I will study, research or do a traineeship
- Higher-education students.
- Exchange or mobility participants.
- Trainees and volunteers covered by the relevant regimes.
- Researchers and PhD candidates depending on their legal route.
EST · route
Study and research have specific regimes.
Higher education, exchange, traineeships, volunteering and research should not be reduced to one checklist. Visa and residence rules depend on the programme and duration.
Do not mix legal routes
Studying in Portugal does not automatically mean any tourist visa can be converted into a residence permit. Use the route provided for your situation.
Your route, step by step
What to check first
01
Start with admission
An admission/enrolment letter or equivalent document is central to the route.
02
If abroad, deal with the visa
gov.pt publishes the residence-visa service for study, student exchange, professional traineeships and volunteering.
03
Prepare accommodation and means
Consular requirements include general and programme-specific evidence.
04
Then follow the AIMA regime
Student/research residence permits have their own rules, including mobility situations.
Confirm before acting
Study residence visa — gov.pt ↗AIMA FAQs ↗
Rules, channels and fees can change. The official source prevails at the time of filing.