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Portugal offers different types of visas for international students looking to study, train, or complete academic programs in the country. Whether you’re planning a full university degree, a short-term exchange, or a professional course, there’s a visa option that fits your academic goals and length of stay.
In 2025, Portugal continues to attract students from around the world thanks to its reputable universities, affordable tuition, and relaxed lifestyle. This guide breaks down how the Portugal Student Visa works, what you need to prepare, and how to make your application as smooth as possible—so you can focus on your studies instead of paperwork.
Who Needs a Student Visa in Portugal?
If you’re planning to study in Portugal, whether you need a student visa depends on your nationality and how long your program lasts.
Students from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland must apply for a Portugal Student Visa if their course runs for more than 90 days, whether it’s a full degree, a long-term training program, an internship, or a language course.
EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens don’t need a visa at all, though they must register with local authorities, to obtain the EU residency certificate (CRUE), if they stay longer than three months.
For short courses under 90 days, students from visa-exempt countries—such as the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, and others—can usually enter without a visa, while nationals of non-exempt countries may need a Schengen short-stay visa.
Types of Portugal Student Visas
1. Short-Stay Student visa
A short-stay student visa is a type of visa that allows students to study in a foreign country for a limited period of time. Short-term language courses or programs under 90 days often utilize this visa for student participation.
Requirements
To obtain this visa, it is usually necessary to have been accepted onto a short-term study program in Portugal. Additional requirements may also apply depending on the specific program and location of study.
Visa Costs
Short-stay student visas for Portugal cost €90 for adults and children over 12, and €45 for children aged 6 to 12.
Visa Duration
The duration of a short-stay student visa varies depending on the country. In most cases, the visa is valid for up to 90 days. It is important to note that the visa duration is not extendable, and students must leave the country before the visa expires.
2. Temporary Stay Student Visa
A temporary stay student visa is a type of visa that allows students to study in a foreign country for a longer period of time. This visa is usually issued for stays of more than 90 days but less than one year, such as degree programs or academic exchanges.
Requirements
To apply for a visa, you must provide evidence that you have been accepted into a study or training program, placement for exchanges or internships.
Visa Costs
The fees for processing national visa applications range between €90 and €100 for the Temporary stay visa.
Visa Duration
The typical validity period of a visa is one year.
3. Long-Stay Student Visa
The long-stay Portuguese student visa is essentially a residency visa, allowing international students to study in Portugal for more than one year. It’s intended for those enrolled in universities, international schools, or pursuing master’s and PhD programs.
Requirements
To apply for a residency visa, you’ll need to show proof of acceptance from a Portuguese university or educational institution, along with a Portuguese NIF number, a local bank account, proof of accommodation, and evidence that you have enough financial means to support yourself while living in Portugal.
Visa Costs
The cost of the Portugal Student Visa is relatively low, and a single applicant can expect to pay around €90–€100 for the entry visa at their local consulate, plus €181 in Portugal when submitting and collecting the residence permit from AIMA. Keep in mind there are also additional costs involved in meeting the visa requirements, such as insurance, document fees, and other mandatory paperwork.
Visa Duration
A residency visa allows you to enter Portugal and is valid for up to four months. After arriving, students must apply for a residence permit at AIMA, which is typically issued for two years and can be renewed for an additional three years, as long as they stay enrolled in their course and meet all immigration requirements.
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How to Apply for Portugal Student Visa
To apply for any type of Portugal Student Visa, you must submit your application at the Portuguese Consulate, Embassy, VFS Global, or an authorized visa center in your home country—applications cannot be submitted from within Portugal.
Once you arrive in Portugal, and depending on the length of your approved visa, you may need to schedule an appointment with AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum) to apply for your residence permit.
Required Documents For Portugal Student Visa
The Portugal Student Visa requires the following documents:
- Visa Application Form
- Your Valid Passport
- Two recent passport-size photos
- Criminal Record certificate
- Confirmation of studying acceptance (e.g. letter from the university)
- Valid travel insurance, including medical coverage
- Documentary evidence of having accommodation in Portugal
- Proof of sufficient means in Portugal (latest 3 months bank statements)
- Details of your return flight from Portugal (if applying for a short-stay or temporary visa)
Can I Work in Portugal a Student Visa?
Students with a valid Portugal Student Visa can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester and full-time during breaks and holidays.
If you earn income while studying, you may also need to pay personal income tax and, in some cases, social security contributions—this depends on how much you earn and the type of work contract you have.
Best Universities in Portugal
Portugal offers a diverse selection of reputable universities across the country, making it an attractive destination for students seeking an international study experience. According to the QS World University Rankings, several Portuguese institutions are listed among the best in the world, and they continue to attract a growing global community of students.
Most universities offer programs taught in Portuguese, but many institutions now provide master’s and PhD courses in English, especially in fields like business, engineering, science, technology, and international studies. Campuses are known for being welcoming, multicultural, and increasingly international, creating an environment where students from around the world can integrate easily.
Here are some of the top universities in Portugal:
- Universidade do Porto
- Universidade de Lisboa
- Universidade de Coimbra
- Universidade Nova de Lisboa
- Universidade de Aveiro
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs a student visa to study in Portugal?
Foreign nationals from outside the European Union, European Economic Area, and Switzerland typically need a student visa to study in Portugal.
How do I apply for a student visa in Portugal?
To apply for a student visa in Portugal, you must complete the necessary application forms and provide supporting documents, including proof of acceptance into a Portuguese educational institution, evidence of financial support, and a valid passport.
How long does it take to process a student visa application in Portugal?
The processing time for a student visa application in Portugal can vary depending on the embassy or consulate handling the application. It is best to check with the relevant embassy or consulate for current processing times.
Can I work while studying in Portugal with a student visa?
Yes, students with a valid student visa can work part-time in Portugal up to 20 hours per week during the semester, and full-time during semester breaks and holidays.
However, students who are following a short course lasting up to three months and only possess a Schengen visa are not permitted to work.
What happens if my student visa application is denied?
If your student visa application is denied, you may appeal the decision or reapply with additional supporting documentation.
How long can I stay in Portugal on a student visa?
- 90 days for Short-Stays;
- Up to 12 months for Temporaries Stays;
- For residence visas, the initial visa is valid for 4 months, during which you must apply for a residence permit in Portugal, that is valid for 2 years.
Will a Student Visa lead me to Permanent Residency in Portugal?
The duration of your stay in Portugal as a student does not contribute towards permanent residency. To become a permanent resident, you must secure a job offer and apply for a temporary work residence permit (Work Visa), which is valid for one year and can be renewed for up to five years.
Following five years of employment on a temporary residence permit, you may apply for permanent residency.
Can I remain in Portugal after completing my studies?
To remain in Portugal following your studies, it is necessary to obtain a job offer that meets the requirements for a Portugal work visa.
You will need to ensure that both you and your employer meet the necessary criteria to switch from a student residence permit to a working residence permit.
Can I bring my family members with me while I study in Portugal?
Yes. You will need to provide sufficient evidence that you have the financial means to support both yourself and your family members.
Your family members have the option to either apply and travel with you to Portugal or apply for a reunification visa after you have already settled in Portugal.
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