Residence visa and residence permit for higher education students
Art. 91
Non-EU nationals admitted to a Portuguese higher education institution apply for a residence visa for study at a Portuguese consulate, then apply to AIMA for a residence permit within the visa's four-month validity. Students who entered Portugal legally can also apply to AIMA without a residence visa. The permit lasts three years (or the length of a shorter programme), is renewable, and allows paid work alongside studies.
Life in Portugal
Money
3
Currency
Euro
EUR
Euro
Cost of living
65
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
12.5–48%
Income tax (national)
VAT 23%
Nine brackets from 12.5% up to EUR 8,342 to 48% above EUR 86,634 (Lei 73-A/2025).
Living
1
Happiness
#67 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Non-EU nationals admitted to a higher education programme in Portugal who can show enough resources.
Eligibility
Admission
Meets the admission conditions of, or has been accepted by, a higher education institution for a study programme.
Sufficient resources
- €920
- in 2026) for the first adult
Has enough resources to attend the programme. For long-stay visas, means of subsistence are measured against the minimum monthly wage (€920 in 2026) for the first adult, with 50% for each further adult and 30% for each child.
Exemptions
Students admitted to an officially recognised institution under the legal approval scheme do not have to show means of subsistence or tuition payment, and at the visa stage are also exempt from health and travel insurance and proof of admission. Scholarship holders, including Camões scholarship holders, are exempt from proof of admission and means; nationals of Portuguese-speaking (CPLP) countries admitted to higher education are exempt from proof of means.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementClean record
- Document checklistNational visa application form and 2 photos
- FeesNational visa application
The full requirements are for members
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- 2 more requirements
- 8 documents
- 2 fees
- 5 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Programs and scholarships Members
Study programs here that can lead to work and settlement, grouped by route and ranked for your background, with scholarships matched to your profile.
Places to visit in Portugal
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to Portugal
- Visit & tourismSchengen tourist & business visa
- Work permitsResidence visa and residence permit for highly qualified activity (art. 61/61-A and art. 90) and EU Blue Card
- FamilyFamily reunification
- Investors & entrepreneursResidence visa / temporary stay visa for professional activity provided remotely outside Portugal
- CitizenshipNaturalização por residência legal
Study in other countries
- RomaniaLong-stay study visa (D/SD) and student residence permit
- SerbiaTemporary residence for studies
- RussiaStudy visa for Russia, including study within the Russian Government quota
- RwandaStudent permit (class U1) and related study & research permits
- SeychellesStudent's Permit
- SwedenResidence permit for higher education studies
