Temporary Visas

(D4) Residence Visa for Study, Research, Exchange, Internships & Voluntary Work – Documents Required

General Requirements

• National Visa Application Form – Completed and signed by the applicant. For minors and incapacitated individuals, the form must be signed by a legal guardian.
• Two passport-sized photos – Recent, identical, passport-type, and in good condition for identification.
• Personal Statement – A document explaining the applicant’s reason for applying, planned accommodation, and sources of income.
• Valid Passport – Must be valid for at least three months beyond the visa duration (minimum 120 days).
• Photocopy of Passport – A clear copy of the biographic page.
• Proof of Legal Residency (if applicable) – If residing in a country other than that of nationality, a valid residence permit, or digital share code is required.
• Travel Insurance – Coverage for at least six months from the visa application date, including medical expenses, emergency medical assistance, and repatriation. British nationals may present an S1 Form as proof of coverage.
• Criminal Record Certificate – Issued within the past four months by the applicant’s home country or country of residence (if residing there for over a year).
  • Must be apostilled or legalized (if applicable).
  • Only ACRO certificates are accepted as UK Criminal Record Certificates and do not require additional apostille or certification.
• Proof of Accommodation in Portugal – Must cover the duration of the initial 120-day visa.
  • Property deed in the applicant’s name.
  • Rental agreement in Portugal.
  • Term of Responsibility signed by a host, including their passport/ID and proof of property ownership or rental agreement. The host’s signature must be notarized.
• Proof of Financial Resources –
  • Last three months’ bank statements showing sufficient funds.
  • A Term of Responsibility signed by the hosting entity (if applicable), notarized, and supported by three months’ bank statements.
  • For students receiving grants or scholarships, this can be used as proof of subsistence.

Specific Documents

For Research Purposes

• Work contract or host agreement with a research centre or university.
• Letter of acceptance from the research institution, along with proof of a scholarship or research grant.
• Statement of responsibility from the research centre or university covering the cost of admission and living expenses.

Exemptions:

• Researchers admitted to a recognized research centre or university under Article 91-B of Law 23/2007:
  • Health insurance or equivalent.
  • Employment contract.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Proof of means of subsistence.

For Higher Education Students

• Letter of acceptance from a higher education institution in Portugal.

Exemptions:

• Higher education students admitted under Article 91-B of Law 23/2007 donot need to provide:

• • Health insurance.
  • Proof of admission criteria.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Means of subsistence.

• Students receiving ascholarship from Camões – Instituto da Cooperação e da Língua do not need to provide proof of admission or means of subsistence.
• Students fromPortuguese-speaking countries do not need to provide proof of means of subsistence when admitted to a Portuguese institution.

For Secondary or Vocational Education Students

• Letter of acceptance from a recognized educational institution, either through an exchange program or an individual admission process.
• Proof of admission into a qualification course at Level 4 or 5 of the National Qualifications Framework (QNQ) or vocational training program.
• Age requirement – The applicant must be between 14 and 21 years old.
• Proof of Accommodation – Confirmation of stay with a host family or in institution-approved housing.

For Internships

• Letter of acceptance from the host institution confirming:

• • The training program aligns with the applicant’s field of study.
  • The internship’s objectives and learning components.
  • Duration, schedule, location, and supervision details.
  • Legal status of the intern within the host organization.
  • Statement confirming that the internship does not replace an employment position.
  • Host institution’s acknowledgment of financial responsibility for the applicant’s stay.

• Proof of means of subsistence may be substituted with a Term of Responsibility from the host entity.

For Voluntary Work

• Contract with a certified volunteering program, detailing:

• • The program’s objectives, schedule, and location.
  • Accommodation and subsistence arrangements.
  • The volunteer’s legal status within the organization.
  • Subscription to civil liability insurance, except for those joining the European Voluntary Service.

• Proof of means of subsistence may be replaced with a statement of responsibility from the volunteering organization.

Additional Documents for Minors

• Unabridged Birth Certificate – Must include parents’ names. If not in English or Portuguese, a certified translation is required.
• Original Passports of Both Parents – Or certified copies of the passport’s biodata pages.
• Parental Consent Letter – Signed by the legal guardian(s), giving consent for the minor’s visa application.
• If sole custody applies, the following documents must be provided:
  • Birth certificate mentioning only one parent.
  • Death certificate of the absent parent.
  • Court ruling granting custody.
• If the minor is traveling without both parents or with a third party, a travel authorization or court order is required.

CPLP Mobility Agreement

Citizens of CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries), including Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé and Príncipe, East Timor, and Equatorial Guinea, are exempt from:

• Travel insurance.
• Proof of means of subsistence.
• Return transport ticket.
• Specific documents.

Instead, they must provide:
a) A Term of Responsibility signed by the host entity, employer, or educational institution.
b) A Term of Responsibility signed by a Portuguese citizen or foreign resident in Portugal, with a notarized signature and proof of financial means.

Photo Specifications

Your visa application must include two recent colour photographs that meet the following criteria:

• Taken against a light background (white or off-white).
• Clear quality, full face, non-smiling, no sunglasses or headwear (unless for religious reasons).
• Printed on standard photographic paper (no digital copies accepted).
• Glued onto the Visa Application Form (no staples).

Important: If your photos do not meet the official guidelines, your application will be delayed.

Processing Time & Additional Considerations

• Standard Processing Time: Minimum 30 days.
• Extended Processing Time: Certain applications may require additional verification, extending processing beyond 30 days.
• Busy Travel Seasons: Applications submitted during high-demand periods may take longer.

It is highly recommended that applicants book their visa appointments early and ensure all documents meet the consulate’s requirements.
Visa Solutions, Designed for You – With our deep expertise, securing an appointment and navigating the process has never been easier.

Need Assistance?

• +44 7700 172153
• sales@portugalvisaonline.co.uk
• +44 2038832960

(D4) Residence Visa for Study, Research, Exchange, Internships & Voluntary Work – Downloads & Useful Links

Understanding National Visas for Portugal

A National Visa is required for individuals planning to stay in Portugal for more than 90 days. Depending on the duration and purpose of stay, the visa is categorized into:

• Temporary Stay Visa – Allows a stay of more than 90 days, up to one year, with multiple entries permitted.
• Residence Visa – Intended for stays of more than one year. Initially, applicants receive a 120-day visa with two entries, after which they must schedule an appointment with AIMA in Portugal to apply for a Residence Permit that grants long-term stay and multiple re-entries.

Application Form – The National Visa application must be completed online, printed, and signed. Download PDF ↓ Download PDF ↓

Identity & Immigration Status Verification

Non-UK passport holders applying for a Portugal visa must verify their immigration status. Use the links below for official UK government services:

• View & Prove Your Immigration Status: Check Digital Share Code
• Verify UK Residency & E-Visa Status: Immigration Status Verification

Ensure you have a valid digital share code ready for submission during your application.

Additional Resources

For a full list of visa categories, requirements, and application procedures, visit:

• Portugal National Visa Overview (English)
• Vistos Nacionais – Informação Geral (Portuguese)

This page is regularly updated to include the latest visa forms, legal requirements, and verification links. If you need further assistance, feel free to reach out to our expert team for personalized visa guidance.

Apply early! Book your visa appointment as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.

Need Assistance?

• +44 7700 172153
• sales@portugalvisaonline.co.uk
• +44 2038832960

(D4) Residence Visa for Study, Research, Exchange, Internships & Voluntary Work – Visa Services

Standard Visa Processing Fees

Visa service charges are separate from official visa fees charged by the consulate.

It is highly recommended that applicants book their visa appointments early and ensure all documents meet the consulate’s requirements.
Apply early! Book your visa appointment as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.

Need Assistance?

• +44 7700 172153
• sales@portugalvisaonline.co.uk
• +44 2038832960