Portugal Student Visa

Portuguese higher education includes university and polytechnic education, both offered by public and private institutions. Private higher education institutions must be subject to the previous recognition of the Ministry of Education and Science.

A bachelor’s degree is the first stage of higher education in the European Bologna system. Tuition for this degree lasts three to four years, and for law and medical specialties, five to six years.

A Master’s degree is the next step after a bachelor’s degree. The period of study varies from one to two years, and for legal and medical specialties, from five to six years. A master’s degree ends with the student being assigned a research project or science work.

Doctorate: Graduates studying for doctoral degree or PhD are allowed to take as much time as they need to prepare for exams and defend their dissertation.

Admission to a Portuguese university is on a competitive basis. Every year, universities publish the number of vacancies and terms of admission: the number of vacancies and the rules are different for EU and non-EU citizens.

Each university sets its own deadlines for accepting documents. Typically, applications start being accepted nine months before the beginning of the studies. During this period, applicants need to send the necessary documents, pass entrance exams and, if necessary, obtain a student Visa.

The academic year at universities in Portugal is divided into two semesters: the Winter semester lasts from September or October to the end of February, and the Spring semester from March to the end of July.

Foreign applicants need to prove their knowledge of the Portuguese language at a level of B2 or higher. Universities can also admit students with a B1 language certificate, as long as they accept to raise their level at B2 level. If the course is taught in English, the same requirements apply for the English language.

If you have already applied and have been accepted into a polytechnic or university degree course in Portugal, it would now be the time to learn more about the paperwork and Portugal Student Visa process. Please note that the earlier you apply, the faster you get your student Visa and will be able to take care of your relocation to Portugal. 

The application process for your student Visa will start at your home country’s nearest Portuguese Consulate, where you should find out the answers to the following:

• Does the course I have chosen needs a student visa?
• Which type of visa should I apply for?
• What are the required documents for this visa?
• How long does it usually take to get the visa?

Be advised that even after submitting your documents, there is a possibility that the Portuguese Consulate may contact you for further information, which may delay the issuance of your Visa.

There are different Portugal Student Visa types, depending on the course you have applied to, its duration and your nationality.

Regarding your nationality:

• For EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, it is not required a student Visa, but you will have to register your stay with the local authorities.
• International students from countries, such as the United States, Australia, and Canada, can enter Portugal with just their passport for up to three months, during which time they can even take a short study course.
• For Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, a student Visa is required only for nationalities who typically need a Portugal Schengen visa. And you will also need a Residence Permit if your study requires a long stay.

Portugal student visa types for non-EU citizens:

• Short-term Student Visa (Type C): This is a short-stay Visa for non-EU citizens who plan to undertake a course or a research project in Portugal with a duration of less than 90 days.
• Long-term Student Visa (Type D): This is a long-stay Visa for students and researchers undertaking studies or research projects in Portugal for longer than 90 days.

Applying for the long-term student Visa (Type D) will require you as a non-EU student to apply for a Residence Permit once you arrive in Portugal. This permit will be valid for one year. After a year, your residence permit can be renewed for up to five years at the AIMA – Agency for Integration, Migrations and Asylum local office.

In order to get your Portuguese Student Visa as quickly as possible, there are some tips you should consider while preparing yourself:



1. Visit the Portuguese Consulate’s website in your country and schedule your appointment. Try to choose the earliest available timing because the visa process may take up to 60 or 90 days to be issued, so the earlier you start the process the better.
2. Organize your documents according to the Portuguese Consulate’s requirements and double-check that you keep copies for an emergency.
3. You may have a visa interview during the process, so be prepared and always pay attention to your mail and phone because the Portuguese Consulate might call you anytime.
4. In some cases, you may need some health requirements, such as vaccinations and recovery certificates.
   

The required documents may vary a little according to the Portuguese Consulate in your country, but the following are the main and most common:

• Letter of acceptance from the university/polytechnic you applied to.
• A passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the expiry date of the Visa you are applying for (which will expire after 4 months), with at least one blank visa page.
• Two recent passport-size pictures.
• A fully filled application form according to your Visa type.
• Proof of financial resources to support yourself during your stay in Portugal
• One coloured passport photocopy.
• Proof of the application fee payment.
• Proof of Schengen travel health insurance
• A valid travel ticket or confirmed reservation to Portugal
• Confirmed accommodation arrangements. This can be a rental contract, accommodation from your university (dormitories), or a letter of invitation from a family member/friend with whom you will live in Portugal.
• A criminal record certificate or Police clearance letter (FBI report in the case of US residents) issued no more than 90 days before the date of submission to the Consulate
  

As an EU/EEA/Swiss student, you are allowed to work while studying without any restrictions or working hours limits. Unfortunately, the case is not the same for non-EU/EEA students, who can only take up part-time employment (up to 20 hours/week) or full-time employment, during semester breaks and holidays, which is applicable to students who have a Residency Permit and are staying more than 90 days.

If you are taking a short course (up to three months) and/or only have a Schengen Visa, you are not allowed to work in Portugal.

All students who registered for long courses with a duration of more than 90 days will have to apply for a Residence Permit within four months of their arrival in Portugal at a local city council hall. This is not a complicated step. However, you will just need to make an appointment through the AIMA online services and prepare the following documents:

• A completed student visa application form.
• Valid passport and one photocopy.
• Two recent passport-size pictures.
• Proof that you have the financial means to support yourself in Portugal;
• Proof that you have adequate accommodation in Portugal;
• Proof that you have medical insurance;
• Proof of registration at a Portuguese higher education institution; and
• Proof that you’ve paid any applicable tuition fees.

Note that the time you live in Portugal as a student does not count towards permanent residency. The Portuguese Student Visa does not lead to a permanent residency until you get a job offer and switch to residence permit for work.

You can also apply for Work Search Visa, valid for those who intend to search for a job in Portugal.