Student Residence Visa (D4/D5)
Portugal
Last updated: December 27, 2025
1 year (renewable)
$110
1-3 months
Medium
About this Visa
This visa lets you study at a Portuguese university for your bachelor's degree, master's degree, or PhD. You come from another country and want to enroll in a full-time program. The visa includes the right to work part-time while you study. It's easier to get than work visas and opens a path to staying in Portugal permanently after you graduate. What you can do: Study your chosen degree program, work up to 20 hours per week, bring your family members, travel freely around Europe, and eventually become a permanent resident of Portugal.
Key Benefits
- Work 20 hours per week during school terms; full-time during breaks
- Bring family members (spouse, children, dependents)
- Free or cheap healthcare through Portugal public health system
- Travel visa-free anywhere in Europe for 90 days
- Get Portuguese tax ID and social security number
- Path to permanent residency after 5 years continuous stay
- Path to citizenship after 5 years (possibly 10 years under pending new law)
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be accepted to Portuguese university or college for degree program
- Must enroll full-time (part-time programs do not qualify)
- Age 18 or older (or have finished secondary school)
- No criminal record (any conviction = automatic rejection)
- Good health (no serious communicable diseases)
- Prove you have enough money to support yourself (unless CPLP Portuguese-speaker)
- Speak Portuguese B2-level OR English B2-level (or commit to reach B2 in Portuguese)
- Pass background and character checks during consular interview
Financial Requirement
Must prove $1,017 USD per month ($9,153 for 9-month academic year). Show via bank statements, parent/guardian letter with their bank statements, or scholarship award letter. Portuguese-speaking nationals are exempt.
Documents
- University acceptance letterShowing program name, dates, and school name
- Valid passportMust last 6+ months beyond intended stay
- Proof of moneyBank statements for 3-6 months, or parent's letter plus their bank statements
- Health insurance certificate$30,000 minimum coverage including emergencies
- Proof of housingUniversity dorm confirmation or apartment rental contract
- Criminal record certificateFrom your home country, must be official and sealed
- School transcripts and diplomasTranslated to Portuguese or English and officially stamped
- Two passport-size photosColor, white background
- Language certificateProof you speak Portuguese B2-level OR English B2-level
- Medical certificateGood health confirmation; TB test if country requires it
- Application formProvided by Portuguese embassy
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.