The Portugal Honorary Consulate in Chennai.

An Honorary Consul can be a Portuguese or a non-Portuguese resident appointed by the Foreign Affairs Ministry to uphold and protect the Portuguese State and its citizens' rights and interests where there is no official representation. Though they usually do not perform consular tasks, they may be authorised to execute voter registration operations, civil registration, notary acts and issue travel documents under exceptional and justified situations. Their activities, concerning their proficiency, comply with the directives of the Mission Head they report to.

Visas outsourced to VFS Global

Visa applications are handled by: Embassy of Portugal's Consular Section in New Delhi

The entire visa application procedure is outsourced to VFS Global by this consular representation, with the exception of visa evaluation and issuance. This approach facilitates process optimisation, empowering the consulate to efficiently manage a large number of applications while retaining control over visa issuance.

• 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 India:

• 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 India. Most visas first grant temporary residence, which can lead to permanent residence after five years. Requirements and processing times change: check them before applying.