D4 Visa – Study
Learn how the D4 residence visa works for study, exchange programs, internships or volunteering in Portugal and which documents to gather. Contact us.
If you plan to study in Portugal for more than 1 year, this visa is for you. On the other hand, if your course lasts that long or less, you should apply for a “Temporary Stay Visa”.
The D4 visa is intended for students seeking a residence visa for study, exchange, professional internship, research or volunteering, where the programs exceed 360 days.
But remember, the visa application must be filed while you are still in your country of origin. Note: Law 62/2026 (Lei), in force since September 11, 2026, repealed the provisions that allowed higher education students and interns who had entered Portugal legally without a residence visa to apply directly for a residence permit. For this reason, the visa must be obtained before traveling.
For the application, bear in mind that the following documents, among others, will be required:
- Visa application form;
- Passport valid for more than 3 months;
- Means of subsistence (financial statements / income tax return / etc.);
- Proof of accommodation (letter of invitation / statement of responsibility / lease agreement / loan-for-use agreement / property purchase);
- Health insurance or, for those entitled to it, the Certificate of Entitlement to Medical Care (CDAM), issued in Brazil under the Brazil–Portugal social security agreement;
- Travel insurance meeting the standards of the European Union;
- Criminal Record Certificate;
- Two recent 3×4 color photos with a plain background;
- Certified copy of a valid personal identity document with a Hague apostille;
- International Certificate of Vaccination (which can be requested at the airport);
- Statement acknowledging that the applicant must not travel to Portugal without the proper visa;
- Authorization for AIMA – Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum to consult the applicant's Portuguese criminal record; and
- Payment of the Consulate fee slip (boleto).
In addition to these documents, the applicant must gather other documents according to their situation (for example: letter of acceptance from a university / enrollment; agreement with the host organization responsible for the volunteer program; letter of acceptance from a research center or higher education institution; etc.).
Contact us to learn how Sene & Araújo Advogados can guide you at each stage of the process.
Other services in this area
Which visa to choose
Comparison of visas and residence permits for Brazilians.
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Employment
For those with an employment contract or a promise of employment contract.
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Entrepreneurs and self-employed
For setting up a company or working on your own account.
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Highly qualified activity
For qualified professionals and the EU Blue Card.
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Higher education
Mobility of higher education students.
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Family reunification
To bring together the family of someone residing in Portugal.
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Own income
For retirees and people living on passive income.
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Remote work
For those who work remotely for companies or clients outside Portugal.
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Residence permit
Grant, renewal, CPLP, and AIMA delays.
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Lawsuit Against AIMA
Injunction (intimação) and administrative action when the case stalls.
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Golden Visa
Residence permit for investment, under the options currently in force.
Learn more →Common questions
Didn't find your question? Talk to our team on WhatsApp.
When should I apply for the D4 visa rather than a temporary stay visa?
The D4 visa is for those who will study in Portugal for more than 1 year: it is intended for study, exchange, professional internship, research or volunteering where the programs exceed 360 days. If the course lasts that long or less, the Temporary Stay Visa should be requested.
Can I enter Portugal without a visa and apply for student residence there?
No. Law 62/2026 (Lei), in force since September 11, 2026, repealed the provisions that allowed higher education students and interns who had entered Portugal legally without a residence visa to apply directly for a residence permit. For this reason, the visa application must be filed while you are still in your country of origin, before traveling.
What documents are required for the D4 visa?
For the D4 visa, the documents required include a valid passport, means of subsistence, accommodation, health and travel insurance, a criminal record certificate and an apostilled personal identity document.
Among others:
- visa application form and passport valid for more than 3 months;
- means of subsistence and proof of accommodation;
- international health insurance and travel insurance meeting EU standards;
- criminal record certificate and authorization for AIMA to consult the criminal record;
- certified personal identity document with a Hague apostille, two photos and the Consulate fee slip.
Besides the general documents, what else do I need to submit?
Besides the general documents, you submit the documentation for your specific situation, such as a letter of acceptance from or enrollment at the university, or an agreement with the volunteer organization.
The applicant must also gather documents according to their situation, for example:
- letter of acceptance from the university or proof of enrollment;
- agreement with the host organization responsible for the volunteer program;
- letter of acceptance from a research center or higher education institution.
Talk to our team
Tell us about your case: we will reply by email and, if you prefer, schedule a video call.
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