa: €138
• Processing Time:
  • Standard Processing: 10-15 working days (2-3 weeks)
  • Priority Service: 5-7 working days, Extra Cost: €601
  • Super-Priority Service: Next working day, Service Fee: €1,202

Business Travel (Extended Activities):

Depending on the nature of activities, Portuguese citizens may require a UK visa, such as the Innovator Founder Visa.

Study:

Portuguese citizens require a specific visa.

• Application Fee:
  • Student Visa: €589
• Processing Time:
  • Standard Processing: 10-15 working days (2-3 weeks)
  • Priority Service: 5-7 working days, Extra Cost: €601
  • Super-Priority Service: Next working day, Service Fee: €1,202

Family Settlement:

After Brexit, Portuguese citizens require a visa for family settlement.

• Application Fee:
  • Spouse Visa: €2,218
• Processing Time:
  • Standard Processing: Up to 12 weeks
  • Priority Service: 6 weeks, Extra Cost: €601

Work:

After Brexit, Portuguese citizens require a visa to work in the UK.

• Application Fee for Skilled Worker Visa:
  • €864 (up to 3 years)
  • €1,707 (over 3 years)
• Processing Time:
  • Standard Processing: 10-15 working days (2-3 weeks)
  • Priority Service: 5-7 working days, Extra Cost: €601

Note:

Extended processing up to 12 weeks may occur in some cases for non-settlement visas from Portugal due to various factors such as document verification or administrative delays.

Visa Requirements for Non-EU Residents

UK Visa for Indian and Pakistani Nationals in Portugal

• Indian Passport Holders:
  • As non-EU residents in Portugal, Indian nationals need a UK visa for visiting, working, studying, and family settlement.
• Pakistani Passport Holders:
  • Pakistani nationals in Portugal must obtain a UK visa for visiting, working, studying, and family settlement.

UK Visit Visa for Pakistani and Indian Nationals in Portugal

• Purpose:
  • For short holidays or visits to the UK from Portugal.
• Processing Time:
  • Typically, 10-15 working days for non-settlement visas, including visit visas.
• Priority Services:
  • Available for faster processing in Portugal.
• Application Submission:
  • Biometric submissions usually occur at the TLS application centre.
• TLS Application Centre:
  • Rua D Joao V 24, Espaço Amoreiras, Minus 1 Floor, Leap Space, 1250-091, Lisbon, Portugal.

2. Visiting Visa UK from Portugal

---

Portuguese citizens, classified as non-visa nationals, generally don’t require a visa for UK stays of up to six months. However, non-EU nationals living in Portugal need to obtain a visa for UK visits, including tourism. According to Paragraph V 1.3 of Appendix V of the Immigration Rules, Portuguese citizens must apply for a UK visa under specific conditions:

• If they plan to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK, or give formal notice of marriage or civil partnership.
• If they intend to stay in the UK beyond six months.

Standard Visitor Visa UK from Portugal

The standard visitor visa covers tourism, family visits, business meetings, short-term studies, and other allowed activities. Portuguese and other EU residents in Portugal typically don’t need this visa to visit the UK. However, non-EU residents, such as Indian or Pakistani passport holders, must apply for a standard visa to visit the UK.

Essential Criteria: UK Visit Visa from Portugal

To secure a UK Visit Visa from Portugal, applicants must satisfy several criteria:

• Purpose of Visit:
  • Clearly state the purpose of the visit (e.g., tourism, business, family visit).
• Financial Means:
  • Provide proof of financial means to support the stay in the UK.
• Accommodation:
  • Show evidence of accommodation arrangements.
• Onward or Return Travel:
  • Provide proof of onward or return travel to demonstrate the intent to leave the UK after the visit.

Meeting these criteria is crucial for obtaining a UK Visit Visa from Portugal.

UK Visitor Visa Statistics

In the year ending September 2022:

• 59 Portuguese nationals applied for a UK visitor visa.
• 49 applications were resolved.
• 36 visit visas were granted.
• 12 applications were rejected.

The UK visitor visa success rate in 2022 from Portugal was 73.47%, and the refusal rate was 24.49%.

UK Visit Visa Fee from Portugal

As of 2024, the UK visa fees from Portugal are:

• €138 for a 6-month visa
• €481 for a 2-year visa
• €927 for a 5-year visa
• €1,157 for a 10-year visa

All these visas have a maximum stay limit of 180 days per visit. The standard visitor visa processing time from Portugal is usually three weeks. Portuguese residents can fast-track the decision time to within one week by purchasing the priority service for €601.

UK Tourist Visa Process for Portuguese Citizens

Portuguese citizens looking to obtain a UK tourist visa must:

1. Complete an online application form.
2. Submit key documents, including:
   • Proof of intent to return to Portugal (e.g., a letter from an employer or educational institution).
   • Proof of financial stability (e.g., bank statements).
   • Detailed travel plans (e.g., confirmed accommodation and transport bookings).
3. Pay the application fee of €138.
4. Submit biometric data at a visa application center.

Required Documentation for Portuguese Applicants

• Intent to Return to Portugal:
  • A letter from an employer or educational institution confirming commitments after the UK trip.
• Proof of Financial Means:
  • Bank statements to demonstrate adequate financial capacity for the UK visit.
• Comprehensive Travel Itinerary:
  • Detailed plans including confirmed accommodation and transport bookings within the UK.

Other UK Visitor Visas from Portugal

• Marriage Visitor Visa: €138
  • For Portuguese citizens to get married or register a civil partnership in the UK. Duration: Up to 180 days.
• Private Medical Treatment Visa: €240
  • For Portuguese citizens to get private medical treatment in the UK lasting 6-11 months. Note: Attendants must apply separately.
• Visiting Academics: €240
  • For Portuguese academic professionals engaging in research or educational exchanges for up to 12 months.
• Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE): €138
  • For Portuguese professionals to perform short-term paid tasks like lecturing or assessing, available for up to 30 days.
• Parent of Child Student Visa: €766
  • For Portuguese parents of children in fee-paying day schools in the UK. Duration: 12 months.

3. Study Visa UK from Portugal

---

The UK Student Visa permits Portuguese citizens to pursue a range of educational opportunities in the UK, from higher education to Student Union roles.

UK Student Visa Statistics

In the year ending September 2022:

• 695 Portuguese citizens applied for a UK student visa.
• 698 applications were resolved.
• 678 student visas were granted.
• 6 applications were rejected.

The UK student visa success rate for Portuguese citizens was 97.13%, with a refusal rate of 0.86%.

UK Student Visa Fees from Portugal

Portuguese students applying for a UK Student Visa will face a standard fee of €589. The usual processing time for this visa is about three weeks. For those requiring faster processing, an expedited service option is available at an additional cost of €601.

Additionally, Portuguese students must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which totals £776 annually, as part of their application for a UK Student Visa.

Work Rights for Students from Portugal

• Degree-level Courses:
  • Maximum of 20 work hours per week during the academic term.
  • Full-time work permitted during holidays.
• Sub-degree Level Courses:
  • Limit of 10 work hours per week.
• Post-Study Work Opportunities
  • Portuguese graduates can avail of a 2-year post-study work visa.
  • PhD holders can get a 3-year post-study work visa.

Short-term English Language Visa

The short-term study visa is designed for Portuguese citizens studying English in the UK:

• 6-11 month course:
  • €240
• 6-month course:
  • €138

4. Family Visa UK from Portugal

---

The UK Family Visa under Appendix FM allows Portuguese citizens to join family members who are either settled in the UK or are British citizens. Categories range from spouse visas to adult dependent relatives and parent of a British child visas.

UK Family Visa Statistics

In the year ending September 2022:

• 45 Portuguese citizens applied for a family settlement visa to the UK.
• 23 applications were resolved.
• 22 family settlement visas were granted.
• 1 application was rejected.

The UK family (spouse) settlement visa success rate from Portugal was 95.65%, with a refusal rate of 4.35%.

Spouse or Partner Visa UK for Portuguese Citizens

Eligibility:

Portuguese applicants must comply with the standards set in Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules, including establishing a genuine relationship, demonstrating financial stability, secure housing, and adequate English language skills.

Validity & Extensions:

The spouse visa is initially issued for 33 months, with the possibility of extension after 30 months. Applicants become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years under the spouse route.

Cost:

The standard fee for this visa is €2,218, with an additional charge of €601 for the optional expedited processing service.

Other Family Visas

• Fiancé(e) Visa: €2,218
  • For Portuguese citizens intending to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK. Valid for 6 months.
• Parent of a British Child Visa: €2,218
  • For Portuguese citizens who are the sole caregivers of a British child.
• Adult Dependent Relative Visa: €3,906
  • For Portuguese citizens requiring long-term care from a UK-based relative.
• Returning Residents Visa: €766
  • For Portuguese citizens who have previously been settled in the UK and wish to return.

5. Work Visa UK from Portugal 2024

---

Can Portuguese Citizen Work in UK after Brexit?

After Brexit, Portuguese citizens need a work permit to work and do business in the UK. Common visa options include the Skilled Worker Visa, Innovator Visa, Startup Visa, Global Business Mobility Visa, and Health and Care Worker Visa.

UK Work Visa Statistics

In the year ending September 2022:

• 1,415 Portuguese citizens applied for a UK work visa.
• 1,414 applications were resolved.
• 1,317 work visas were granted.
• 72 applications were rejected.

The UK work visa success rate for Portuguese citizens was 93.14%, with a refusal rate of 5.09%.

Skilled Worker & Health and Care Work Visa UK from Portugal

Portuguese citizens looking to work in skilled occupations in the UK have specific visa options:

Skilled Worker Visa:

• For Portuguese citizens in skilled roles with a licensed Home Office sponsor. Offers a pathway to permanent UK settlement.
• Fee: €864 (up to 3 years), €1,707 (over 3 years)

Skilled Worker (Shortage Occupation) Visa:

• For Portuguese citizens in specific shortage occupations.
• Fee: €662 (up to 3 years), €1,303 (over 3 years)

Health and Care Work Visa:

• For Portuguese health professionals like doctors, nurses, or allied health professionals, sponsored by a licensed Home Office sponsor. Leads to permanent UK settlement.
• Fee: €341 (up to 3 years), €662 (over 3 years)

Global Business Mobility Visa UK

Various UK work visas under the Global Business Mobility category are available for Portuguese citizens:

• Senior or Specialist Worker Visa:
  • For senior managers or specialists from Portugal transferring to a UK branch.
  • Fee: €864 (up to 3 years), €1,707 (over 3 years)
• Graduate Trainee Visa:
  • For Portuguese individuals in graduate training programs leading to specialist roles in the UK.
  • Fee: €358
• UK Expansion Worker Visa:
  • For Portuguese specialists or senior personnel looking to expand a business into the UK.
  • Fee: €358
• Service Supplier Visa:
  • For Portuguese professionals providing services under UK trade agreements.
  • Fee: €358
• Secondment Worker Visa:
  • For Portuguese citizens seconded to the UK for significant contracts or investments.
  • Fee: €358

Other Work and Business Visas

Below is an overview of various UK visa categories along with their fees for Portuguese citizens looking to work or do business in the UK:

• Innovator Founder Visa:
  • Ideal for Portuguese entrepreneurs. Simplified process with endorsement approval, potentially leading to UK family residency.
  • Fee: Endorsement €1,202, Application €1,431
  • Innovator Founder route has replaced the start up and innovator visas.
• Start-Up Visa:
  • For Portuguese citizens starting an innovative business in the UK.
  • Fee: €523
• Innovator Visa:
  • For Portuguese citizens with innovative, viable, and scalable businesses. Requirements include endorsement, £50,000 investment, and B2 IELTS level.
  • Fee: €1,431
• Investor Visa:
  • For high-value Portuguese individuals investing in the UK.
  • Fee: €2,264
• High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa:
  • For Portuguese graduates from top-50 global universities seeking employment in the UK.
  • Fee: €988
• Scale-Up Visa:
  • For Portuguese citizens with a job offer from an authorised UK scale-up company. Leads to potential UK settlement after 5 years.
  • Fee: €988
• Global Talent Visa:
  • For Portuguese citizens who are leaders or potential leaders in academia, research, arts, or digital technology.
  • Fee: Approval Letter €630, Main Applicant €231, Main Applicant without Approval Letter and Dependants €860
• T2 Minister of Religion Visa:
  • For Portuguese citizens intending to undertake preaching and pastoral work.
  • Fee: €864
• International Sportsperson Visa:
  • For elite Portuguese sportspersons or coaches contributing to UK sports.
  • Fee: Up to 12 months CoS €358, More than 12 months CoS €864
• T5 (Temporary Worker) Visa:
  • For Portuguese citizens in various sectors, such as seasonal, religious, or creative workers.
  • Fee: €358

6. How to Apply UK Visa from Portugal?

---

Estimated Cost: 138 €

Supply:

• Application form
• Valid Portuguese Passport or Residence Permit
• Recent passport-sized photos
• Invitation letter (if applicable)
• Payment for visa fee in EURO
• Proof of accommodation in the UK

Tools:

• Internet access
• Portuguese Passport or Residence Permit
• Financial documents

Materials: Printed copy of online UK visa application. Financial Documentation: Recent 6 months' Bank Statements. Photocopies of Documents: Property Deeds, Tenancy Agreements, Family Form.

7. UK Visa Supporting Documents for Portuguese

---

Documents Required for UK Visa from Portugal

• Passport or Travel Document Validity:
  • Portuguese applicants need to ensure their passport is valid for the entire stay in the UK and has at least one blank page for the visa.
• Application Form Completion:
  • Portuguese citizens must fill out and authenticate the application on the UK Visas and Immigration portal.
• UK Accommodation Information:
  • Provide details about where you will stay during your visit to the UK.
• Proof of Financial Resources:
  • Portuguese applicants must demonstrate they have sufficient funds for their stay in the UK.
• Detailed UK Travel Plan:
  • Outline your travel itinerary and activities in the UK.
• Connection to Portugal:
  • Provide evidence of ties to Portugal, such as employment or family, indicating your intent to return.
• English Language Proficiency:
  • If required, usually proven through an accredited English test.

Note:

This summary provides the key documentation typically necessary for Portuguese citizens and residents applying for UK visas. Refer to the specific guidelines for the visa category you are applying for, as there may be additional document requirements.

Visa Category-Specific Documentation

• Work Visas:
  • Include documents such as a job offer, Certificate of Sponsorship, and relevant qualifications.
• Study Visas:
  • A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is essential for Portuguese students.
• Family Visas:
  • Provide proof of family ties, such as marriage or birth certificates.
• Tourist Visas:
  • Additional information about your trip may be required.

For Portuguese Applicants with UK-based Sponsors

Portuguese residents or citizens with a sponsor in the UK should include their sponsor’s supportive documents, especially for family or employment visas.

Necessary Sponsor Documents

• Invitation Letter from the UK sponsor.
• Proof of Sponsor’s Legal Status in the UK.
• Sponsor’s Financial Evidence for demonstrating their financial stability.
• Sponsor’s Accommodation Proof to show where you will stay in the UK.
• Relationship Verification with the sponsor, if applicable.

Remember:

While documents from a UK sponsor can aid your application, fulfilling the primary visa criteria is essential for Portuguese applicants.

8. FAQs: UK Visas for Portuguese 2024

---