Portugal, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and affordable living, is a popular destination for international students. If you’re considering pursuing your studies in Portugal, understanding the visa costs is a crucial step in your planning process.
Types of Student Visas and Their Fees
Portugal offers two main types of student visas:
- Short-stay Student Visa: This visa is valid for stays up to three months and is suitable for short courses, language programs, or research projects. The application fee for this visa is €75.
- Long-stay Student Visa: This visa is ideal for students enrolled in programs exceeding three months. It allows you to reside in Portugal for the duration of your studies. The application fee for this visa is €90.
Additional Costs to Consider
While the visa application fee is a significant cost, there are other expenses to factor in:
- Residence Permit: After entering Portugal with a long-stay visa, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit at the SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras). This process involves two fees:
- Application fee: €83
- Issuance fee: €72
- Health Insurance: Proof of valid health insurance with sufficient coverage is mandatory for your visa application.
Proof of Funds
When applying for a student visa, you’ll need to demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your stay. The exact amount may vary, but generally, you’ll need to show you have around €45-€75 per day for your intended stay.
Tips for Managing Costs
- Apply for the Right Visa: Choose the visa that aligns with your program duration to avoid unnecessary fees.
- Research Scholarships: Explore scholarships offered by the Portuguese government, universities, or private organizations to offset visa and living expenses. You can find scholarship information on the websites of the following institutions:
- Direção-Geral do Ensino Superior (DGES) https://www.dges.gov.pt/
- Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) https://www.fct.pt/
- Erasmus Scholarship (for European students)
- Consider Part-time Work: International students with a valid residence permit can apply for permission to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) to help manage their finances. More information on residence permit and work authorization can be found on the SEF website: https://www.sef.pt/
By carefully planning and considering these costs, you can navigate the Portugal student visa application process more effectively. Remember, the provided figures are estimates, and it’s always wise to consult the official Portuguese embassy or consulate in your home country for the latest information on visa fees and requirements. You can find the contact details for the Portuguese embassy or consulate nearest you on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Portugal: https://portaldiplomatico.mne.gov.pt/
