Student Visa (D4 - Residency Visa for Study/Research)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 120 days
- Processing time
- 30-60 days
- Validity
- 4 months (must apply for residence permit upon arrival)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
The D4 visa is Portugal's student residence visa for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals enrolling in higher education programs lasting more than 1 year. The visa is valid for 4 months with 2 entries, during which the holder must schedule an AIMA appointment to obtain a residence permit. The residence permit is valid for 2 years, renewable for 3-year periods. As of 2026, the Manifestation of Interest pathway was abolished; all students must apply for a D4 visa at a Portuguese consulate before arrival. Students from CPLP (Portuguese-speaking) countries may benefit from facilitated processing.
Eligibility
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Nationality
All non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who have been accepted to a Portuguese higher education institution registered with DGES (Directorate-General for Higher Education).
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Purpose of visit
Higher education studies at a recognized Portuguese institution for programs lasting more than 1 year. Includes university degrees, research programs, student exchange programs, and internships connected to academic programs.
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Financial
Must demonstrate financial means of at least EUR 920 per month (Portugal's minimum wage as of 2026) for the first academic year.
Minimum funds: EUR 11,040 per year
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Criminal record
Must have a clean criminal record. Criminal record certificate from home country required, with Hague Apostille or legalization.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Recent passport-style photos, 35x45mm, white background
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Bank statement
Minimum balance: EUR 11,040 (12 months of minimum wage); Months required: 3
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements, scholarship award letters, sponsorship documents from family members; Minimum amount: EUR 920/month (EUR 11,040/year) as of 2026
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Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: Rental agreement, university housing confirmation, or host family declaration; Must cover full stay: No
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Admission letter
Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: Yes
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Police clearance
Countries required: Country of nationality and countries of residence for more than 1 year; Validity months: 3
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: National Visa Application Form; Form url: https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/images/formulario_visto_nacional_en.pdf
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Varies by consulate; Amount: EUR 110
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Proof of enrollment
Provide proof of enrolment or admission from the school, university or training provider.
Must be current: Yes; Must be original: Yes
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Private health insurance
Coverage territory: Portugal; Minimum coverage: Full medical coverage including emergencies and repatriation
How to apply
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Document gathering
Obtain acceptance letter from a DGES-registered Portuguese institution. Gather passport, criminal record certificate with Apostille, bank statements, health insurance policy, accommodation proof, and passport photos.
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Online application
Complete the National Visa application form. Some consulates allow online pre-registration.
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Appointment booking
Book an appointment at the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
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Document submission
Submit all required documents in person at the Portuguese embassy/consulate. Originals and certified copies are required.
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Fee payment
Pay the EUR 110 national visa application fee.
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Processing wait
Processing typically takes 30-60 days. Some consulates may take up to 90 days.
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Visa collection
Collect passport with D4 visa. The visa is valid for 4 months with 2 entries.