You may easily obtain a student visa in Portugal, a country noted for its rich history and culture, which is located in southwest Europe. But there are a few requirements and documents you need to put in place.
More so, with a high ranking for student satisfaction at some of the country’s most famous universities makes it one of the best places to pursue a degree.
So, for those who plan to study in Portugal, it is essential to note that a student visa is required. This article will provide the tips and details needed to get a student Visa in Portugal.
Studying in Portugal:
Depending on where you’re from, you may have to take various entrance examinations in order to apply to a university in Portugal.
EU citizens and those who have recently resided in Portugal may sit for the exam during a national session if they so want. Also, if you have your home country’s final exams recognized by the Portuguese embassy, you can use them in place of this test.
On the other hand, students from non-EU countries are referred to as “international students” and have the option of taking the exams at the Portuguese consulate in their home country.
Also, students wishing to study abroad in Portugal normally have three application deadlines, and university courses typically begin in the fall or spring.
Like other nations, Portugal divides its universities and polytechnics into two categories: those that focus on research and those that focus more on hands-on training.
The majority of courses are offered in Portuguese, however, a growing number of Master’s level courses are taught in English.
On the other hand, a student visa in Portugal allows them to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and 40 hours per week during breaks and vacations from school.
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How do Student Visas work in Portugal?
In order to study in Portugal for longer than three months, you will almost likely require a visa. The nationality of the student and the duration of the study define the visa criteria for international students in Portugal.
For longer-than-three-month courses of study: Student visas are required for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens. Moreover, you need a residency permit.
Citizens of the EU/EEA/Switzerland: No student visa is required, but you must register your stay with the local authorities.
For shorter-than-three-month study courses:
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: A student visa is necessary exclusively for nationalities that require a Schengen visa to visit Portugal.
Numerous nations, including the United States, Australia, and Canada, let tourists enter Portugal with only their passports for a period of up to three months, during which they may enroll in a short study course.
No student visa is required for citizens of the EU/EEA/Switzerland. If you are in Portugal on a student visa, you may bring with you dependent family members. You must demonstrate that you have the financial means to support both of them.
More so, the application fee for a student visa is EUR 90 (about $225). A criminal registry consultation costs EUR 5 (about $6).
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Requirements to Get Student Visa in Portugal:
- Felony Record
- Photos (35 mm by 45 mm)
- Personal data
- Travel document
- Purpose and intended dates of stay
- Financial information
- Passport
How Long Is the Portugal Student Visa Valid?
After acquiring your visa from the Portuguese Embassy, you must fly to Portugal and apply for a residence permit at the SEF. Until you complete your studies, the study permit remains valid for one more year.
Those granted a student visa by the Embassy can only travel to Portugal for the duration of the visa. The visa will be replaced with a residence permit if you do not obtain it within three months.
More so, for a student visa to be completed, it can take anything from several weeks to three months based on where you live, the Embassy, and whether your application is complete.
Get started right away after receiving your acceptance letter from your university.
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How to apply for a student visa in Portugal (Step by Step):
Prepare:
It would be advantageous if you prepare and have all the documents required for the application. Your letter of acceptance is the most critical document to have, as it will be examined by the Embassy.
Not every country has a consulate in Portugal to determine where you should submit your application for a student visa to Portugal.
Book an Appointment:
It’s a good idea to begin the process at least three months before your travel date.
In order to pay the student visa cost, you will get instructions from the Embassy. Furthermore, you must bring the aforementioned paperwork with you to your consultation.
Wait for the Visa:
A student visa to Portugal can take up to three months to be processed by the Embassy. As previously said, if you have already completed the necessary papers, you can begin three months prior to your departure date.
Once you’ve acquired your visa, you’re free to travel to Portugal and begin your studies. If you have this visa, you must utilize it within the three-month period.
Apply for a Residence Permit:
A residence permit, or Autorizaço de Residência, must be obtained after arriving in Portugal. You’ll need to set up an appointment with the SEF office closest to your school.
If you want to get this permission, you’ll need the same paperwork you used to get your visa.
Do well to go with these documents: Passport and visa, Two passport-sized photographs, Documents for academic registration, Proof of funds/means of subsistence, Certificate of Health Insurance, Certificate of lodging, Vaccination Records, and Criminal registry form.
Frequently Asked Questions on How to Get Student Visa in Portugal:
While still a student, you can work in Portugal. Non-EU students with Portuguese student visas and residency permits are permitted to work in Portugal with the approval of the SEF. Additionally, you might request authorization to do research.
After graduation, you can apply for a one-year residence visa so that you can look for work or start a business in Portugal that utilizes your skills.
Portugal’s golden visa, or ARI visa, is one of the quickest ways to become a Portuguese citizen if you have money to invest in a property or business. One option is to buy a property in Portugal and come here for just seven days a year for five years (14 days every two years).
In Portugal, English is the country’s second most commonly spoken language after Portuguese. In spite of the fact that only a small percentage of the population of Portugal can speak English well, English is an important and major language in tourist destinations.
Conclusion:
To stay in Portugal after completing your education, you must have an offer of employment. You and your employer must meet the conditions for a work visa in Portugal in order to move from a student visa to a work permit.
Before your student visa expires, you must apply for a work visa if you find work. Within 30 days of the visa expiration date, the SEF will not accept your application. If your visa runs out, you’ll have to return home and reapply for a new one.
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