The Honorary Consulate of Portugal in Darwin.

An Honorary Consul, irrespective of nationality, is a non-diplomat residing in the country where the consulate operates. Appointed by the Foreign Affairs Ministry, they represent and safeguard Portuguese State interests and its citizens in cities without official representation. While Honorary Consulates typically don't perform consular duties, they might be authorized to carry out voter registrations, civil and notary acts, and issuing travel documents in certain exceptional circumstances. Their work is carried out under the direction of the Head of the Mission they are attached to.

Visas handled directly by the post

Visa applications are handled by: Portugal's Consulate General in Sydney

This consular representation manages all visa applications directly and doesn't employ VFS services. The entire process from application gathering to decision-making is handled internally, ensuring complete control over the visa process, but this might cause longer processing times due to the heightened workload.

• Portuguese Tax Number (NIF): a unique tax identification number required for financial transactions in Portugal. You can obtain it at any tax office or through a fiscal representative.

• Portuguese Bank Account: major banks include Millennium BCP, Novo Banco and Santander. We can help you get a bank account in Portugal.

The main visa types available from Australia:

• D1 Work VisaFor those with a work contract with a Portuguese company. Initially valid for 4 months, convertible into a 2-year residence permit.
• D2 Entrepreneur VisaTo start a business or transfer an existing one to Portugal, with a viable business plan and sufficient means.
• D3 Highly Qualified Worker VisaFor professionals with specialized skills and a job offer meeting minimum salary requirements.
• D4 Study VisaFor students accepted into Portuguese institutions. Allows studying and working part-time.
• D5 Research VisaFor researchers hosted by a recognized Portuguese institution.
• D6 Family Reunification VisaTo join relatives already legally residing in Portugal.
• D7 Passive Income VisaPopular among retirees: stable passive income from investments, pensions or rental properties.
• D8 Digital Nomad VisaFor remote workers earning a stable income from non-Portuguese sources.
• D9 Golden VisaAn investment-based residence permit, with a minimum investment from €250,000 depending on the type.

The application usually goes through the Portuguese consulate of your home country if you are not from Australia. Most visas first grant temporary residence, which can lead to permanent residence after five years. Requirements and processing times change: check them before applying.