Portugal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on 6 March 2026 that, from 17 April, all Brazilian applicants seeking either a Schengen short-stay visa or a national long-stay visa must lodge their applications in person at one of nine VFS Global visa centres in Brazil or at a Portuguese embassy or consulate.

The move brings an end to the postal application channel that had been widely used since the Covid-19 pandemic and was credited with reducing average processing times by around a third.

According to Portuguese officials, the change is primarily intended to reinforce security checks, as incomplete files currently delay more than 30 percent of Brazilian requests. By requiring applicants to appear in person, consular staff can verify original documentation and collect biometric data directly, reducing fraud and the number of incomplete applications.

In 2025, nearly 105,000 visa applications were submitted by Brazilian nationals seeking travel to Portugal, making Brazil the second-largest source of visa applications after India. About 40 percent of those applications were filed by courier under the postal system.

The new requirements are expected to have an immediate impact on businesses that regularly transfer staff to Portugal, as companies may need to account for additional travel costs and at least a day away from work for employees who must attend in-person visa appointments.

Relocation specialists also warn that applicants living far from visa centres – including those in cities such as Manaus and Fortaleza – may need to budget for domestic flights in order to attend appointments. Employers and applicants are advised to book group appointments where possible, prepare documentation in advance and consider premium appointment services available in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro to reduce waiting times.

Meanwhile, certain travellers will not be affected by the change, such as individuals who hold dual Brazilian and EU citizenship that can continue to travel freely, and short-term visitors who qualify for the European Union’s visa-free 90-day stay for Brazilian citizens will not require a visa.

This policy aligns Portugal with other Schengen countries such as Spain and Italy, which have long required visa applications to be submitted in person. Immigration lawyers expect other Schengen states to monitor the results closely, and if the new approach reduces fraud and administrative delays, similar measures could be introduced by other Schengen consulates handling large volumes of Brazilian applicants.