D4 Student Visa in Portugal

Who is this D4 visa for?

​

📚 Students: Those enrolled in recognized higher education institutions in Portugal.

​

💼 Interns: Individuals with secured internships as part of their educational program.

​

🤝 Volunteers: Those taking part in recognized volunteering programs or projects in Portugal.

​

Discover the D4 Student Visa

​

If you have received an acceptance letter for enrollment at a recognized educational institution in Portugal, or if you are involved in an internship or volunteering program, you are eligible to apply for the D4 visa.

​

What is the D4 Student visa in Portugal?

The Portugal D4 Student Visa offers non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens the opportunity to obtain legal Portuguese residency if they have been accepted into an accredited institution in Portugal. This visa, also known as the Research, Student, Internship, or Volunteering visa, provides a pathway for individuals to pursue their academic or professional goals in Portugal.

​

⚠️ Professional internships (’Estágios Profissionais’) registered in IEFP are not eligible for this type of visa, as it grants an employment, instead of study or internship bond.

​

What are the benefits of the D4 Student visa?

This visa allows you to freely travel within Portugal and the Schengen Area without any restrictions or the need for additional Portuguese visas.

​

One of the advantages of staying in Portugal on a D4 visa is the availability of affordable Portuguese education and medical services. After a period of five years, you will become eligible for Portuguese citizenship and permanent residency.

​

Main Requirements for the D4 Student Visa

​

To be eligible for the D4 visa, you must meet the following criteria:

​

• You should not have EU, EEA, or Swiss citizenship.

• You must have a clean criminal record.

• You need to provide proof of acceptance from a Portuguese institution or company for a program lasting more than one year.

​

Funding Requirements for the D4 Student Visa Application

​

For the D4 visa application, you must provide evidence of financial support equivalent to Portugal's monthly minimum wage, which is 870 euros in 2025. This can be either your own funds or those of a financial supporter, earned within the past three months.

Ensure you submit the following documents:

​

• Bank statements or your most recent tax return.

• A letter from your financial supporter (if applicable), detailing their commitment to supporting you.

​

Documents Needed for the D4 Student Visa Application

​

To apply for the D4 visa, you will need to submit several key documents. These will be required for the processing of your application.

​

How to Prepare for Your D4 Student Visa Application

​

Thorough preparation is crucial for a successful D4 visa application. Ensure you have all the necessary documents and meet the visa requirements to avoid delays or complications.​​​​​​​

​

1. Enroll in an accredited program in Portugal

Find a placement and enroll in the program, receiving your acceptance letter.

​

2. Take the time to review the expiration date on your passport

​

It is important to ensure that your passport remains valid for at least three months after your arrival in Portugal, or six months if you are submitting your application. Additionally, it should have two blank pages for the visa. Make sure your passport is up to date and meets all the prerequisites.

​

3. Locate a suitable place and use it as evidence of accommodation for your D4 visa application

​

Locate a suitable living arrangement, whether it be through renting or opting for your program's accommodation. A one-year contract is required to secure your place, but you are free to leave after your arrival. Ensure that your contract allows for it.

 

Ensure your safety by choosing a reliable rental agent or utilizing trusted websites like Spot-a-Home, Uniplaces, and Flatio. These platforms offer comprehensive information about your prospective new home, helping you avoid potential scams.

 

If your agreement allows it, you have the option to leave after coming to Portugal, although a 12-month lease is required.

​

3. See your nearest VFS office or Portuguese Consulate and schedule an interview

​

To submit your application, it is necessary to visit a consulate or VFS office. Here's a how-to locate them:

​

• Consulates and VFS offices Globally: The Portuguese administration's website provides a comprehensive list of embassies and VFS locations around the world.

​

• To schedule an appointment, please visit either the consulate's or VFS's website and utilize their online booking system.

​

• Our consular list provides complete information tailored to your current location and nationality.​

​

D4 Visa Fees and Processing Time

​

💰 How Much Does the D4 Visa Cost?

The standard visa fee is €90 per person, but additional administrative fees may apply depending on the municipal office handling your application.

​

⏳ How Long Will It Take?

Processing times vary by region:

​

• Some offices process applications in as little as four weeks.

• Others may take several months.

​

Once your application is submitted, expect a waiting period. Use this time to prepare all necessary documents for your AIMA appointment in Portugal and plan your move.

Preparing for Your AIMA Appointment

​

📄 Why Gather Documents in Advance?
AIMA requires a criminal record issued within the last three months, similar to the visa application. Some offices may keep your visa interview documents, so having backups is essential.

​

⚠️ Important Steps Before Moving to Portugal:

​

• Ensure all required paperwork is available in your home country.

• Designate a trusted person with power of attorney in case you need documents later.

• Bring copies of essential documents, such as

​

✅ Marriage and birth certificates

✅ Property ownership titles
✅ An extra copy of your power of attorney
✅ Vaccination records

Common Reasons for D4 Visa Rejection

​

❌ Lack of sufficient financial resources
❌ Incomplete or insufficient documents from the institution
❌ A criminal record with remarks
❌ Unfinished or missing paperwork

⚠️ Need Assistance?

If you have any concerns about your D4 visa application, feel free to contact Inlis Consulting for support. We offer a free consultation service to help you through the process.

​

Is the D4 visa approved? Head to Portugal!

​

Moving is the next step after getting your visa approved.

• Last Checks: Make sure everything is in order, particularly the papers you'll need to show to AIMA. Also, tell any necessary parties, such as the tax authorities in your home country, and finalize your travel arrangements.

​

• Make sure you know what you can and cannot bring to Portugal. Some things, like hoverboards, aren't allowed because of their composition, and others, like kitchen equipment, require a luggage certificate from the Portuguese consulate in your area.

Arrived in Portugal? Schedule Your AIMA Appointment for the D4 Student Visa

​

📅 Book Your AIMA Appointment

Your D4 visa is valid for 120 days, giving you time to settle in Portugal. Within this period, you must:

• Obtain your NIF (Portuguese Tax Number).

• Update your NIF with your new Portuguese address to become a tax resident.

• Register for health insurance in Portugal.

• Set up your finances and confirm your accommodation.

​

📌 Get Your Residence Authorization

You have 120 days from your D4 visa’s expiration date to schedule an appointment with AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo). At this appointment, you will need to submit documents proving:

✅ You have settled in Portugal.
✅ You meet the financial requirements outlined in your visa application.

​

💡 Next Step: Acquire Your NIF in Portugal here!

​

Acquiring a tax identification number, often known as a NIF or "Número de Identificação Fiscal", is necessary to embark on a fresh chapter in your Portuguese experience.

​

⚠️ It is necessary to have a NIF to get a job, locate a rental, and create a bank account in Portugal.

​

Understanding AIMA and Your D4 Visa Process

What is AIMA?

​

AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) is the official agency responsible for handling immigration matters in Portugal, including entry, exit, and residency legalization for foreigners. It replaced SEF (Serviços de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) and now manages migration and asylum services.

How to Schedule Your AIMA Appointment

​

📅 Booking an Appointment

AIMA appointments can be difficult to secure due to high demand. To improve your chances:

✅ Call AIMA directly.
✅ Check their official website regularly.
✅ Follow AIMA’s Facebook page for updates.
✅ Join Facebook communities where others share their booking experiences.

​

What to Expect at Your AIMA Appointment

​

🔍 Document Verification & Biometric Data Collection

During your appointment, AIMA will:

​

• Verify your documents.

• Collect fingerprints, signatures, and photographs.​

​

​

📄 Documents to Bring

Ensure you have:

✅ Original documents used in your visa application.
✅ Updated proof of accommodation, if you've moved.
✅ Proof of enrollment in your study, internship, or volunteering program.
✅ Portuguese health insurance (not just travel insurance).
✅ Portuguese bank account with the required minimum balance.
✅ Most recent tuition payment receipt (for students).
⚠️ Criminal record documents must be translated and notarized (even if in your native language).

​

Opening a Portuguese Bank Account

​

🏦 How to Open an Account

To open a Portuguese bank account, you’ll need:

✅ A valid Portuguese visa.
✅ Proof of Portuguese address.
✅ Proof of income.
✅ Proof of Portuguese legal status.

​

⚠️ Online payment systems like Revolut may not be accepted by AIMA.

​

💶 Maintaining a Minimum Balance
You must keep a minimum amount in your Portuguese bank account to meet visa requirements.

​

💱 Transferring Funds for Your D4 Visa

• For amounts under $20,000: Use Wise (formerly TransferWise) for its low fees and fast transfers.

• For larger amounts: Currencies Direct offers better exchange rates and personalized assistance.

​

​

Final Steps: Receiving Your Residency Card

​

🏠 Waiting for Your Residency Permit
Once everything is in order, you simply need to wait for your residence permit to arrive at your Portuguese address.

​

💳 D4 Visa Residency Card Fees & Duration

• Cost: Around €90.

• Validity: Your first residency card is valid for one year.

​

🔄 Renewing Your Residency Card

• You must renew your card annually until you complete your program.

• The renewal process requires updated documentation following the same procedure as the initial application.

​

How to Become a Portuguese Citizen?

​

🇵🇹 Pathway to Portuguese Citizenship

After five years of living in Portugal on a D4 student visa, you become eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship. This grants you the freedom to live, work, and travel anywhere in the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.

​

Requirements for Citizenship Through a D4 Student Visa

​

✅ Portuguese Language Proficiency
You must demonstrate A2-level proficiency in Portuguese or higher.

​

✅ Residency Requirement

• Five years of continuous residency in Portugal.

• OR Five years of non-consecutive residency within the past 15 years.

​

✅ Clean Criminal Record

• No criminal offenses in Portugal.

• No criminal offenses in any other country you've lived in.

​

​

📌 Once you meet these conditions, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship and enjoy the benefits of EU residency!

​

​

Ready to Start Your Journey to Portugal?

​

Whether you're applying for a D4 visa, settling into life in Portugal, or planning for citizenship, we’re here to guide you every step of the way!

​

📩 Need help with your application? Contact us today for expert assistance.
✅ Book a free consultation and get personalized support for your visa process.

​

🔗 Get started now! ​​​​​​​​​​