Hanoi's Honorary Consulate of Portugal

An Honorary Consul, whether Portuguese or not, is a non-diplomat residing in the country and location where their Consulate is situated. They are appointed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to advocate and protect the rights and interests of the Portuguese State and its citizens, in a city where no official representation exists. Honorary Consulates typically do not possess the authority to perform consular acts. However, under certain exceptional and justified cases, they may be permitted to perform voter registration, civil registration and notary acts, and issue travel documents. The honorary consuls work within their competence, following the directives of the Head of the Mission they are attached to.

Visas outsourced to VFS Global

Visa applications are handled by: Embassy of Portugal's Consular Section located in Bangkok

This consular representation wholly delegates its visa application procedures to VFS Global. The latter manages all operational aspects save for the visa review and approval. This approach aids in expediting the process, allowing the consulate to efficiently handle a large number of applications whilst 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 Vietnam:

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