With a Tech Visa in Portugal, you can freely travel within the Schengen Area, comprising 26 European countries without the need for additional visas or permits.
Yes, as a Tech Visa holder in Portugal, you can travel freely within the Schengen Area without the need for additional visas. Here’s how it works:
1. Schengen Area Freedom of Movement
- Visa-Free Travel: The Tech Visa granted by Portugal allows you to enter and reside in Portugal, but it also gives you the right to travel within the Schengen Area for short stays (up to 90 days within any 180-day period) without requiring additional visas. This is because Portugal is a member of the Schengen Area, which comprises 27 European countries that have abolished internal borders for passport-free movement of people.
2. Duration and Conditions of Stay
- Short-Term Stays: While the Tech Visa allows you to travel within the Schengen Area, it’s important to note that the visa primarily grants residency rights in Portugal. The 90/180 rule applies to stays in other Schengen countries, meaning you can spend up to 90 days in any other Schengen country within a 180-day period, but you must ensure that these stays are temporary and not for purposes such as employment in those countries.
- Purpose of Travel: The travel permitted under the Schengen rules is generally for tourism, business meetings, or short-term visits. If you wish to work, study, or stay longer in another Schengen country, you would need to apply for the appropriate visa or permit from that specific country.
3. Entry and Exit Requirements
- Passport and Documentation: When traveling within the Schengen Area, it’s advisable to carry your passport and your Portuguese residency card, which proves your legal status in Portugal. While border checks are minimal, authorities in other Schengen countries may require proof of your legal residency in Portugal during your stay.
- Monitoring of Stay: Although internal borders are open, the days you spend in other Schengen countries are monitored, and you must adhere to the 90/180 rule to avoid penalties or issues when re-entering the Schengen Area.
Summary
As a Tech Visa holder in Portugal, you have the right to travel freely within the Schengen Area for short stays (up to 90 days within any 180-day period) without needing additional visas. However, your primary residency and work rights are tied to Portugal, and you must comply with the Schengen rules during your travels in other member countries.