UK Visas for Portuguese 2024 Fees & Requirements in Portugal

UK Visas for Portuguese Citizens 2024: This comprehensive guide details the post-Brexit visa requirements, fees, and application steps for Portuguese nationals planning to work, study, or settle in the UK. While short-term visits remain visa-free, longer stays now necessitate a visa. The guide also serves non-EU nationals in Portugal, such as those from India, Pakistan, South Africa, and Nigeria, outlining the fees and application procedures for UK tourist, student, skilled worker, and spouse visas. Additionally, it includes information on permanent relocation options to the UK.


UK Visas for Portuguese Citizens 2024 Expert Guidance

UK Visas for Portuguese Citizens 2024 Expert Guidance

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

UK Visit Visa for Pakistani and Indian Nationals in Portugal

UK Visas for Portuguese Citizens
Infographic Detailing Key Metrics For Uk Visas For Portuguese Citizens, Including Success Rates, Processing Times, Fees, And Priority Service Options.

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:

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

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

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:

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:

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:

How to Apply UK Visa in Portugal?
Comprehensive Infographic: Step-By-Step Guide To Applying For A Uk Visa From Portugal

6. How to Apply UK Visa from Portugal?


A comprehensive guide tailored for Portuguese citizens and residents in Portugal detailing the steps for applying for a UK visa. Note: The estimated cost provided is for a UK visitor visa. Residents in Portugal opting for priority service may complete the process within 5 working days instead of 15.

Total Time: 30 days

  1. Determine the Visa Type

    Determine the Visa Type

    Identify the specific category of visa that aligns with your purpose for traveling from Portugal to the UK.

  2. Create an Account

    Create an Online Account

    Head over to the official website of the UK government, focusing on visas and immigration. Make sure to register for an account on the UK Visas and Immigration platform.

  3. Complete the Application Form

    Fill Out the Application Form

    Online Application Instructions: Fill in the correct online form, verifying that all entered information is consistent with your supporting documents.

  4. Pay the Visa Fee

    Pay the Visa Fee

    Form Completion and Payment: Upon completing the form, you will be led by the system to the online payment gateway to settle the application fee.

  5. Gather Your Supporting Documents

    Assemble Your Supporting Documents

    Based on the visa type, gather essential documents like your Portuguese passport or residence permit, proof of finances, and UK accommodation details.

  6. Book an Appointment at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Portugal

    Schedule a VAC Appointment

    If you’re not using the Immigration App for identity verification, it’s essential to schedule an appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre (UKVAC) in Portugal.

  7. Attend Your Appointment

    Attend the VAC Appointment

    Head to the VAC with all required supporting documents in hand and complete the biometric steps as detailed in your appointment information.

  8. Wait for a Decision

    Await Visa Decision

    Application Status: After your application is received and submitted, UKVI will process it accordingly. You’ll be alerted once the decision process is complete.

  9. Collection or Delivery of Passport

    Passport Collection or Delivery

    Collect your passport with the visa attached from the VAC, or opt for courier delivery.

  10. Prepare for UK Arrival

    Prepare for Your UK Journey

    Travel Advisory: With your visa in possession, you can proceed to plan your UK travel. Ensure you understand and adhere to the conditions of your visa.

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

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

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

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


  1. How long can a Portuguese Citizen stay in the UK?

    Portuguese citizens can stay up to 180 days on a visitor visa. For other visa types like spouse, student, and work visas, the duration is defined by the visa validity. Portuguese can extend their stay by meeting Leave to Remain (LTR) requirements. Certain visa routes also allow for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventual British citizenship.

  2. How Many Portuguese in UK?

    As of 2020, around 97,000 Portugal-born residents lived in the UK, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS). This figure may have changed and doesn’t include Portuguese descendants or naturalized citizens.

  3. Do I Need a Visa for Portugal from UK?

    As of February 2023, for short stays up to 90 days, British citizens don’t require a visa. However, an ETIAS authorization is necessary.

  4. What Portuguese can do if UK Visit Visa is Refused?

    Portuguese citizens can reapply or seek Judicial Review. No appeal rights exist for visitor visa refusals. Appeals are possible on human rights grounds.

  5. Can Portuguese Work on Visiting Visa in the UK?

    Work is not permitted. Violations may lead to visa cancellation and re-entry bans.