The Ultimate Guide to the D4 Student Visa in Portugal (2025 Edition)

Why Study in Portugal?

Portugal has become a top destination for international students looking for high-quality education, an affordable cost of living, and a vibrant student life. Cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra are home to some of Europe’s best universities, attracting students worldwide.

Here’s why Portugal is a great place to study:

✅ World-Class Education – Universities like Universidade de Lisboa, Universidade do Porto, Nova SBE, and Universidade de Coimbra are internationally recognized.
✅ Affordable Tuition Fees – Master’s programs in Portugal cost between €2,000 and €5,000 per year, much lower than in the UK or US.
✅ Great Quality of Life – Portugal offers a warm climate, beautiful landscapes, and a relaxed lifestyle.
✅ Affordable Living Costs – A student can live comfortably in Portugal on €800-€1,200 per month, depending on the city.
✅ Opportunities for Work & Residency – The D4 visa allows students to work part-time, and after graduation, there are options to stay in Portugal for work or permanent residency.

If you’re planning to study in Portugal for more than 90 days, you’ll need a D4 Student Visa.

What is the D4 Student Visa?

The D4 Student Visa is a long-term residence visa that allows non-EU/EEA students to study in Portugal. It’s specifically designed for students enrolled in a Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, or professional training program, lasting more than one year.

Who Can Apply for a D4 Visa?

- Students enrolled in a Portuguese university or higher education institution.
- Students participating in an exchange program or vocational training course.
- Researchers and academic trainees attending long-term educational programs.

Benefits of the D4 Visa

✅ Study at top universities in Portugal.
✅ Live and work legally while completing your degree.
✅ Travel freely within the Schengen Zone (26 European countries).
✅ Apply for a post-graduation work visa and start a career in Portugal.
✅ Pathway to permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship after 5 years.

Now, let’s go step by step through the application process.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a D4 Student Visa

Step 1: Get Accepted into a Portuguese University

Before applying for the visa, you must be accepted into a Portuguese university or educational institution.
✔ Apply to a university in Portugal.
✔ Receive an official letter of acceptance – this is required for the visa application.


Step 2: Gather the Required Documents

To apply for a D4 visa, you need to prepare several documents. Make sure you have everything before visiting the Portuguese consulate.

📄 Visa Application Form – Completed and signed.
🛂 Valid Passport – Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay.
📚 University Acceptance Letter – Proof of enrollment in a recognized Portuguese educational institution.
💰 Proof of Financial Means – Bank statements, proof of a scholarship, or a letter of financial sponsorship to show you can support yourself (at least €10,440 per year).
🏡 Proof of Accommodation – A rental agreement, university dorm confirmation, or a host declaration letter.
🩺 Travel Insurance – You need to provide a travel insurance .
📜 Criminal Record Certificate – Issued by authorities in your home country and any country where you lived in the last year.
🛫 Travel Itinerary – Flight reservation or proof of intended travel (not always mandatory).

💡 Tip: During the visa stage, documents in English are accepted. However, some documents may need to be translated into Portuguese, notarized, or apostilled, depending on the requirements of your country of origin and the Portuguese authorities.


Step 3: Submit Your Application

Once you have gathered all the required documents, you must apply for the visa at the Portuguese consulate or VFS Global center in your country.

💼 Where to Apply:

- Portuguese Consulate or Embassy in your home country.
- VFS Global Centers (available in some countries).

⌛ Processing Time:

The D4 visa usually takes 30-90 days to process, so apply at least 3 months before your program starts.

💰 Visa Fees:

- D4 Visa Fee: €90-€120, depending on your country.

💡 Tip:  You will likely be required to attend an in-person interview at the consulate / VFS Center, where they will ask for proof your study plans, financial stability, and accommodation. In most cases, a visa appointment is mandatory, with only a few exceptions.


Step 4: Travel to Portugal

Once your visa is approved, you can move to Portugal and begin your new student life!

Upon arrival, you must complete several legal steps to finalize your residency.


Step 5: Legal Requirements After Arriving in Portugal

After arriving, students must register with AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo), known in the past for SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras), for a residence permit.

📍 Register at AIMA

-  Most visas already come with a pre-scheduled appointment at AIMA, which will take place within 120 days of your arrival.

- You will receive your residence permit (Autorização de Residência), which is usually valid for the duration of your course. In most cases, it will be issued for two years and can be renewed as needed.

📍 Get a NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal)

- A Portuguese tax number (NIF) is required for renting an apartment, opening a bank account, and getting a phone plan.
- You can apply for a NIF at a Finanças office or through a relocation service like moviinn®.

📍 Open a Portuguese Bank Account

- Required for paying rent, tuition fees, and receiving scholarship funds.
- Popular student-friendly banks: Millennium BCP, Novo Banco, Santander, and Caixa Geral de Depósitos.

📍 Register for Health Insurance

- If you are an EU student, you can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
- Non-EU students must register for private health insurance or enroll in the SNS (Portuguese public healthcare system).

Can You Work with a Student Visa in Portugal?

Yes! The D4 visa allows students to work while studying.

📑 What You Need to Work:

- A Portuguese Social Security Number (NISS).
- A work contract (if required by AIMA).

💡 Tip: Many students find jobs in hospitality, retail, tutoring, and digital marketing.


What Happens After Graduation?

After completing your studies, you can:

✔ Convert to a Work Visa – If you receive a job offer, you can request a residence permit conversion under Article 122 of the law, rather than applying for a new visa.
✔ Apply for Permanent Residency – After legally living in Portugal for 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency or even Portuguese citizenship.


Common FAQs About the D4 Visa

1. Can I bring my family with me?
Yes, with a family reunification visa, your spouse and dependent children or dependent parents can join you.

2. How long does the D4 visa last?
It’s valid for 2 years and can be extended for periods of 3 years for the duration of your studies.

3. Can I travel within the EU?
Yes! The D4 visa allows free movement within the Schengen Area.

4. What if my visa gets rejected?
If denied, the consulate will provide a reason. You can reapply with additional documentation or appeal the decision.


Final Thoughts

Moving to Portugal as a student is an exciting adventure, but it requires planning. The D4 visa is your key to starting a new academic and personal journey in Portugal.

Need help with your relocation? moviinn® can assist you with everything from visa applications to housing, NIFs, and banking. Let us help you make your move stress-free!

Ready to start your student journey in Portugal? Contact moviinn® today!