Temporary Stay Visa for Independent Work

What it is

Temporary stay visa to carry out independent (self-employed) professional activity in Portugal for less than a year. Temporary stay visa: allows entry and stay in Portugal for less than a year, valid for the entire stay, with multiple entries.

Key facts

Category: Business
Duration: Less than one year; valid for the entire stay, multiple entries.
Processing time: Up to 4 weeks
Maximum validity: 1 year
Extendable: Yes
Path to permanent residence: No
Dependants: No
How to apply: Mixed
Health insurance: Required

Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.

Fees

Application fee (national visa fee (Order 229/2021)): EUR 110
Application fee (exempt from any visa fee): EUR 0

Key requirements

National visa application form, signed
Two recent passport photos
Passport valid for 3 months beyond the intended return
Criminal record certificate (applicants 16+), apostilled or legalised
Proof of means of subsistence
Valid travel insurance
Service contract or proof of the independent professional activity
Declaration from the relevant professional body where applicable

Working on this visa

Visa purpose IS independent professional activity in Portugal (Lei Art 54(1)(c)); DR84 Art 19-A requires a services contract/promise; regulated professions need a competent-body declaration.

Bringing family

Family reunification requires a residence-permit sponsor (Art 98(1)); temp-stay visa is not a residence permit. Family may apply for their own temp-stay visa to accompany the holder (Art 54(1)(h)), except for seasonal-work holders.

Money you must show

€920/mo 2026 RMMG; +50% per adult, +30% per child

Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 27 July 2026.