Business visa · Kenya to Portugal

Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Business - Type C)

Embassy required

• Maximum stay: 90 days
• Processing time: 15 calendar days, up to 45 days in some cases
• Validity: Up to 5 years for frequent business travelers
• Entry: Single entry

Nationals of Annex I countries who wish to conduct short-term business activities in Portugal must apply for a Schengen C-type visa. Business activities include meetings, conferences, contract negotiations, and trade fairs. Paid employment is NOT permitted. For employment, a D1 work visa is required.

Eligibility

• Nationality

  Nationals of Annex I countries requiring a Schengen visa.

  Eligible countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Comoros, Congo, Congo (Democratic Republic of the), Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Korea (Democratic People's Republic of), Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Qatar, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Suriname, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Tanzania, United Republic of, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

• Purpose of visit

  Short-term business: meetings, conferences, contract negotiations, trade fairs, and business consultations.

  Includes

  • Business meetings
  • conferences
  • contract negotiations
  • trade fairs
• Financial

  Must demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover the duration of stay and return travel.

  Minimum funds: EUR 75 per day

Documents you need

• Passport

  Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3

• Photo

  Count: 2; Specifications: Recent passport-style photos, 35x45mm, white background, taken within last 6 months

• Bank statement

  Minimum balance: Sufficient to cover entire stay; Months required: 3

• Proof of funds

  Accepted forms: Bank statements from last 3 months, employment certificate with salary, company sponsorship letter; Minimum amount: EUR 75 per day of stay

• Employment letter

  Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

  Must include leave approval: Yes; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes

• Travel insurance

  Coverage area: All Schengen countries; Minimum coverage: EUR 30,000

• Accommodation proof

  Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.

  Accepted types: Hotel reservation or invitation letter with term of responsibility; Must cover full stay: Yes

• Flight reservation

  Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

  Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes

• Invitation letter

  Host requirements: Official invitation from Portuguese company or organization stating purpose of visit, dates, host organization name, and responsible contact person

• Application form

  Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

  Form name: Schengen Visa Application Form; Form url: https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/en/short-stay-visas-schengen

• Visa fee payment

  Accepted methods: Cash, bank card at VFS centres; Amount: EUR 80 adults, EUR 40 children 6-11

• Company registration

  Provide company registration evidence for the inviting, sponsoring or employing organisation.

  Accepted documents: Company registration certificate, business license, or company letter confirming role

How to apply

1. Document gathering

   Gather all required documents including passport, application form, photos, travel insurance, invitation letter from Portuguese business partner, proof of accommodation, return flight, bank statements, and employment letter.

2. Appointment booking

   Book an appointment at the Portuguese embassy/consulate or VFS Global visa application centre.

3. Document submission

   Submit all required documents and application form in person at your scheduled appointment.

4. Biometrics

   Provide biometric data (fingerprints and digital photo). Biometrics valid for 59 months may be reused.

5. Fee payment

   Pay the EUR 80 visa application fee plus any applicable VFS service fee.

6. Processing wait

   Standard processing is 15 calendar days. May take up to 45 days in exceptional cases.

7. Visa collection

   Collect your passport with the visa from the embassy/consulate or VFS centre.

This information is general guidance only and can change frequently. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for help.