Portugal Student Visa (D4) Quiz 2026: Funds, Work Rights and Permits

9 questions ~4 min Last reviewed

Portugal is a popular study destination, and the D4 visa covers degree students, researchers, interns and volunteers. Test what you know about funds, work rights and how long your permit lasts.

  1. 1. Who is Portugal's D4 residence visa designed for?

    The D4 covers bachelor's, master's and PhD students, researchers, recognised secondary exchange students, interns at certified hosts and volunteers.

    Source: D4 student visa 2026 (MovingTo)

  2. 2. Which visa usually applies to a study programme shorter than about a year?

    Programmes shorter than about a year usually fall under a temporary stay visa rather than the D4 residence visa.

    Source: D4 student visa 2026 (MovingTo)

  3. 3. What funds must a degree student show in 2026?

    Students need an available balance of at least €920 per month of stay, about €11,040 for a 12-month year. Some scholarship holders and CPLP nationals may be exempt.

    Source: D4 student visa 2026 (MovingTo)

  4. 4. What kind of admission letter does the D4 require?

    You need a firm admission or enrolment letter from a recognised (DGES-listed) institution. Conditional offers are a common reason for problems.

    Source: D4 student visa 2026 (MovingTo)

  5. 5. Can higher-education students in Portugal work?

    Higher-education students may work, employed or self-employed, as long as it stays complementary to their studies. The often-quoted 20 hours a week is a practical guideline, not a figure written into the law.

    Source: D4 student visa 2026 (MovingTo)

  6. 6. How long is a higher-education study residence permit valid?

    The study permit is issued for up to three years, or the length of the programme if shorter, and renewed for equal periods.

    Source: D4 student visa 2026 (MovingTo)

  7. 7. How long does the consulate have to decide, and how long is the visa valid?

    The consular decision deadline is 60 days. The visa is then issued for 120 days with two entries, during which you attend AIMA in Portugal for the residence permit.

    Source: D4 student visa 2026 (MovingTo)

  8. 8. Which D4 holders cannot do paid work on their permit?

    Higher-education students may work alongside their studies, but unpaid trainees, volunteers and secondary-school exchange students cannot do paid work on this permit.

    Source: D4 student visa 2026 (MovingTo)

  9. 9. What are the AIMA fees for a student's first residence permit in 2026?

    AIMA charges €99.80 for reception and analysis and €85.80 for the permit grant (also charged on each renewal). With the €110 consular visa fee, the standard route totals about €296.

    Source: D4 student visa 2026 (MovingTo)

This quiz is general information based on Portuguese rules in force on the review date above, not legal advice. Immigration thresholds change every January with the minimum wage, and laws change often. Confirm your case with a lawyer before applying.