D5 student visa to Portugal – Long-term student visa in Portugal requirements

Studying in Portugal allows you to get a European education, which will open the way to a prestigious job. If you are considering enrolling in universities and other institutions of the country, think about obtaining a Portuguese D5 visa. Thanks to a competent approach, you will become the owner of a diploma of higher education, as well as practice your language skills and in the future you will be able to find a decent job.

The D5 Portuguese visa is a great opportunity to enter the country legally, enjoy a relaxed life in the European region and start a new page of your biography. Read on to find out what it takes to obtain authorisation documents and what the main steps are in completing the task.

Student visa to Portugal (D5 visa) and its peculiarities

Portuguese visa D5 is relevant if you are studying in any EU university and plan to exchange or obtain a double degree in the country. Permit documents are issued to foreign persons. The applicant cannot be a citizen of any EU country, but there is a nuance: only students studying and staying in the EU legally are considered.

The maximum period of validity of the obtained permit is 120 days. Long-term student visa under the programme is not provided, but you can always extend it without leaving the country. To do this, you need to submit a full package of documents to the local service.

The plus side is that if you have a permit, you can receive income from residents. But only if the terms of the educational programme provide for practical training. Payment for labor is considered legal, and you will not face problems when receiving funds.

Keep in mind that changing the place of study requires applying for new authorisation documents. You will need another student visa to Portugal (D5 visa), as the previous one was issued for a course at a particular university in Portugal.

It is possible that the study plan will not be fulfilled and your candidature will be expelled. In this case, the Portuguese D5 visa is no longer valid and your stay in the country becomes illegal. You must leave the jurisdiction as soon as possible to avoid legal problems.

Documents to apply for a Portuguese D5 student visa

A Portuguese long-term student visa is issued on the basis of an invitation from an educational institution. Otherwise your application will not be processed. The invitation form must contain the following information:

• Information about the educational institution
• State seal
• Signature of the head

Additionally, the document lists information about:

• The duration of the educational course
• The speciality in which the student is enrolled
• The total number of lectures

Most educational institutions provide their students with places in dormitories. If you will live in the territory agreed with the representatives of the university, then the invitation must specify the exact address. You will need to stay here, as the Portuguese student visa D5 prescribes the specifics of your stay in the country.

This is necessary so that the representatives of the law control the number of visitors and can always find them in case of need. If you decide to move into a rented flat, you must submit the relevant rental document in good time.

Standard package of documents

Once the invitation form has been completed, the documents for the D5 Portuguese visa are collected in a standard package. These are the following:

• Visa application form filled out in accordance with the accepted standards
• Valid passport. Its expiry date must exceed the time you are in training by at least three months
• Color photograph on a white background. The forehead, ears and neck must be clearly visible. If you wear glasses, they must be removed
• Criminal record certificate with an apostille. You will also need authorisation for your criminal status check to be carried out in Portugal
• Travel medical insurance. It will help you resolve health problems
• Cover letter from the student, which indicates the purpose of entry into the country. With it, the chances of issuing a Portuguese long-term student visa increase significantly
• Proof of ability to pay. This refers to the availability of funds with which you will be able to live and eat in the country. This can be evidence that you have been awarded a place at a university on a grant. It is also acceptable to provide a bank statement or a letter of support from your sponsor/family member. If you are studying on a grant with a scholarship, you are exempt from proving that you have enough money to support yourself
• Documents indicating the place of living. If you do not plan to occupy a dorm room, you must show the committee that you are serious and provide a rental agreement to obtain a Portuguese long-term student visa
• Proof of tuition fees. The document is not required in all cases. Especially if you will be studying a course on a grant.

The documents, when considering which Portuguese D5 student visa is granted, are standard. The main part of them are certificates indicating enrolment in a higher education institution. In order not to miss anything, you can check the full list of documents at the Portuguese consulate represented in the country of your stay. 

Student residence permit: main nuances

If you are in Portugal in the status of a tourist, it is impossible to request a student visa. But on the basis of enrolment in a higher education institution of the country you have the right to apply for a residence permit. Such cases are rather an exception, it is important to solve all issues through the embassy. However, this practice is present, and it is quite legal.

You will need the same documents that are used to issue a D5 student visa to Portugal. You will also need to prove that you have entered the country legally. If you plan to apply for an employment-based residence permit, get your university’s academic timetable. Also provide your IIN to convince the commission that you are serious about your application. In addition, you can show that you have a sole proprietorship. To make it more convincing, provide several invoices, which will indicate that you are successfully running your business.

Reasons for D5 visa refusal

Long-term student visas are not always granted, but the refusal of the Portuguese consulate is rather an exception. Especially if you take into account the fact that the invitation is provided by an educational institution. A negative decision can be caused by several reasons:

• Candidate conceals of a criminal record in his/her country or abroad
• Incorrect filling in of the application form (intentionally or accidentally providing false information)
• Violation of the Portuguese visa legislation even in the absence of certain knowledge and understanding of the situation

Also, the D5 student visa to Portugal will not be issued without a complete set of documents. Even with the lack of a minor certificate, you will have to go through all the circles of approval again. Another disadvantage is the lack of translation into Portuguese. 

Additionally, the commission considers the purpose of traveling to the country. If the type of visa does not correspond to your wishes, it will be refused. For example, you plan to have a holiday or get a job, but you are requesting a study permit.

If you receive a negative answer, you can always repeat the procedure again. But you will have to pay the visa fee again as well.