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D4 · Higher Education Student

D4 Visa: Higher Education Student

Last verified: 2026-09-28

Overview

The D4 visa (higher-education student modality) is for applicants admitted to a Portuguese higher education institution. Admission/enrolment drives the application timeline.

Eligibility requirements

  • Document from a Portuguese higher education institution proving admission or fulfilment of admission conditions.
  • Sufficient means of subsistence for 12 months, without prejudice to legally provided reductions or waivers.
  • Accommodation in Portugal (lease, university residence or equivalent).
  • Valid travel insurance covering medical costs, urgent medical assistance and possible repatriation.
  • Criminal record certificate (waived for applicants under 16).

Required documents

General documents10
  • Completed and signed national visa application form
  • Valid passport or other travel document
  • 2 recent passport-style photographs
  • Travel ticket ensuring return
  • Copy of the passport biographical page, when required by the consulate or external provider (Optional)
  • Criminal record certificate from the country of origin or the country of residence for more than one year (waived for applicants under 16)
  • Authorisation to consult the Portuguese criminal record
  • Proof of lawful status in the country where the application is filed, when applicable (Optional)
  • Valid travel insurance covering medical costs, urgent medical assistance and possible repatriation
  • Proof of accommodation arrangements in Portugal
Financial documents5

  • Academic documents

    Proof of scholarship award, when applicable (Optional)

  • Means of subsistence

    Proof of sufficient means of subsistence for 12 months, without prejudice to legally provided reductions or waivers
  • Bank statements or other financial evidence of available resources, when applicable (Optional)
  • Sponsorship undertaking and supporting documentation, when legally admissible (Optional)
  • Proof of scholarship, when used to demonstrate means of subsistence (Optional)
Other documents10

  • Academic documents

    Document from a Portuguese higher education institution proving admission or fulfilment of admission conditions
  • Proof of enrolment, when already available (Optional)

  • Family and formalities

    Documents for family members/dependents, when applicable (Optional)
  • Documents proving the family relationship, when required (Optional)
  • Parental authorisation or equivalent document, when applicable to minors (Optional)
  • Foreign documents legalised/apostilled and translated, when required (Optional)

  • After entry — AIMA residence permit

    Proof of enrolment at the higher education institution (Optional)
  • Proof of tuition payment, when applicable (Optional)
  • Health insurance or proof of SNS registration/coverage (Optional)
  • Updated proof of housing and means of subsistence, subject to legal waivers (Optional)

Full procedure

  1. 1
    Phase 1: Consulate applicationOnline

    Secure admission / admission conditions

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

  2. 2
    Phase 1: Consulate applicationOnline

    Gather means, housing and insurance

    Means for 12 months, housing (including university residence) and travel insurance.

  3. 3
    Phase 1: Consulate applicationOnline

    Book consulate / VFS Global

    Book as soon as admission is secured: peak season runs June to September.

    https://visa.vfsglobal.com
  4. 4
    Phase 1: Consulate applicationIn person

    Attend and submit documents

    Physical presence required for biometrics.

  5. 5
    Phase 2: AIMAOnline

    Residence permit application

    After entry: enrolment, tuition (when applicable), SNS/insurance and updated housing and means evidence.

    https://aima.gov.pt

Summary and timelines

Prazo / Timeline

Variable — legal visa period + AIMA procedure after entry

Custo / Cost

~€90 visa + AIMA fee + tuition when applicable

Renovação / Renewal

Renewed annually for the duration of the course, with updated enrolment and means

Perfil / Profile

Students admitted to higher education institutions in Portugal

Taxas / Fees

  • Consular visa fee~€90
  • Study residence permit fee (AIMA)~€90-€170
  • Documentary / VFS costsVariable