Portugal Study Visa

Can I study in Portugal?

Portugal attracts many international students due to its renowned universities, mild climate, low cost of living, and international atmosphere. Portugal welcomes both EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA students but the process of coming to Portugal to study varies depending on their nationality. Students who are EU/EEA citizens do not need a visa to study in Portugal. They can enrol in a study course and arrive in the country without having to meet any specific requirements and obtain a visa.
However, to be able to stay in Portugal for longer than 90 days, after arrival they must visit the local city council office and apply for a certificate of registration (Certificado de Registo). To get the certificate, they must bring their national id or passport and their European Health Insurance Card. After the appointment, they will be added to the population register. The process of coming to Portugal to study is more complicated for those who are non-EEA citizens as they require a Student Visa and a residence permit.
Non-EEA citizens who wish to study in Portugal should apply for a Study Visa to Portugal at the Portuguese embassy or consulate in their home country. Non-EEA who successfully obtain the Student Visa must also schedule an appointment with the local branch of the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) to apply for their Portuguese residence permit after they arrive in the country.

What types of Portuguese Study Visas are there?

Non-EEA nationals planning to study in Portugal can apply for either of the two available types of Student Visas:

• Type C Visa: a short-stay Student Visa intended for international students of researchers who plan to come to Portugal to complete a course or do a research project lasting less than 90 days
• Type D Visa: long-stay Student Visa intended for those who plan to spend more than 90 days in Portugal. This type of visa allows non-EEA citizens to, for example, complete a degree at a Portuguese university, undergo training for a job, or carry out academic research.

What are the eligibility requirements?

Non-EEA citizens who want to obtain a Portuguese Student Visa must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Have been accepted to study at an academic institution in Portugal (they must be able to provide proof of admission)
• Have a valid passport
• Do not have a criminal record
• Have enough money to support themselves after arriving in Portugal

What are the costs and processing times?

The total cost of applying for the Portuguese Study Visa depends on the type of visa applicants choose. Those who choose to apply for the short-stay Student Visa must pay €75 (£65) and those who wish to get the long-stay one must pay €90 (£78). This fee is used to cover the costs of processing the visa application.
On top of the visa application fee, applicants must pay around €90 (£78) for their temporary residence permit. As for the processing times, most applications for the Study Visa to Portugal are processed within 60 days. However, the waiting time can be longer if the Portuguese embassy where the applicant is applying has a heavy workload.

Can I stay in Portugal after my studies?

Those who come to Portugal on the Student Visa can stay in Portugal after their study course finishes only if they have an offer of employment. Those who have received a job offer before their Student Visa ends can apply to change their student residence permit to a residence permit for work purposes.
However, to be able to do that, they must meet the conditions for a Portuguese Work Visa. International students who wish to remain in Portugal after their studies and work must submit their applications within 30 days of their Portuguese Student Visa expiry date. Otherwise, the SEF will most likely reject their application.
Those who fail to submit their application on time, as well as those who do not secure a job offer before their studies end, must leave Portugal when their visa expires.