Do I need a visa to study in Portugal?

Yes, if the training course lasts more than three months, you will most likely need a visa to study in Portugal. The rules for obtaining a visa for foreign students in Portugal depend on the nationality of the student and the duration of the course:

For a course of study longer than three months:

• Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: student visa required. You will also need a permanent residence permit.

• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: a student visa is not required, but you will need to register your stay with the local authorities.

For a course of study less than three months:

• Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: A student visa is only required for nationals who normally require a Portugal Schengen visa. People from many countries, such as the USA, Australia, Canada, can enter Portugal with just their passport for up to three months, during which time they can even complete a short training course.

• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: no student visa required.

Requirements for obtaining a student visa to Portugal

To obtain a student visa to Portugal, you must submit the following documents:

• Your valid passport (or travel document).

• Acceptance letter from your university.

• Proof that you have paid your tuition fees. If you have a scholarship, submit a document from your university confirming this.

• Two recent passport size photos. They must follow the Schengen guidelines.

• Application form for a student visa to Portugal. This is usually provided by the embassy.

• Proof that you have sufficient financial means to support your stay. This could be a bank statement, scholarship, proof of financial aid or proof of sponsorship.

• Confirmation that you have accommodation in Portugal. This could be a rental agreement, accommodation from your university (dormitory) or an invitation letter from a family member/friend with whom you will be living in Portugal.

• Criminal record certificate.

• Proof of Schengen travel health insurance. Once you arrive in Portugal, you will also need to obtain appropriate health insurance from a private company.

How to apply for a student visa to Portugal?

To apply for a student visa to Portugal, you must contact the Portuguese embassy responsible for your country of residence. You should already have an Acceptance Letter from your university.

Here is an outline of the application process:

• Receive an acceptance letter from your university.

• Find out where to apply. You can find out about this by visiting the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Portugal.

• Schedule a meeting/interview with the Embassy.

• Fill in the application form for a student visa to Portugal.

• Collect the documents necessary for submitting an application.

• Pay the required student visa fee. Again, the embassy should inform you about the payment method (online, bank transfer, cash, etc.).

• On the day of the appointment, you must provide the necessary documents. If the embassy is in another country, you can send the documents by post instead.

• Wait for the visa to be processed.

• If you get a visa, you can travel to Portugal.

• Once you arrive, you must make an appointment with the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) to obtain a residence permit. The residence permit allows you to live in Portugal for the duration of your studies, although you may need to renew it after a year.

Period of issuance of a student visa to Portugal

Processing a student visa can take anywhere from a few weeks to three months, depending on the country of residence, the specific embassy and whether everything is in order with your application. Make sure you start the application process as soon as you receive your acceptance letter from the university.

How much does a student visa to Portugal cost?

When you apply for a student visa, you must pay the visa fee at the Embassy, ​​as well as the residence permit from SEF:

• Embassy fee – 90 euros

• Submit an application for a residence permit in SEF – 83 euros

• To obtain a residence permit from SEF – €72

Note: Fees are approximate and may vary depending on a country.

Can you bring family members with you?

If you are in Portugal on a student visa, you are allowed to bring dependent family members with you. You must be able to prove that you have enough financial resources to support them as well as yourself.

Family members eligible for a family visa:

• Your spouse or registered/domestic partner.

• Your minor children (including adopted ones).

• Your adult (unmarried) children who are dependent on you due to illness or disability.

Your family members can apply with you and travel to Portugal together, or they can apply for a reunification visa after you have settled in Portugal.

The period of validity of a student visa to Portugal

After obtaining your visa at the Portuguese embassy, ​​you must travel to Portugal and apply for a residence permit at SEF. A residence permit for studies is issued for one year, it can be renewed annually until the end of studies.

The student visa you get from the embassy is only valid for three months and you can use it to travel to Portugal. During these three months, you must obtain a residence permit, after which the permit replaces the visa.

Make sure you apply for visa renewal/extension at least 30 days before the visa expires.

Can you stay in Portugal after your studies?

You can only stay in Portugal after graduation if you have a job offer. You and your employer must meet the requirements for a work visa in Portugal in order for you to switch from a student residence permit to a residence permit.

If you have found a job, you must apply to switch to a work visa before your student visa expires. SEF will not accept your application if it is submitted within 30 days before your student visa expires. If the visa expires, you will have to return home and apply for a work visa from your home country.

Does a student visa allow permanent residence in Portugal?

The time you lived in Portugal as a student does not count towards permanent residence. In order to become a permanent resident, you will have to receive a job offer from a highly qualified worker and switch to a (temporary) Work Visa, which is valid for one year and can be extended for up to five years. After five years of working under a temporary residence permit, you can apply for permanent residence.

Can you work with a student visa in Portugal?

Yes, if you have a residence permit to study in Portugal, you are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full time during the semester break. If you study on a short course (up to three months) and only have a Schengen visa, you are not allowed to work.

EU/EEA/Swiss students are allowed to work in Portugal without restrictions.