Student visa in Portugal: Requirements and fees

Non-EU students must get a Portuguese student visa to study in Portugal for a period exceeding 3 months.

Angelina

3 minute read

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13 Nov 2023

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Moving

If you're an international student considering studying in Portugal, you might need a Portuguese student visa and residence permit. This guide will walk you through the various types of student visas, their requirements, fees, and the application process.

Non-EU/EEA students

If you're a non-EU student planning to study in Portugal for more than 90 days, you must get a Portuguese student visa and a resident permit. If your stay is shorter, and you come from a visa-exempt country with a Schengen agreement, you don't need a visa.

EU/EEA or Switzerland students

For EU/EEA/Swiss students, no visa is necessary for your studies in Portugal. But if your academic program is longer than 90 days, you must request a certificate of registration (Certificado de Registo) from your local city council office.

There are 2 types of student visas in Portugal:

1. Type C (Schengen) Visa: This visa is suitable for stays of up to 90 days in Portugal and is commonly used for short-term courses or workshops.

2. Type D Visa: This visa is for stays longer than 90 days and is required for pursuing higher education degrees, such as bachelor's, master's, or doctoral programs.

If you are a Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen applying for a Portuguese student visa, you must satisfy the following requirements:

• An official acceptance letter from a recognized university in Portugal
• A valid passport
• 2 recent passport-sized photographs
• A completed application form specific to your chosen visa type
• Demonstrated financial means to support yourself in Portugal
• One coloured passport photograph
• Proof of payment of the application fee, which can amount to €170
• Health insurance coverage documentation
• Proof of your travel ticket to Portugal
• Confirmation of accommodation arrangements in Portugal
• A certificate of good conduct or criminal records check

If you're planning to study in Portugal, it's crucial to start your student visa application well in advance of your intended travel date. The process for obtaining a Portuguese student visa typically involves the following 7 key steps:

1. Apply to a Portuguese university: Apply to a recognized educational institution in Portugal, such as a university or college, at least 8 to 12 months before your intended academic program start date.

2. Gather required documents: Prepare all the necessary documents for your visa application, including your acceptance letter from the Portuguese institution, proof of financial means, a valid passport, passport-sized photos, and other supporting documents.

3. Schedule an appointment: Contact the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your home country to arrange an appointment for submitting your visa application. We recommend doing this well in advance, ideally 2–3 months before your planned travel date.

4. Attend the visa interview: Attend the scheduled visa interview at the Portuguese embassy or consulate. Be ready to answer questions about your study plans, financial situation, and the purpose of your visit.

5. Provide biometric data: You may be required to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints, during the application process.

6. Collect your student visa: Once approved, obtain your student visa from the Portuguese embassy or consulate.

7. Travel to Portugal: With your student visa in hand, you are now set to embark on your educational journey in Portugal!

Getting the short-stay student visa costs €75. A long-stay Portuguese study visa would cost €90.

The processing time for a student visa in Portugal can vary depending on your country of residence, the embassy you're applying through, and the completeness of your application.

It typically takes anywhere from a few weeks to 3 months. So start the application process as soon as you receive your acceptance letter from the university in Portugal.

To obtain student residency in Portugal, you should apply for a Portuguese residence permit within 3 months of your arrival in Portugal. The appointment date is typically indicated on your visa. If not, call the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) to schedule your appointment.

Keep in mind that SEF appointments are in high demand, and getting in touch with them can be challenging.

Obtaining a Portuguese student visa isn’t hard if you meet admission requirements, show financial means, and have a clean record. Start early, submit complete documentation, and consult the local embassy or consulate for specific guidelines.

There are no specific language requirements when applying for a student visa in Portugal. However, when applying to a university, you must meet specific language proficiency requirements depending on the program you're applying for.

For English-taught programs at Portuguese universities, demonstrating language proficiency is typically required, and you can do so by passing tests like TOEFL or IELTS.

Yes, students with a Portuguese residence permit and a type D visa can work part-time, up to 20 hours per week during the academic year, and full-time during academic breaks. If you hold a short-term type C visa, working in Portugal is generally not permitted.

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