How to Apply for a Portuguese Student Visa

Do I need a visa to study in Portugal?

Whether or not you need a visa to study in Portugal depends on a few key factors, such as the length of your course and your nationality. Let's break it down to make it easier to understand.

For a study course longer than three months

Suppose your course lasts more than three months. In that case, you'll need a student visa in Portugal, except if you are an EU/EFTA national, then you will need to provide a certificate of residence from your local city council. This applies to almost everyone who plans to stay in Portugal for an extended period to study. However, the specific visa requirements can vary depending on whether you are an EU citizen, a non-EU citizen, or a UK national.

EU Citizens

If you are a citizen of an EU/EFTA country, you're in luck. You do not need a visa to study in Portugal, no matter the length of your course. You can enter Portugal freely with just your passport or ID card. Once you arrive, you’ll need to register your residence if you plan to stay for more than three months.

Non-EU Citizens

As a non-EU citizen, you will need to apply for a student visa if your course is longer than 90 days. If it is less than 90 days, and you are from one of these 61 countries, you dont need a visa. But if you are not, you need to get a student visa.  This means going through the process of gathering necessary documents, completing application forms, and possibly attending an interview at a Portuguese consulate or embassy in your home country.

UK Nationals

Since Brexit, UK nationals are no longer considered EU citizens. This change means that if you’re from the UK and your course lasts longer than three months, you will need to apply for a student visa, much like non-EU citizens. 

UK nationals who were living in Portugal as of 31 December 2020 can apply for a residence permit following the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement terms. You can find more information on the AIMA website. They fall under the Portuguese Ministry of Internal Affairs (Ministério da Administração Interna – MAI) and oversee that immigration and asylum practices keep to the constitutional, legal, and governmental guidelines.

Types of Portuguese student visa

1. Type C (Schengen) Visa/Short-stay Student Visas: Suitable for courses or study programs that last less than three months. This type of visa is ideal for short courses, summer schools, language courses, or exchange programs.
   
    
2. Type D Visa/Long-stay Student Visas: Required for courses or study programs that extend beyond three months. It’s perfect for students committed to extensive studies, research, or any academic program that spans several semesters or years.

Portugal student visa requirements

The following are the things you must have before you apply for a short-stay and long-stay visa:
  

Type C (Schengen) Visa Requirements

• Proof of acceptance to study a short course (3 months) in Portugal. 
• Proof of visa fee payment. It costs €80 for adults and children over 12, €40 for children aged 6–12, €35 for nationals of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, and free for children under 6, Diplomats, family members of EU/EFTA nationals, pupils and students accompanying teachers during a school trip, Scientific researchers and Reps. of non-profit organizations (not older than 25) participating in conferences, cultural or sports events organized by non-profit organizations.
• Completed visa application form.
• Valid passport.
• Passport-sized photographs.
• Travel itinerary.
• Proof of financial means.
• Proof of accommodation in Portugal

Type D Visa Requirements

• Proof of admission into a Portuguese University or Institution. 
• Proof of visa fee payment. You will be required to pay €90 for the entry visa, and €108 for the long-term residence permit. 
• Health insurance - Non-EU/EEA students are required to purchase private health insurance before arrival in Portugal.
• Criminal record certificate.
• Proof of tuition payment.
• Completed visa application form.
• Valid passport.
• Passport-sized photographs.
• Proof of financial means.
• Proof of accommodation in Portugal.

For Brazilian citizens, specific requirements might differ slightly. It’s essential to check the latest visa requirements for Brazilian citizens to ensure compliance. Additionally, for proof of financial means, the minimum required is approximately €705 per month, equating to around €8,460 per year. 

Pro Tip: The processing time for a Portugal student visa can take up to 60 days, especially for type D visas, due to high demand. Hence, you should start your application process on time to avoid delays. 

Visa and residence permit extensions

Currently, there is  Decree Law no. 41-A/2024 of 28 June, issued by the Portuguese Government, that extends the visa and residence permit validity for specific people. According to the terms 

 documents (including residence permits) and national residence visas whose validity expires from the date of entry into force of this decree-law (29 June 2024) or in the 15 days immediately preceding it (14/06/2024) are accepted under the same terms until 30 June 2025.

Additionally, the documents - visas, residence permit - will continue to be accepted under the same terms after 30th June 2025, provided you have a confirmed appointment to renew them with the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum, I.P. (AIMA) in Portugal.

How Much Does the Portugal Student Visa Cost?

The Portugal study visa fees is about $300 to $500, depending on your additional expenses. Here's a breakdown of the fees

• Portugal student visa application fee: $90
• Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) application fee: $83
• SEF collection fee: $72
• Document translation cost: $100 to $300, depending on whether you require extra services like an apostille or paper copies shipped to your location. 

Note: These Portugal study visa fees are subject to change and might differ in some countries; you should confirm with your consulate or online application platforms before proceeding. 

How can Translayte help?

When dealing with the Portugal visa application process, ensuring that all your documents are accurately translated and certified can be a daunting task, if they’re not originally in Portuguese. This is where Translayte comes in. As a trusted translation company, we specialise in providing Portuguese certified translations that meet the stringent requirements of the Portuguese authorities. From your acceptance letters and financial documents to criminal record certificates and health insurance papers, we ensure every document is translated with precision and accepted by the consulate. Let us handle the translations so you can focus on preparing for your exciting journey to study in Portugal.

How to apply for a Portugal student visa

You can apply for your study visa in your home country. The same application process applies to the two types of study visas. For a favourable result, follow the following steps to apply for a Portuguese study visa. 

1. Apply to and gain admission into an educational institution in Portugal. 
2. Gather the necessary documents as we have shared above, and fill out the visa application form. You can apply online or at a Portuguese Embassy or Consulate. 
3. Submit the application.
4. Schedule and attend the visa interview.
5. Provide your biometric information.
6. If your application is approved, collect your passport with the attached visa.
7. You can now travel to Portugal.

Note: In some cases, especially for U.S applicants, you need to provide an FBI background check to prove a clean criminal record. The background check and other documents should be duly apostilled before submitting for your visa application. 

How to apply for a Portugal student visa

Language Proficiency 

There are no universal language requirements for students applying for a Portuguese visa. However, universities might request that you have proficiency in English or Portuguese. Here are some things to note 

• If your course is taught in English, many universities will ask for proof of your English proficiency. This is often done through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge English qualifications. Each university sets its minimum scores, so it’s best to check directly with your school.
• If your course is taught in Portuguese, you may need to show that you can understand and communicate effectively in the language. Some institutions may ask for a Portuguese language certificate, especially if you're applying to public universities.
   

What happens after submitting your visa application?

• Stay alert for additional requirements. The consulate might need extra information or notice an error in your application.
• If you experience any significant changes, such as a change in marital status or the birth of a child, you must inform the consulate or embassy immediately. 
• Track your application status on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, to stay in the loop.
• If your plans change and you no longer wish to pursue your studies in Portugal, you have the option to withdraw your application. However, the visa application fee is non-refundable.
• Once your visa is approved, it will either be mailed to your registered address or you might need to pick it up from the embassy or consulate.
• Having a visa does not automatically guarantee entry into Portugal. When you arrive at the border, immigration officers will check your documents. If there are any discrepancies or issues with your visa or personal information, you might be asked to return to your home country. Therefore, double-check all your documents before you travel to ensure everything is in order.

Photo specifications for Portuguese student visa

• The photo should measure 35mm x 45mm. 
• It must be against a plain white or light grey background. 
• Keep a neutral expression with both eyes open.
• Your face should be centred in the frame, and your head should take up about 70-80% of the photo.
• The photo should be recent, taken within the last six months.

Processing time for a Portuguese student visa

The processing time for a Portuguese visa can vary, but it typically takes around 15 working days. It’s advisable to apply well in advance of your intended start date.

Popular interview questions for Portuguese student visa 

Here are some common questions you might encounter, along with tips on how to answer them.

1. Why did you choose this course and institution?
2. How are you planning to finance your studies?
3. Where will you be staying in Portugal?
4. What are your plans after completing your studies?
5. Can you describe your daily routine as a student?
6. Why did you choose Portugal for your studies?
7. Have you travelled or lived abroad before?

Tips for the Interview

• Be honest and clear.
• Prepare your documents.
• Stay calm and confident.
• Rehearse your answers to common questions with a friend or family member.

What are the common errors in a Portuguese student visa?

Portugal study visa application has strict requirements, and errors can lead to rejection and other delays. Here are some errors to avoid 

• Submitting incomplete or incorrect documentation
• Not providing an official admission letter
• Having insufficient proof of financial means
• No health insurance coverage
• Ignoring the background check and apostille
• Applying too late
• Not attending the visa interview or biometric appointment
• Providing unclear travel or accommodation plans
• Submitting Low-quality or incorrect passport photos

What is next after you get the Portuguese student visa?

Before You Travel

1. Check Visa Validity and Entries: Make sure you note the expiry date of your visa and the number of entries permitted. It’s crucial to understand that staying beyond your visa’s validity is not allowed.
2. Travel Within Visa Validity: Plan your travel so that you arrive in Portugal while your visa is still valid. This ensures you don’t face any issues at the border.
3. Carry Important Documents: Always have a copy of your passport and other essential travel documents with you. 
4. Health and Travel Insurance: Arrange for health insurance and travel insurance from a certified company. This is not only a visa requirement but also ensures you are covered for any emergencies during your stay.

At the Border

1. Document Verification: Upon arrival, be prepared to present your visa, admission letter, proof of accommodation, and proof of financial resources.
2. Entry Stamp: Make sure to obtain an entry stamp on your passport. This is a critical step as it officially records your entry into Portugal.
3. Seek Assistance If Needed: If you have any questions or face any issues, consult the airport authorities.
4. Follow Guidelines: Check your visa copy for any additional guidelines or rules you need to follow upon entry. 

Arrived in Portugal

1. Adapt and Abide by Local Laws: Once in Portugal, ensure you are aware of and adhere to local laws and regulations. 
2. Study, Work, and Explore: With your student visa, you can study, work part-time, and explore the beautiful country of Portugal. Non-EU/EEA students holding a Type D visa and residence permit can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during academic terms and full-time during holidays. However, you aren’t allowed to work on a short-term Type C visa. 
3. Respect Restricted Areas: Be mindful of tourist-prohibited areas and avoid them. 
4. Visa Extension: If you need to extend your stay, apply for an extension well before your current visa expires.

Need certified translation services for your Portugal study visa application process? Request a quote to get an accurate estimate.

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