Portuguese Student Visa D4 and Residence Permit

When there are no other options, you can consider relocating to Portugal on a student visa or obtaining a residence permit through university studies or professional courses.

There are several options for enrolling in universities in Portugal, each with different study durations:

BACHELOR’S

● 3-4 years duration
● applicants will need to pass an entrance exam
● the cost of studies in university can vary from 2,500 to 8,000 euros per year
● applicant must have High School Diploma

MASTER’S

● 2-3 years duration
● applicant must have Bachelor’s Degree
POSTGRADUATE ● duration is typically 1 year (it’s important to note that to obtain a D4 student visa, the course must last at least 1 year), ideal for those who prefer not to invest a lot of time and effort in their studies
● after finishing a course there is normally no need to write a thesis; completing a group test is enough.
● applicant must have previous Master’s Degree

PROFESSIONAL COURSES

● 2 years duration
● wide range of professions, from dental assistant to designer
● the average cost is around 2,000 – 4,000 euros per year

It is important to understand that most programs (80%) are conducted in Portuguese. International schools and institutes are usually private, and tuition fees there are higher. There are also programs with theory in Portuguese (with the possibility of translation into English) and practice in English. Although programs in Portuguese might seem challenging, they are still more affordable and can be a good opportunity to learn the local language.

The residence permit is granted for one or two years, depending on the program, and can be renewed as the course continues, and even later after getting a job or starting a business in Portugal.

For a residence permit through professional courses, you may apply from within Portugal. However, for university studies, we recommend obtaining a D4 visa in your home country first.

PORTUGUESE STUDENT VISA D4 STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

CHOOSING A UNIVERSITY OR COLLEGE

When choosing a university or professional courses at a college in Portugal, consider the accreditation and reputation, programs offered, and language of instruction. Evaluate the location, cost of living, and campus facilities. Check for international student support, tuition fees, and available scholarships. Assess career services and the strength of the alumni network, and seek feedback from current or former students for insights into their experiences. For professional courses, ensure the college offers programs that align with your career goals and check the duration and cost of the courses.
We provide a list of options based on RelyOn clients’ preferences to help a client find the right institution.

ENROLLMENT AND DOCUMENT SUBMISSION TO A UNIVERSITY OR COLLEGE

Prepare the diploma or certificate with grades and apostille
Bachelor’s: High School Diploma
Master’s: Bachelor’s Degree
Postgraduate: Master’s Degree
Submit your documents to the university or college, take the entrance exam (if necessary) and receive enrollment documents from the university or college.
Professional courses must follow CNQ (National Catalog of Qualifications – manages non-higher education qualifications) standards.

COLLECT REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Get all necessary documents, including:
1. Passport Passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the end of the study course
2. Diploma Diploma of secondary or higher education
3. Certificate of enrollment An official letter from the university or college and also Confirmation of payment for tuition (receipts or contract with the educational institution).
4. Proof of financial means By the official requirements for a Secondary school residency the applicant will need to show savings of at least €10,000 per person in their account. To increase the chances of getting approved for a residency permit, some applicants aim to show a deposit of €12000 – €16000.
5. Proof of accommodation To apply for a residency permit, one must have an accommodation in Portugal. It can be a one-year rental contract in Portugal. Note, that the contract needs to be registered with Finanças.
The client may also submit the letter from a guarantor providing them accommodation instead (including their rental contract or property certificate).
6. Criminal record certificate Applicants over 16 must provide a criminal record certificate from their home country and any countries they lived in for over a year.
Obtaining the Certificate: Request it from the relevant authorities, then get it apostilled, translated into Portuguese, and notarized. If you are applying from Portugal, you could also request your criminal record certificate from the Consulate in Portugal.
Validity: The certificate is valid for 90 days. Order the certificate after getting an appointment, and gather other documents while it’s processed.
7. Health insurance Touristic health insurance for applicants from home country, and private health insurance or national public health insurance (número de utente)
8. Proof of legal entry into Portugal For cases of applications for a visa-free residence permit. Normally, it is a visa, plane ticket, and entry stamp, etc.
9. NIF The first document that applicants for residence in Portugal receive is a Portuguese tax number, known as NIF.
Clients will need a NIF number to rent a place, open a bank account, get insurance etc.
We will obtain the NIF for RelyOn clients, before they arrive in Portugal.

APPOINTMENT AT THE PORTUGUESE CONSULATE AND SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTS

Submit your completed D4 Visa application at the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in your home country or country of residence.

After submitting your application, the applicant will receive the D4 visa for 4 months.

This step is not necessary for those who decided to apply directly inside Portugal.

APPLY FOR A RESIDENCE PERMIT

Schedule an appointment at AIMA under article 92 and submit all prepared documents and provide biometric data (fingerprints and photos) for processing the residency. Make sure all documents are in order and you have provided all necessary confirmations.

RelyOn clients don’t need to worry about securing an appointment; we will handle the scheduling at a time that is most convenient for them, allowing them to prepare their documents without any stress.

FAMILY REUNIFICATION

Once a student receives their residence permit card, family members (spouse, children/parents) can apply for a residence permit at AIMA under Article 98.2 (family reunification).

Obtaining a Portuguese Student Visa D4 and Residence Permit offers a fantastic opportunity for both personal and professional growth. Whether you choose to pursue university studies or professional courses, Portugal provides high-quality education, a rich cultural experience, and the potential to stay for work or business. With Relyon Relocation by your side, you can rest assured that every step of your move will be seamless – from selecting the right educational institution to securing a residence permit for your entire family. We take care of the complexities, so you can focus on achieving your goals.