Study in Portugal: Student Visas & Permits

The student visa requirements for studying in Portugal depend on your nationality. The rules differ for EU/EEA nationals and non-EU/EEA nationals.

EU/EEA Nationals

Students from the EU and the EEA don't need a student visa to study in Portugal, but if your stay in Portugal exceeds 90 days, you must apply for a certificate of registration (Certificado de Registo) upon arrival at the local city council office. You should bring a national identity card or passport and a valid European Health Insurance Card to be officially added to the population register. EU/EEA students should report their arrival and receive their registration within their first four months in Portugal. Students who are EU/EEA nationals can work in Portugal without any restrictions.

Non-EU Nationals

Non-EU/EEA students wanting to study in Portugal will require a student visa and a residence permit. International students should visit the Portuguese embassy or diplomatic mission in their home country to make their visa application. Non-EU students must obtain their visas before traveling to Portugal. Your visa application can take 1 to 3 months to process, so apply early! Once non-EU students arrive in Portugal, they should book an appointment with the local branch of the Portuguese Immigration and Borders service (SEF) to apply for their residence permit.

There are 2 types of visas applicable to non-EU international students planning to study in Portugal:

• Type C: This short-stay visa is for non-EU students or researchers planning to undertake a course or research project in Portugal with a duration of less than 90 days.
• Type D: This visa is for all non-EU students or researchers undertaking studies in Portugal, lasting longer than 90 days.

If you apply for any visa, like EU/EEA students, you'll also be required to apply for a residence permit once you arrive in Portugal. Non-EU students can take up casual employment in Portugal (up to 20 hours a week) and work full-time during holidays or non-study periods.

How to apply for a student visa to study in Portugal

You can start the visa application process once you have received a letter of acceptance from a higher education institute in Portugal. The process is conducted at the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your home country. You may need to schedule a visa interview on their website, where you can also check the required documentation, which can differ depending on your country.

The documentation that you need for your visa application might entail the following:

• Your completed application form (downloaded from the website of your local Portuguese embassy or consulate);
• A passport photo in color;
• A valid passport that expires no sooner than three months after your planned departure from Portugal with at least one blank visa page;
• A letter of acceptance from a Portuguese higher education institution;
• Proof that you have the financial resources to support yourself during your stay(€870 for each month) ;
• Proof of valid health insurance;
• A copy of your travel itinerary to Portugal;
• Proof of accommodation, either on campus or privately, and
• You'll also need to pay a visa application fee of up to €100.
• Documents for minors:
  • Birth certificate
  • Visa application form signed by both parents.
  • If applicable, proof that one parent has full custody
  • Certified copies of both parent's ID or passports
  • Parental authorization if the minor is traveling alone, signed by both parents/guardians.

Always confirm with your local consulate or embassy about the required documentation before submitting your visa application!

Residence permits

Once you arrive in Portugal with your valid visa, non-EU/EEA students must apply for a 1-year residence permit. After a year, residence permits can be renewed for up to five years at your local SEF office.

The documentation required to apply for a residence permit is as follows:

• A completed application form;
• A valid passport and photocopy;
• 2 recent passport-sized photos in color;
• 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. (including the residence permit fee of €155)

Learn more about studying in Portugal: