Portugal Immigration Requirements For Kenyan Citizens

3 min readOct 26, 2023

Portugal, located in southwestern Europe, has been a popular location for people looking for fresh chances, especially Kenyans. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and developing economy, Portugal provides various immigration options for Kenyan nationals who want to live, work, study, or invest in the country.

This blog tends to outline the immigration procedures, documents guidelines on such as flight itinerary and pathways available to Kenyan citizens who wish to relocate to Portugal.

Visa For The Schengen Area

Kenyans planning to visit Portugal for vacation, business, or short-term stays must get a Schengen visa. Portugal adheres to the Schengen Area’s standard visa policy like numerous other European countries. Visitors possessing a Schengen visa can stay in Portugal for up to 90 days during 180 days.

The application process necessitates the submission of all required papers, which include a completed application form, a valid passport, a travel itinerary, evidence of lodging, travel insurance, and financial means to sustain the stay.

Permits To Reside

A resident permit is required for Kenyan citizens who intend to stay in Portugal for an extended period. There are various options for obtaining a residency permit:

A. Workplace:

Kenyans might look for work opportunities in Portugal. An employment offer from a Portuguese employer is required, and the employer must sponsor the residence permit application. The employer must show that a Portuguese or EU citizen cannot fill the job. The permission is valid for the entire term of the job contract.

B. Research:

Kenyan students who want to study in Portugal can apply for a student residence permit. The candidate must first gain admission to a recognized educational institution and demonstrate financial capability to cover living expenses. Students with a student housing permit can work part-time while studying.

C. Reunification Of Families:

Kenyans with close family members (spouse, parents, or children) who are Portuguese or EU residents can apply for a family reunification residence permit. The applicant must show documentation of family relationships and sufficient financial resources to maintain the family members.

D. Investment And Entrepreneurship:

Portugal provides appealing opportunities for Kenyans interested in entrepreneurship or investment. Individuals can receive a residence permit under the Golden Visa program by investing in Portugal such as real estate, capital transfer, or job development. The requirements and investment thresholds differ based on the investment route chosen.

Permanent Residency

Kenyan citizens can apply for long-term residency after legally staying in Portugal for five years. This status permits individuals to reside and work in Portugal without regard to temporal constraints. Long-term residents can also get social benefits and use public services.

Kenyan residents who have lived in Portugal legally for at least five years, including one year with a permanent residence visa, are eligible to petition for Portuguese citizenship. Meeting language standards, passing a citizenship test, and demonstrating integration into Portuguese society are all part of the citizenship application procedure.

Conclusion

Kenyan people intending to live, work, study, or invest in Portugal have several immigration options. From short-term trips with a Schengen visa to long-term stays and even citizenship, there are options for people with various goals and aspirations.

To ensure a smooth and successful immigration process, Kenyan residents must completely grasp the precise requirements such as flight itinerary, dummy ticket for visa and processes of their chosen immigration option and consult with the necessary Portuguese authorities or legal practitioners.