Study in Portugal

Student visa (D4), start to permit

We live here and know which programmes lead to jobs and what the rules are this year. Advice that is not commission-driven, one fixed price, on the page.

The longest path we run, and the one where order matters most: admission, then the visa file, then everything you need to live here.

For students admitted to, or applying to, a Portuguese institution.

UndergraduateMasters and PhDLanguage and exchange
At a glance
9 stepsAdmission, visa file, the three essentials, then the AIMA permit
10–17 weeksOur preparation, shorter if you already have an offer or enrollment confirmation
Full servicePortugal is the only market where we handle in-country setup too
Who this is for

Admission, and the means to be here

If you already have an offer or an enrollment confirmation, say so below and the path shortens accordingly.

This visa also counts toward Portuguese residency requirements. Residency overview →

An offer, or an application in progress, at a recognised Portuguese institution
Confirmation of enrollment once tuition is settled, which the visa file is built around
Proof of means for your stay. The amount, and what it is calculated from, depend on the category you apply under, and we confirm the figure that applies to you during the assessment
Accommodation in Portugal, and health cover valid from arrival
What's included

9 steps, in order

The same path the Build my path tool returns for Portugal plus Study, including the stage control below.

Where are you in the application?

The full route: we shortlist programmes, run the application, then handle the visa file.

1
Course and institution shortlist
Programmes you qualify for, with entry requirements and deadlines side by side.
2
Application and offer letter
Applications prepared and submitted, tracked through to your offer.
3
Tuition payment and enrollment confirmation
Tuition settled with the institution, and your confirmation of enrollment issued for the visa file.
4
Document certification
Diplomas, transcripts and civil documents translated and legalised.
5
Student visa file (D4, consulate)
The D4 file assembled around your enrollment confirmation and filed at the consulate covering your residence.
6
NIF (tax number)
Your first requirement for almost anything official in Portugal.
7
NISS (social security number)
Required to work legally and to access the social security system.
8
Local bank account
Needed for rent, utilities and everyday payments.
9
Student residence permit (AIMA)
Your visa converted to a residence permit at your AIMA appointment after you arrive.
Timeline
10–17 weeks
Our preparation

Shortlisting, applications, tuition and the enrollment confirmation, certification, the D4 consulate file, then the four essentials and your AIMA appointment.

Authority processing

Consulate and AIMA decision times vary by route and season. We tell you the current expectation for your route before you commit.

We tell you the current expectation for your route before you commit, and what moved on your file each week after that.
Documents

What you need to have

The confirmed list comes with your quote. Anything marked for confirmation is checked against current rules for your nationality before you commit.

Passport, valid for the full study period
Offer letter and confirmation of enrollment
Diplomas and transcripts, apostilled or legalised, and translated
Proof of means for the duration of your studies
Accommodation evidence in Portugal
Health cover valid from arrival, until SNS registration
Criminal record certificate, where the applicant is old enough for one to be required. The age threshold varies by category, and we confirm which applies to you during the assessment
Pricing
EUR 1,800

No VAT if you live outside the EU. EU residents: EUR 2,214 including 23% VAT, added at checkout.

Delivered by e-expat and our partner law firm.

Free case check firstNo charge for the call, and no obligation after it.
Questions

About this route

Something specific to your case?
Ask us directly and we will come back to you within one business day.
Ask us directly

Wherever you are in the application, we pick it up

Still choosing a programme, holding an offer, or already enrolled: one call and we map the rest.

Or message us on WhatsApp →
No charge, and no obligation afterwards.
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