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The Portugal Student Visa, formally known as the D4 Study Visa (Residency Route), is the primary immigration pathway that allows international students to live legally in Portugal while pursuing full-time education at recognised universities, colleges, and higher education institutions. This visa is intended for individuals enrolled in long-term academic programmes such as bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, PhDs, long-term vocational training, and academic research.
The D4 visa enables students to reside in Portugal for the duration of their study programme while enjoying Europe’s Schengen visa-free travel, high-quality education, and excellent living standards.
Once granted the associated Residence Permit, students gain access to essential services including public healthcare, accommodation, integration programs, and part-time work rights. The Portuguese immigration authority responsible for residence permits is now AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo), which fully replaced SEF in 2024 for all residence permit applications and renewals. This means that all D4 residence permit procedures, including appointments, submissions, and renewals, are now handled by AIMA.
Note: Only the long-term D4 residence permit counts towards permanent residency eligibility. Temporary or short-term visas do not.
Graduates can transition to other visa types, such as:
Note: Time spent on temporary or short-term visas does not count towards the 5-year requirement.
Financial proof is calculated based on the Portuguese minimum wage (€870/month in 2025). Approximate requirements for 12 months of support:
Applicant Type | Amount (€) |
Main Applicant | 10,440 |
Spouse/Partner | 5,220 |
Each Dependent Child | 3,132 |
Note: Proof may include tuition, living expenses, and health insurance. Banks or consulates may request slightly higher amounts to cover unforeseen costs.
Family reunification rights are possible only for holders of the long-term D4 residence permit and are not available for short-term or temporary stay visas. Eligible family members include spouses or long-term partners, children under 18, adult children enrolled in full-time education who depend financially on the student, and dependent parents in justified cases.
Once approved, family members receive their own residence permits linked to the student’s duration, granting them access to healthcare, education, and Schengen travel rights.
Typical required documents:
Some universities may request proof of accommodation only after arrival.
Once granted the D4 Residence Permit, students enjoy:
Requirements for permanent residency or citizenship:
Stage | Typical Timeline |
Consular Visa Processing | 1–3 months |
AIMA Residence Permit Issuance | 2–4 months after arrival |
Annual Renewals | 1–3 months |
Note: Fees vary slightly by consulate, always confirm before submission.
Most students are not considered tax residents unless they stay in Portugal for more than 183 days per year or have a permanent home there. Tax residency applies if the student works part-time or receives stipends within Portugal.
Any work income earned in Portugal is taxable, and students must register with the Portuguese tax authorities (Autoridade Tributária) to ensure compliance.
At LawSentis, our IAA-regulated advisers guide students through every stage of the D4 process:
Our team ensures the student’s move to Portugal is smooth, secure, and successful.
Have questions or need more information? Our team is here to help.
Expert guidance on visas, settlement, citizenship, and asylum — just a message away.