Portugal Visa Appeal for Indian Tourists

Getting a visa rejection for Portugal is common, and if your visa has been rejected, you have two options – to appeal or to reapply. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to file a Portugal visa appeal for Indian citizens.

Keep reading to learn about the Portugal visa appeal process for Indians, the different costs, timelines, documents, etc.

Should You Appeal Your Visa Rejection? Or Apply for a New Application?

Portugal’s visa system offers three distinct pathways for addressing a rejection, each with its implications and timelines:

Why Appeal a Portugal Visa?

Portugal’s formal appeal system provides several compelling advantages for addressing visa rejections effectively. Here are the key reasons:

• You have identified procedural errors in your visa assessment that can be formally challenged through the appeal system.
• The financial requirements were misunderstood, and you can demonstrate adequate funds through additional evidence.
• You have obtained new supporting documents that directly address the concerns raised in your rejection.
• You can now provide more substantial evidence of your ties to India that wasn’t included in the original application.
• You have secured formal invitations or sponsorships from Portuguese entities to strengthen your application.

Suggested Read: Portugal Visa Photo Requirements for Indian

Eligibility for a Portugal Visa Appeal

The Portuguese visa system has established specific eligibility criteria to meet when pursuing an appeal or reapplication. These requirements ensure that your appeal has the best chance of success:

• Your passport must maintain validity for at least three months beyond your intended stay in Portugal and the Schengen area.
• You must file your appeal within the stipulated timeframes – 15 days for complaints to the consular post and three months for hierarchical appeals.
• Your appeal submission must include comprehensive documentation addressing the specific reasons cited in your rejection notice.
• You must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support your stay, typically requiring proof of €50 per day of your visit.
• A valid travel insurance policy with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is required throughout your intended stay.
• You must provide evidence of stronger ties to India than in your previous application, such as employment contracts or property ownership.
• Certified translators must correctly translate all supporting documents into Portuguese or English.
• You must be prepared to provide additional documentation if requested during the appeal process.

Suggested Read: How to Book Portugal Visa Appointment

Portugal Visa Appeal Fees

Portugal’s visa appeal system involves several costs that applicants should consider when planning their response to rejection:

• Administrative Fee for Appeal: €75 for each appeal procedure submitted.
• Standard Visa Fee (if reapplying): €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6-12 years.
• VFS Global Service Charge: €30 per application for handling services.
• Document Translation Services: €20-50 per page for certified translations into Portuguese or English.
• Courier Services: €15-25 for secure document delivery within India.
• Notarization of Documents: €10-20 per document for legal authentication.
• Travel Insurance: €30-100 based on coverage duration and benefits.
• Legal Assistance (if required): Varies based on complexity and service provider.

Suggested Read: Portugal Visa Extension for Indian

Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Portugal Visa Appeal

Understanding Portugal’s unique three-tier appeal system is crucial for submitting a successful appeal. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Upon receiving your rejection notice, carefully review the reasons and gather all relevant documentation addressing these concerns.

Step 2: Choose your appeal pathway:

• Complaint to the Consular Post (within 15 days)
• Hierarchical Appeal to the Government (within 3 months)
• Administrative Court Action (within 3 months)

Step 3: Prepare your appeal documentation package:

• Detailed appeal letter addressing each rejection reason
• Original rejection notice
• Valid passport and previous visas
• Updated financial documentation
• Comprehensive travel itinerary
• Fresh supporting documents
• Certified translations of all documents

Step 4: Submit your appeal to the appropriate authority:

• For Consular Complaints: Submit directly to the Portuguese consulate
• For Hierarchical Appeals: File through the consular section
• For Administrative Actions: Submit to the Administrative Court of Lisbon

Step 5: Pay the required appeal fee of €75 using the accepted payment methods at your submission location.

Step 6: Retain all submission receipts and tracking numbers provided during the appeal process.

Step 7: Monitor your appeal status through the provided channels and respond promptly to any additional documentation requests.

Step 8: If pursuing multiple appeal pathways, maintain clear records of each submission and their respective deadlines.

Step 9: Prepare for potential interview requests or additional clarifications during the appeal review process.

Step 10: Upon receiving the appeal decision, carefully review the outcome and consider your next steps based on the result.

Suggested Read: How To Check Portugal Visa Status In India

Understand the Rejection Reason

Here are some common reasons for Portugal visa rejection:

• Insufficient funds in your bank statements
• Not strong enough ties to your home country
• Signs of criminal history
• Application errors in your visa submission

Portugal Visa Appeal Letter Format for Indians

Use this Portugal visa appeal letter format for Indians to appeal the refusal decision. Here’s everything you need to include:

Date:

Embassy Address:

To whom it may concern,

Paragraph 1:

• Name & Surname
• Passport Number
• Address
• Date of Birth
• Place of Birth
• Email
• Phone Number
• Application Date
• Reason to visit Portugal

Paragraph 2:

Summarize the reasons for your visa refusal and why you believe the decision was incorrect.

Paragraph 3:

• Explain the reason for reconsideration.
• Support your arguments with facts or references.

End by stating your planned travel date to highlight any urgency. Attach and mention the supporting documents to provide proof for your arguments.

Sincerely,

• Official signature
• Your full name
• Your email
• Your phone number

Portugal Visa Appeal Documents for Indians

Here are the Portugal visa appeal documents for Indians:

• An appeal letter
• A copy of your rejection notice
• A copy of your Passport
• Supporting documents (bank statements, travel itinerary, insurance, etc.)

Portugal Visa Appeal Process for Indians: General Tips

• Be concise and transparent in your letter, and stick to the Portugal visa appeal letter format for Indians.
• Provide thorough documentation to support your case.
• Ensure all information is accurate and up-to-date.

Follow-up and Response

Be patient because the Portugal visa appeal process can be lengthy. You can contact the Portuguese Embassy to learn the status of your visa appeal application. If your visa appeal is rejected, you can opt to reapply.

FAQs

How can an Indian appeal a Portugal visa rejection?

Portugal offers three distinct appeal options:

• A complaint to the consular post within 15 days,
• A hierarchical appeal to the government within three months
• An administrative court action within three months.

Is there a fee for filing a visa appeal?

Yes, each appeal procedure requires an administrative fee of €75, except for applications resulting from family reunification authorizations.

What should I include in my visa appeal letter?

Your appeal letter should comprehensively address each rejection reason with specific evidence and documentation.

What is the time limit for appealing a Portugal visa rejection for Indians?

Portugal provides specific timeframes for different appeal options:

• 15 days for consular complaints
• Three months for both hierarchical appeals and administrative court actions.

It’s crucial to adhere to these deadlines for your appeal to be considered valid.

Will appealing or reapplying affect my chances in the future?

Utilizing Portugal’s formal appeal system does not negatively impact future applications. A well-documented appeal addressing previous concerns can strengthen your visa history with Portuguese authorities.

Should I hire an immigration lawyer or visa consultant for my appeal?

Professional assistance can be particularly valuable when navigating Portugal’s formal appeal system, especially for hierarchical or administrative court actions. Experts familiar with Portuguese visa law can significantly improve your appeal’s effectiveness.

How long does it take for a Portugal visa appeal decision for Indians?

Processing times vary by appeal type: consular complaints typically receive responses within 15 days, while hierarchical appeals and administrative actions may take several months for final decisions.

What if my visa appeal is rejected again?

If your visa appeal letter is rejected, you can apply for a fresh Portugal (Schengen) visa.

What are the chances of success in a Portugal visa appeal for Indians?

Success rates vary based on the appeal path chosen and the strength of your supporting documentation. Appeals that clearly address specific rejection reasons and provide comprehensive supporting evidence have higher success rates.

What documents are needed for a Portugal visa appeal by Indians?

The documents needed for a Portugal visa appeal for Indians are:

• Appeal letter
• Original rejection notice
• All standard visa documents
• Additional evidence addressing rejection reasons.

All documents should be translated by certified Portuguese or English translations.