Embassy of Portugal in Panama City: Consular Section

The Consular Section is a department within an Embassy that serves as a one-stop centre for all consular issues pertaining to Portuguese citizens living abroad and foreigners. Most of them require appointments to be scheduled in advance via the Embassy's website. They typically collaborate with service providers like VFS for visa appointments, which handles document collection and interview procedures. Alternatively, they might use the E-Visa system for collecting the necessary information to create an online form, which will lead to an in-person appointment at the Embassy's Consular Section.

• Passport services

  Application for a new passport, renewal of an existing passport, and sometimes emergency travel documents.

• Visas

  Application for various types of visas to enter Portugal, including tourist, short-stay and long-stay visas.

  All available visas in Portugal

  What you need to know about AIMA

• Consular registration

  Registration of Portuguese citizens residing abroad.

• Citizen Card

  Application or renewal of the Portuguese Citizen Card, which serves as an identification document in Portugal.

• Civil registry

  Registration of marriages, births and deaths, and the corresponding certificates.

• Notary services

  Notarization of documents, certification of photocopies, authentication of signatures and powers of attorney.

• Voter registration

  Registration and information on voting abroad in Portuguese elections.

• Consular assistance

  Assistance in emergencies, such as accidents, illnesses or arrests of Portuguese nationals abroad.

• Tax Identification Number (NIF)

  A Portuguese tax number, needed for many economic and legal activities in Portugal.

  Get your Portuguese NIF online

Visas handled directly by the post

This consular representation does not utilise VFS services, hence, it directly handles all visa applications. Every phase, from application collection to decision-making, is managed internally. This provides complete control over the visa process, but potentially longer processing times due to the increased 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 Panama:

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