Portugal's Honorary Consulate in Pusan

An Honorary Consul, possibly a Portuguese or a foreigner, who doesn't necessarily have to be a diplomat, is a representative appointed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Their task is to uphold and safeguard the rights and interests of the Portuguese State and its nationals, especially in a city with no official representation. While Honorary Consulates generally do not carry out consular acts, in certain exceptional circumstances, they may be allowed to handle voter registration, civil registration and notary acts, issue travel documents, all in compliance with the head of the mission they are assigned to.

Visas handled directly by the post

Visa applications are handled by: Consular Section of the Embassy of Portugal in Seoul

Some consular representations do not employ VFS services and hence handle all visa applications directly. This approach offers complete control over the visa process, but it might lead to longer processing times due to an 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 South Korea:

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