D4 and D5 visas are the main immigration routes for those planning to move to Portugal for the purposes of study, research, internships, or volunteer work.
These visas are much more accessible in terms of financial requirements, grant the right to work, and serve as a legal pathway to obtaining European citizenship.

What is the difference between D4 and D5?

Although both visa types fall under the same category (study and mobility), they have a clear legal distinction depending on your initial status:

D4 Visa (Main Option): Intended for citizens of non-EU/EEA countries who are entering directly from abroad. It covers higher education (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD), long-term language courses, vocational training, formal internships, and volunteer programs lasting more than 3 months.

D5 Visa (Student Mobility): A special visa for students who are already studying in another EU country (e.g., through the Erasmus+ exchange program, dual-degree programs, or simply transferring from a Polish or German university) and wish to continue their studies or complete an internship in Portugal.

What programs can you apply for?

Portuguese law allows you to apply for residency through a fairly wide range of activities:

Higher education: Public and accredited private universities or polytechnic institutes.

Research activities: Participation in projects based at Portuguese laboratories or research centers.

Vocational and language courses: Programs lasting at least one year (it is important that the educational institution be certified by the Portuguese Ministry of Education).

Internships (Estágio profissional): Both paid and unpaid official internships at Portuguese companies.

Volunteering: Long-term volunteer programs under the auspices of accredited non-profit organizations (NGOs).

Key Benefits of Student Status (D4/D5)

• Right to Work: Unlike many countries around the world, Portugal officially allows students to work. You are entitled to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during the academic term and full-time during school breaks.
• Low financial threshold: Financial support requirements are calculated based on Portugal’s minimum wage (which is €920/month in 2026). This is significantly lower than for Digital Nomad (D8) or Passive Income (D7) visas.
• Path to citizenship: Years spent in the country on a student residence permit fully count toward the 5-year period required to apply for Portuguese citizenship or permanent residency (PR).
• Easy transition to “work” status: After graduating from university, graduates are eligible for a special residence permit to seek employment (Visto para procura de trabalho) valid for up to 1 year, or they can immediately change their status to a work visa (e.g., D3) upon securing a contract.

Financial requirements

For the consulate to approve the visa, you must prove that you can support yourself without assistance from the Portuguese social welfare fund. The base amount is calculated for one year in advance:

For the main applicant (student/intern): 100% of the minimum wage — €920 per month (minimum €11,040 in a personal bank account).

If you are traveling on a grant, scholarship (e.g., from Erasmus), or your internship is paid, the amount of the grant/salary is deducted from this requirement. If the scholarship covers €920+ per month, you do not need to show large savings in your account.

Documents Required for Application

You must submit your documents in your country of residence through the Portuguese consulate or visa centers (VFS Global).

Basic list:

Letter of Acceptance: An official document from an accredited Portuguese university, college, or host volunteer organization.
Proof of tuition payment: A receipt for payment of the first semester or year (if tuition is required).
Financial guarantees: A bank statement (preferably from a Portuguese bank, but consulates often accept international accounts as well) showing the required amount, or a sponsorship letter (Termo de responsabilidade) from relatives, supported by proof of their income.
Certificate of no criminal record: With an apostille and an official translation into Portuguese.
Proof of accommodation: A lease agreement, a certificate of accommodation in a university dormitory, or a letter of guarantee from the host party.
Health insurance: With coverage of at least €30,000 for the first months of your stay (after receiving your residence permit, you will be able to register with the public health system, SNS).

Specific requirements for internships and volunteer work

If you are applying for a D4 visa for the purpose of volunteering or an internship, instead of university documents, you must include:

A contract/agreement with the host organization clearly outlining your responsibilities, schedule, and duration.

Official confirmation from the organization that it will fully cover your living and food expenses (if required by the program).

Workers’ compensation insurance (for interns, typically arranged by the employer).

Procedure and Obtaining Residency

Submission at the Consulate: Document review typically takes 30 to 60 days.

Entry into Portugal: You will be issued a 4-month (120-day) national visa. This visa usually already includes a reference number or the date and time of your appointment with the AIMA immigration service (formerly SEF).

Obtaining a residence card: You go to AIMA, provide biometric data, submit an updated certificate of study/internship, and receive a plastic residence card within a few weeks.

? Note: A student residence permit is usually issued for a period of 1 or 2 years (depending on the duration of the course) and is renewed annually at AIMA, provided you have successfully advanced to the next course or extended your contract.