Last updated: 28 September 2026 · By Haider Shah, accounting technician in Portugal
Pakistan has one of the largest South Asian communities in Portugal. After the 2025 law changes, the path is clearer but stricter: get the right visa in Pakistan first, then the residence permit in Portugal.
Step 1: The right visa
Tourist or Schengen short-stay visas cannot be turned into residence anymore. You need a national (D-type) visa for your purpose: work, study, family reunification, passive income (D7) or other. See temporary residence permit types.
Step 2: Where to apply in Pakistan
Portuguese visa applications in Pakistan are submitted through VFS Global visa application centres, on behalf of the Embassy of Portugal in Islamabad. Check the VFS Portugal-Pakistan page for the current centres, appointment system, fees and checklists.
Step 3: Pakistani documents need an apostille
Pakistan joined the Apostille Convention in 2023. Pakistani public documents (birth and marriage certificates, degrees, police certificates) are now authenticated with an apostille from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). The Portuguese embassy no longer legalises them. See apostille guide.
Step 4: After you arrive in Portugal
- Get your NIF and NISS (your employer may help).
- Attend the AIMA appointment or follow AIMA’s instructions to get your residence card. See AIMA appointments.
- Open a bank account (guide) and register at the health centre (SNS guide).
- Keep Social Security and IRS in order. Renewals check them.
Warnings for Pakistani applicants
- No one can “guarantee” a Portuguese visa or job. Agents asking for large payments for fake contracts are a serious problem. Check any employer on the Portuguese company registry and never pay for a job.
- Fake documents lead to refusal and entry bans across Schengen.
- Driving licences from Pakistan can be exchanged only under specific conditions. See driving licence guide.
Need help with this?
AIMA processes need tax and Social Security documents that are in order: NIF address, IRS returns, contribution records and no-debt certificates. I sort those out every day, and I work alongside immigration lawyers for the legal side.
Contact meOfficial sources
- VFS Global – Portugal visa information in Pakistan
- Embassy of Portugal in Islamabad – Visas
- MOFA Pakistan – Apostille
- MOFA Pakistan – Pakistan's accession to the Apostille Convention
This guide is general information, checked against official sources on 28 September 2026. Rules and portals in Portugal change often, so confirm the current rules with the official source before you act. It is not legal advice.
