The D4 Visa
Short Term student Visa

The D4 Visa is a special visa designed for non-European Economic Area (EEA) and non-Swiss students who want to study in Portugal for a short-term course lasting less than three months. Unlike long-term study visas that allow students to stay and work in Portugal for extended periods, the D4 Visa is specifically for short academic programs or language courses.
If you are from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you do not need a visa to study in Portugal, regardless of the duration of your course. However, most non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens will need a visa to study in Portugal, especially those who typically require a Schengen visa to enter the country.
Some non-EU citizens from specific countries, like the US, Canada, and Australia, may be exempt from this visa requirement for short-term studies. It’s always a good idea to double-check with a legal advisor or embassy to see if you need a visa for your particular case.
Disclaimer:
Nature of Consulting
Services Crown Consulting specialises in providing consulting services to assist clients in various administrative and procedural matters. Our services include but are not limited to Consulting on Administrative Procedures. We provide guidance on the procedural steps necessary to obtain multiple documents and manage requests for entry, stay and residence of foreign citizens in Portugal. This includes helping to understand the requirements, accessing education and eligibility for the necessary documentation, providing guidance on essential documents, collecting documents, and directing them to the correct path. Our role is to enable accurate decisions to be made during administrative processing. Assistance with Information and Documentation: We offer information on obtaining the necessary permits, visas, and other educational, skills, and knowledge documents. Our role is to assist clients in collecting and organising the required materials, ensuring they meet all administrative criteria.
Distinction of Legal
Services It is crucial to emphasize that Crown Consulting does not offer legal services. Our activities are purely advisory and do not cover the following: Legal Advice: We do not provide legal opinions, interpret laws, or advise clients of their legal rights or obligations. Instead, we provide general guidance on procedural matters based on publicly available information. Legal Representation: We do not represent clients in legal proceedings or communicate with legal authorities in a capacity that requires a licensed attorney. Preparation of Legal Documents: We do not draft or prepare documents such as contracts, petitions or any other formal legal instrument requiring legal expertise.
D4 Short-term Student Visa,
you must meet certain criteria. Here are the requirements:
- Valid Passport: You need a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay in Portugal.
- Acceptance Letter from a Portuguese Institution: You must have a letter of acceptance from a recognized educational institution in Portugal confirming that you are enrolled in a course or study program.
- Proof of Payment: You will need to provide evidence that you have paid the tuition fees or have been awarded a scholarship to cover the cost of your studies.
- Visa Application Fee: You must pay the visa application fee and submit the receipt along with your application.
- Sufficient Funds: You must demonstrate that you have enough financial resources to support yourself during your stay in Portugal. This can be done by showing bank statements, scholarship awards, or sponsorships.
- Accommodation Proof: You must show proof of accommodation in Portugal, whether it’s a dormitory, rental agreement, or invitation from a host.
- Criminal Record: You need to provide a clean criminal record certificate from your home country or any country where you have lived for the past five years.
- Health Insurance: You will need to present evidence of adequate health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay in Portugal.
Application Process
The D4 Visa application process involves several steps:
- Submit Application: The D4 Visa application is submitted to the Portuguese consulate or embassy in the applicant’s home country or online through Portugal’s immigration services.
- Approval Process: The Portuguese authorities review the application. This process may take several months, and the applicant may be asked to provide additional information or documents.
- Receive Residence Permit: If the application is approved, the applicant is granted a residence permit, usually for a two-year period. After two years, the visa can be renewed.
How to Apply for the D4 Visa
The process of applying for the D4 Visa involves multiple steps, which can be complex if you’re unfamiliar with Portuguese immigration procedures. Here’s an overview of the process:
- Obtain an Acceptance Letter: Before applying for the D4 Visa, ensure you have an acceptance letter from your Portuguese educational institution.
- Complete the Application Form: Download and fill out the Portugal Student Visa application form from the official Portuguese consulate or embassy website in your country.
- Schedule an Appointment: Book an appointment at the nearest Portuguese embassy or consulate in your home country to submit your visa application.
- Prepare the Documents: Gather all necessary supporting documents, such as your passport, acceptance letter, proof of funds, health insurance, proof of accommodation, and more.
- Submit the Application: Attend your appointment at the embassy or consulate, where you will submit your completed application and documents. Don’t forget to bring the visa application fee receipt!
- Wait for Processing: The embassy or consulate will review your application and make a decision. If your visa is approved, it will be stamped in your passport, allowing you to enter Portugal for your studies.
What Is the Waiting Time for the D4 Visa?
The processing time for the D4 Visa is not fixed and can vary depending on several factors, including:
- The workload at the embassy or consulate in your country.
- The number of applications being processed at the same time.
- The complexity of your case and whether all required documents have been submitted correctly.
Typically, applicants can expect to receive a decision within three months. However, delays are common, especially if any documents are missing or incomplete. It’s always a good idea to apply well in advance of your intended travel date to avoid last-minute stress.
Can I Work in Portugal on a D4 Visa?
Unfortunately, the D4 Visa does not allow students to work while studying in Portugal. It is strictly for short-term studies, and engaging in employment would violate the terms of your visa.
If you are interested in working while studying in Portugal, you may need to apply for a Long-term Student Visa (valid for more than three months). This type of visa allows students to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester and full-time during holidays.
If your primary goal is to work in Portugal, you will need to apply for a Portuguese Work Visa rather than a student visa.
Can You Stay in Portugal After the D4 Visa Expires?
The D4 Visa is specifically for short-term courses, meaning once your course finishes (or the visa expires), you must leave Portugal. If you wish to stay longer for further studies or work, you will need to apply for a new visa or residence permit before your D4 Visa expires.
FAQ D4 VISA
- What is the D4 Visa?
- The D4 Visa is for non-EEA/Swiss students who want to study in Portugal for a course lasting less than three months.
- Do I need a visa to study in Portugal if I’m from the EU?
- 2. No, EU/EEA/Swiss citizens do not need a visa to study in Portugal, regardless of the course duration.
- What are the eligibility requirements for the D4 Visa?
- You must have a valid passport, an acceptance letter from a Portuguese institution, proof of tuition payment, adequate funds, health insurance, and accommodation in Portugal.
- Can I work in Portugal with a D4 Visa?
- No, the D4 Visa does not allow you to work while studying in Portugal. You need a different visa for employment
- How do I apply for the D4 Visa?
- Complete the visa application form, gather required documents, schedule an appointment at the Portuguese embassy, and submit your application.
- How long does it take to process the D4 Visa?
- Processing typically takes up to three months, depending on the embassy workload and the completeness of your application.
- Can I stay in Portugal after my D4 Visa expires?
- No, you must leave Portugal once your short-term course ends unless you apply for a new visa or residence permit before your D4 Visa expires.
- Can I extend the D4 Visa?
- The D4 Visa is for short-term studies only and cannot be extended. If you plan to study longer, you will need to apply for a long-term student visa.