Student Visa (D4)
🇵🇹 Portugal visas · Study
What it is
For students enrolled in a Portuguese university or higher education institution. Portugal offers relatively affordable tuition fees and a high quality of life. Includes limited work rights.
Key facts
- Category
- Study
- Duration
- Duration of studies. Renewable each academic year.
- Processing time
- Up to 9 weeks
- Maximum validity
- 3 years
- Extendable
- Yes
- Path to permanent residence
- Indirect route
- Dependants
- Conditional
- How to apply
- Mixed
- Health insurance
- Required
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Fees
- Application fee (national visa fee (Order 229/2021))
- EUR 110
- Application fee (exempt from any visa fee)
- EUR 0
- Application fee (exempt: study scholarship granted by Portugal)
- EUR 0
Key requirements
- Proof of enrolment or acceptance at a recognised Portuguese educational institution
- Proof of sufficient financial means (EUR 820 per month or annual equivalent)
- Health insurance
- Accommodation proof
- Criminal record certificate
Working on this visa
Students may work, employed or self-employed, complementary to the study activity (Lei Art 97(1)); no hour cap in law. Subordinate work needs a prior authorisation request with work contract; title reissued with work mention (DR84 Art 58).
Bringing family
Family circle for student sponsors limited to spouse, minor/incapable children, adopted minors (Art 99(3)); sponsor needs permit held >=2 yrs (Art 98(1)). Family may instead apply for accompanying residence visas simultaneously (Art 58(5)).
After this visa
After completing higher-education studies, graduates may obtain a residence permit without a new visa for a maximum period of one year to seek work or set up a business compatible with their qualifications (Lei Art 122(1)(p)).
Money you must show
€920/mo net x100/50/30% scale; waivable Art 62(9)
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 27 July 2026.