Last reviewed: May 2026
TL;DR- TLScontact handles Portuguese Schengen and national long-stay visa applications for UK residents on behalf of the Portuguese Embassy in London.
- UK passport holders do not need a visa for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- Long-stay categories include D7 (passive income), D8 (digital nomad), D2 (entrepreneur), D3 (highly qualified), D4 (study), D6 (family reunion) and Tech Visa.
- UK centre is in London. Verify the address at uk.tlscontact.com before travelling.
- TLScontact does not decide visas. The Portuguese consulate decides, with AIMA processing residence permits inside Portugal.
Address and Contact Details
TLScontact runs the Portuguese visa application centre in the UK on behalf of the Embassy of Portugal in London. The centre is based in London and may be shared with other TLScontact country desks.
To find the current address, open uk.tlscontact.com and select Portugal. The portal lists the precise address, postcode, opening hours and contact details.
Verify the current TLScontact Portugal centre address before travelling. The Portuguese Embassy in London also publishes visa information at londres.embaixadaportugal.mne.gov.pt.
Countries and Visa Types Handled
TLScontact Portugal processes the full range of Portuguese visas for UK residents, including:
- Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) for tourism, business or visits up to 90 days, for nationalities not visa-exempt.
- D7 visa for retirees and individuals with stable passive income (pensions, dividends, rental income).
- D8 digital nomad visa for remote workers with employment outside Portugal.
- D2 visa for entrepreneurs and self-employed.
- D3 visa for highly qualified professionals.
- D4 student visa.
- D6 family reunion visa.
- Tech Visa for skilled workers sponsored by certified Portuguese tech companies.
- Job seeker visa.
UK passport holders do not need a visa for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism, business or family visits.
How to Book an Appointment
- Open the Portuguese Embassy in London's visa pages and choose your category.
- Complete the application form (typically in PDF) and gather all required documents.
- For long-stay D categories, prepare evidence of income, accommodation, NIF (Portuguese tax number), Portuguese bank account and criminal record certificate as needed.
- Open uk.tlscontact.com and create an account.
- Pay the TLScontact service fee online.
- Book a date and time at the London centre.
- Print the appointment letter with barcode and bring the consular visa fee payment proof if required.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
- Printed TLScontact appointment letter with barcode.
- Signed visa application form.
- Current passport with at least three months validity beyond intended departure from Schengen and at least two blank pages.
- Old passports if requested.
- Passport-style photographs to Schengen specification (35mm x 45mm, biometric).
- Proof of UK residency.
- Schengen travel insurance for short-stay visas with at least 30,000 euros medical cover.
- For long-stay D7, evidence of stable passive income meeting the minimum threshold (typically 12 months of statements).
- For D8, employment contract or freelance contracts showing remote work outside Portugal and minimum income.
- Portuguese accommodation evidence (rental contract or property deed).
- NIF (Portuguese tax number) and Portuguese bank account proof.
- Criminal record certificate from country of residence, apostilled and translated where required.
- Marriage and birth certificates for family applications.
Processing Times and Fees
Schengen visa fee is 90 euros for adults and 45 euros for children 6 to 11. Portuguese long-stay D visa fees are set by AIMA and vary by category. TLScontact service fee in the UK is in addition to consular fees.
Processing time for a Schengen visa is normally 15 calendar days. Long-stay D7, D8 and D2 visas can take 60 to 90 days because the file is reviewed by AIMA in Portugal before issue. After arrival in Portugal, applicants attend AIMA for residence permit issuance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the D7 visa?
The D7 is a long-stay visa for individuals who can support themselves in Portugal through stable passive income, such as pensions, dividends or rental income. It can lead to permanent residence after five years.
What is the D8 digital nomad visa?
The D8 is a long-stay visa for remote workers earning income from employment or freelance work outside Portugal. Income thresholds apply and must be evidenced over time.
What is NIF?
NIF (Numero de Identificacao Fiscal) is the Portuguese taxpayer number. It is needed to open a bank account, sign a rental contract and apply for many long-stay visas.
Do I need to be in Portugal to apply?
No. The D-type visa is applied for from outside Portugal at TLScontact in the UK. The residence permit itself is issued by AIMA in Portugal after arrival.
Can my family come with me on a D7 or D8 visa?
Yes. Spouses, registered partners and dependent children can be included or apply through family reunion.
How We Verified This
We cross-referenced uk.tlscontact.com, the Portuguese Embassy in London, the AIMA website and gov.uk foreign travel advice for Portugal. D7, D8 and Tech Visa criteria evolve, so we have linked to the official portals for current information.
