Americans Applying for a Resident Visa

Step 1: Complete your application online

National visa applications are dealt with by the Embassy of Portugal in Washington, so go to their website and click the CONSULAR SECTION tab and go down to VISA INFORMATION and then click on NATIONAL VISA.

On the next page, scroll down to the link for the application form – http://www.secomunidades.pt/ and you will be able to download it.

Next, input your login details if you have them or, if this is your first time using this system, you’ll need to create an account. You’ll then be able to log in and book your appointment: remember COVID-19 IN-PERSON RESTRICTIONS APPLY. Be prepared!

Step 3: Preparing your documents for submission to the Portuguese Embassy in Washington

It’s very important to prepare everything that is required for your visa application. Missing documents will result in your application not being processed and/or visa denial. Check with the Embassy’s websites for further information.

Documents include:

• Application form for visa fully completed and signed (The Embassy request you sign this in front of a consular official)
• Passport or other travel documents with two free pages, issued within the last 10 years, and valid for three months past return date
• Alien residence card or valid US visa with I-94, I-20, -I-AP 66 or I-512 valid for two months past return date
• Passport photo not older than six months
• Proof of current occupation: Employee: employer letter OR last three payslips;  Student: university/school/college letter; Self-employed: cover letter plus business license and tax return; Unemployed/Retired: proof of pension income/marriage certificate/proof of employment and funds/spouse’s passport
• Proof of funds three bank statements
• Proof of travel flight booking or other proof of transport
• Proof of accommodation hotel booking and/or host’s ID and permit to stay
• Travel health insurance valid throughout the Schengen area. Must be for a minimum of €30,000 to cover medical costs, hospital care, emergency treatment, and repatriation
• Birth certificate
• Parental consent form/parent’s ID/declaration of consent (for minors)
• Proof of sponsorship
• FBI record check
• Portuguese Work contract OR proof of enrollment/ownership of property etc

Step 5: Receive your visa

Once you have submitted your file, you can track the status of your application. Enter your reference number and date of birth and click on SUBMIT.

If a decision has been made, you can collect your passport from the Embassy of Portugal. You will need your receipt, ID, and a copy of your application in order to pick it up. If you prefer, you can also arrange for your passport to be returned to you. The Portuguese Embassy requires you to provide a pre-paid, self-addressed envelope for this service. Hopefully, you’ll see your Portugal visa in your passport, but there may have been a reason why your application got refused. Common rejection reasons include:

• Purpose of the trip could not be determined
• Invalid passport
• Application form missing
• Applied to the wrong embassy
• Bank statements not provided
• Employment letter does not have an official letterhead

To prevent any of these refusal reasons, first, make sure you are applying at the correct visa authority – check the website for the areas that they accept applications from – every consulate, Embassy, or application center has different jurisdiction. It is vital that you do not omit any paperwork when you submit your application. This results in a delayed application or, even worse, refusal of your application completely. Also, check to see if your passport is valid as per the requirements of the Embassy. In addition, any additional documents you need to provide must be on official letterhead with employers name and address.