If you are accepted into a Portuguese higher education school, you will most likely need to apply for a Portuguese student visa.
Studying in Portugal is a once-in-a-lifetime experience because you get to enjoy a beautiful sunny nation rich in culture and history, make new friends, and receive a high-level education. Not to add, Portugal boasts one of the lowest living prices in Western Europe.
Learn whether you need a student visa in Portugal, as well as the visa criteria and application procedure.
Processing Time for a Portugal Student Visa
A student visa can take anything from a few weeks to three months to process, depending on your country of residency, the individual Embassy, and whether all of your application details are correct. Make sure to begin the application procedure as soon as you receive your admission letter from the institution.
Also Read: Portugal Work Visa
Portugal Student Visa Cost?
When applying for a student visa, you must pay a visa fee at the Embassy and get a residency permit from the SEF.
- Embassy fee: €90
- To apply for a resident permit at the SEF, €83
- To get the resident permit from the SEF, €72
Please keep in mind that the fees are approximate and may vary by country.
Can I Bring Family Members With Me?
If you are in Portugal on a student visa, you may bring your dependent family members to reside with you. You must be able to demonstrate that you have the financial means to support both them and yourself. The following family members are eligible for a family visa:
- Your spouse or registered domestic partner.
- You have minor children (including adoptive children).
- Your adult (unmarried) children who rely on you due to a sickness or handicap.
Your family members can apply with you and go to Portugal together, or they can apply for a reunification visa once you’ve arrived in Portugal.
Duration of a Student Visa in Portugal
After you acquire your visa from the Portuguese Embassy, you must fly to Portugal and apply for a residence permit at the SEF. The residency permit for studying is valid for one year and can be renewed annually until the completion of your studies.
The student visa you obtain from the Embassy is only valid for three months and can be used to go to Portugal. Within those three months, you must get your residence permit, which will then replace your visa.
Make sure you renew or extend your visa at least 30 days before it expires.
Can I Stay in Portugal After My Studies?
You can stay in Portugal after finishing your education provided you have a job offer. To move from a student residence permit to a working residence permit, you and your employer must both fulfil the requirements for a Portugal work visa.
If you obtain a job, you must apply for a work visa before your student visa expires. If you submit your application less than 30 days before your student visa expires, the SEF will not accept it. If the visa is terminated, you must return home and apply for a work visa in your native country.
Does a Student Visa Lead to Permanent Residency in Portugal?
Your time spent in Portugal as a student does not count towards permanent residency. To become a permanent resident, you must first obtain a job offer as a highly qualified worker and then move 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 on a temporary residence visa, you may apply for permanent residency.
Can I Work With a Portugal Student Visa?
Yes, if you have a residency visa to study in Portugal, you may work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during semester breaks and vacations. If you are doing a short course (up to three months) and just have a Schengen visa, you are not permitted to work.
EU/EEA/Swiss students can work in Portugal without limitation.
Student Visa for Researchers
The researcher visa is another form of student visa that Portugal offers. The Portugal researcher visa is granted to non-EU individuals who have been admitted into a doctorate-level study programme or as researchers at an officially recognised institution by the Portuguese Ministry of Education and Science.
When you apply for a researcher visa, you must provide one of the following papers, depending on your situation:
- Contract of employment
- Contract of services
- A Scientific Research Scholarship
- Hosting Agreement
Visa Requirements
When you apply for a student visa to Portugal, you must provide the following documents:
- A valid passport (or travel document).
- Letter of acceptance from your university.
- Proof that you have paid the tuition costs. If you have a scholarship, please attach a document from your university proving it.
- Two passport-sized photos, taken lately. They must adhere to Portugal’s photo criteria.
Portugal student visa application form. The Embassy will normally offer this for you. - Proof that you have the financial resources to continue your stay. This can include bank statements, a scholarship, financial aid documentation, or proof of sponsorship.
- Proof that you have accommodation in Portugal. This can be a rental agreement, university housing (dorms), or a letter of invitation from a family member or friend with whom you will reside in Portugal.
- A Certificate of Criminal Record.
- Proof of Schengen Travel Health Insurance. After arriving in Portugal, you will need to get a full health insurance policy from a private company.
How to Apply for a Portugal Student Visa?
To apply for a Portugal student visa, contact the Portuguese Embassy in your place of residence. You must already have a letter of acceptance from your university. Here’s an overview of the application process:
- Get a letter of acceptance from your university.
- Find out where you can submit your application. Visit the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to find out more.
- Schedule an appointment or interview with the Embassy.
- Fill out the Portugal Student Visa application form.
- Collect the required papers for the application.
- Pay the applicable student visa cost. Again, the Embassy should advise you about the payment option (online, bank transfer, cash, etc.).
- On the day of your appointment, you must present the necessary documentation. If the Embassy is in another nation, you may be able to send the documents via mail.
- Wait for your visa to be processed.
- If you get the visa, you can go to Portugal.
- After arriving, you must make an appointment with the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) to obtain your residency permit. The residence permit permits you to live in Portugal for the length of your studies, however it may need to be renewed after a year.
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