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D4 · Study, Research and Volunteering

D4 Visa: Study, Research, Internship and Volunteering

Last verified: 2026-08-02

Overview

The D4 visa covers stays for study, scientific research, internship or volunteering lasting more than a year. The institution’s acceptance letter drives the entire timeline — nothing moves without it.

Eligibility requirements

  • Acceptance letter, enrolment or hosting agreement from a Portuguese institution
  • Means of subsistence for 12 months (~€11,040, benchmarked to the 2026 minimum wage)
  • Proof of tuition paid or scholarship awarded
  • Accommodation in Portugal: student residence, lease or hosting statement
  • Health insurance valid in Portugal for the whole stay
  • Minors: notarised parental authorisation and a legal representative in Portugal
  • Volunteering: certified host entity and liability insurance
  • Clean criminal record (applicants aged 16 and over)

Required documents

Personal and financial documents5
  • Valid passport (min. 6 months after visa expiry)
  • 2 recent passport photos (white background)
  • Apostilled criminal record, translated (aged 16 and over)
  • Signed visa application form (MNE Portugal)
  • Notarised parental authorisation (under 18) (Optional)
Financial documents2
  • Proof of tuition payment or scholarship award
  • Bank statements or sponsorship undertaking covering 12 months
Housing documents2
  • Rental contract or student residence confirmation
  • Health insurance with coverage in Portugal
Other documents3
  • Acceptance letter, enrolment certificate or hosting agreement
  • Host entity certification (internships and volunteering) (Optional)
  • Portuguese NIF (needed to rent and open an account)

Full procedure

  1. 1
    Phase 1: Consulate applicationOnline

    Secure the acceptance letter

    This is the critical path. University applications close months before term starts.

  2. 2
    Phase 1: Consulate applicationOnline

    Pay tuition or confirm scholarship

    The consulate requires documentary proof, not just the letter.

  3. 3
    Phase 1: Consulate applicationOnline

    Obtain NIF and secure accommodation

    A student residence counts as valid accommodation.

    https://www.portaldasfinancas.gov.pt
  4. 4
    Phase 1: Consulate applicationOnline

    Book consulate / VFS Global

    Book as soon as the letter arrives: peak season runs June to September.

    https://visa.vfsglobal.com
  5. 5
    Phase 1: Consulate applicationIn person

    Attend and submit documents

    Physical presence required for biometrics.

  6. 6
    Phase 1: Consulate applicationOnline

    Await consulate decision

    Average: 2-4 months, usually faster than other D visas.

  7. 7
    Phase 2: AIMAOnline

    Submit residence application online

    Submit at aima.gov.pt before the D visa expires.

    https://aima.gov.pt
  8. 8
    Phase 2: AIMAIn person

    In-person AIMA biometrics

    ~20 min visit. Bring passport and enrolment proof.

  9. 9
    Phase 2: AIMAOnline

    Receive study residence permit

    Valid 1 year, renewed annually with fresh enrolment and updated means.

Summary and timelines

Prazo / Timeline

3-8 months (consular + AIMA)

Custo / Cost

~€90 visa + reduced AIMA fee + tuition

Renovação / Renewal

Renewed annually for the duration of the course; counts toward permanent residence at 5 years

Cidadania / Citizenship

Study time counts toward the 5 years required for citizenship

Perfil / Profile

Undergraduate, master’s and PhD students, researchers and volunteers

  • Allows part-time work during the course, subject to hour limits

Taxas / Fees

  • Consular visa fee~€90
  • Study residence permit fee (AIMA)~€90-€170
  • Apostille, translation and insuranceVariable