A short-term student visa is a great option for those who want to study in Portugal for language courses or fast-track training. Studying in Europe opens up new horizons in terms of career and financial stability. In addition, after completing your course, you can always find a suitable job and get a serious foothold in your favorite country.
When planning your life, start with a proper approach to education. If the course of interest lasts more than a year, then pay attention to the Portuguese D4 visa. It is granted to students of higher education institutions for the completion of bachelor’s, master’s and other levels. Also, if you have it, you can take an appropriate internship, which will help to consolidate professional knowledge and put theory into practice. But the main nuance is the duration from 12 months.
Student visa to Portugal (visa D4): required documents
A Portuguese short-term student visa requires the preparation of a certain package of documents, as well as the option under the condition of long-term study. To issue a D4 authorisation, all certificates and reports must be up to date, otherwise you will have to go round in circles again. When forming an application for a student visa, an official invitation from the university management is required. It will become the basis for the commission decision. The invitation form should include the following information:
- Full information about the university (name, address)
- Speciality chosen by the student for study
- Duration of the course and the total cost of tuition in case of paid education
- Stamp of the established sample and the signature of the head of the institution
Portuguese visa D4 is issued to students who have competently approached the issue of education. It is not only about taking the course, but also about organizing a place of residence. If you plan to stay in rooms that are provided directly by the educational institution, then indicate this in the application form. Provide the exact address of the hostel so that representatives of the law can find you at the agreed location at any time.
Please note that any changes of address must be submitted to the relevant authorities. If you decide to rent a flat or a room after a period of time, send the documents to the Migration Department.
Basic documents to obtain a D4 visa
The Portuguese D4 student visa and the D5 variant are somewhat similar, and therefore require an identical set of documents. However, familiarize yourself with the purpose of entering the country under each programme. This will help to avoid mistakes when choosing a visa.
The list of documents for obtaining a permit includes:
- Questionnaire for the issuance of a D4 student visa to Portugal. To be filled out by the applicant in full, which complies with current standards
- Passport for traveling abroad. It must be up to date during the entire period of study
- Color photograph. According to the standards, it must be taken on a white background with a clear representation of the forehead, ears and neck. The use of glasses is unacceptable, so if you have problems with vision, remove the accessory beforehand
- Certificate of no criminal records, which confirms that the applicant has no criminal records. It must be provided with an apostille. Additionally, an authorisation is required that allows your status in Portugal to be checked
- Health insurance, which will help dealing with health problems that may arise
- Cover letter written by you. Indicate the purpose of your entry into Portuguese territory. When students provide such a document, the chances of a favorable opinion and issuance of a D4 visa by the Portuguese side increase
- Proof of financial status. You must show that you will be able to support yourself while studying at the university. It includes the purchase of basic food and essential goods. To do this, provide information that you have taken up a place at university on a grant or show a bank statement. Letters of support from your parents or sponsors are also considered. If you are studying on a grant with a monthly stipend, no additional documents are required for the Portuguese side to issue a D4 visa
- Rental contract with the exact address of the accommodation. Provide a contract concluded with a resident of the country, which will indicate the thoughtfulness and careful preparation for entering Portugal for the training course
- Receipts of payment for the first semester or other period as agreed with the university representatives. It is not necessary if the study is based on a grant.
The list is extensive, and in order to achieve results, it is necessary to pay attention to the smallest nuances. It is not only about the validity period of certificates, but also about the presence of seals and stamps.
Do not forget that student visa to Portugal (visa D4) will be issued only in case of correct translation of documents with notarisation. Our consultants monitor all the nuances to ensure that the procedure is carried out at the highest level.
Basic steps to obtain a Portuguese D4 student visa
If you need a Portuguese D4 visa, familiarize yourself with the basic steps to obtain one. This will allow you to understand how to proceed in order to achieve a positive result. The sequence is as follows:
- Search for an institution of higher education in Portugal according to the available enquiry. It is about the educational programme, available specialities, etc.
- Applying for admission, paying for a certain period of study and further receiving documents to confirm that you have become a student of the chosen university.
- Preparing to apply for a Portuguese D4 student visa. The documents are collected in the country where you currently reside. There is no need to travel to Portugal to complete the task.
- Submission of documents, for which you need to visit the consulate of your country.
- Consideration of your application. As a rule, the period does not exceed 30 days. In case of a favorable decision, you will be issued a student visa to Portugal (D4 visa), which is valid for four months.
- Departure to the country of study and subsequent registration of a residence permit. The procedure is carried out at the SEF office. After five years, you can apply for citizenship.
As a rule, a Portuguese D4 student visa contains information on when the date of application for residency is due. The same information is displayed in your personal account on the SEF website. Don’t miss the opportunity to start a new life by completing all requests on time.
Period after completing your studies
Remember that once you have completed your educational course, you can stay in the country for another year, which the Portuguese short-term student visa does not allow you to do. With a D4 and a residence permit, the situation is almost perfect. Active immigrants are given time to find a suitable job or start their own business with further promotion.
In fact, this point is very important and well thought out at the ministry level. Yesterday’s student cannot always find a suitable job in a short period of time. The same applies to a business — it is difficult to understand in a couple of months how profitable it will be and whether it makes sense to promote it.
It is not uncommon to have to change several jobs until the right one is found. A year of searching is an opportunity to realize your own potential. Don’t miss the chance and you will find out how good Europe is.
A Portuguese D4 student visa will be your ticket to a new life, but you need to take active steps to get there. You can find out more about staying legally in the country from our Movetocascais consultants.
FAQ
The visa is intended for entry into the country for studies that last at least one year.
The permit is valid for 120 days, during which you must enter the country and apply for a residence permit.
You can stay for another year after your studies to find a job or start your own business.
Yes, you need to find an institution, follow the steps for enrolment, and receive an invitation.
You can study for free (grant) or with full tuition fees.
