Before leaving the country of origin

A visa is an authorization allowing entry into Portugal for a specific purpose (study, teaching, or research). It must be requested before travel at the relevant Portuguese consulate or embassy.

Main visa types for higher education mobility:

• Residence Visa for Study
• Residence Visa for Teaching or Highly Qualified Activity
• Residence Visa for Scientific Research

Applications must be submitted at the Portuguese consulate or visa application center in the country of residence.

When necessary, and after validating the institutional link, the Lusófona University Single Point of Contact may contact consular authorities to signal urgent cases where scheduling difficulties could compromise the start of academic or scientific activities.

Required Documents (general):

The list of required documents may vary depending on the visa type and consulate. Generally, the following may be required:

• Valid passport;
• Completed visa application form;
• Passport photo;
• Proof of purpose of stay:
  • Admission letter (students);
  • Employment contract or promise of contract (teaching staff);
  • Hosting agreement, grant, or contract (researchers);
• Proof of financial means;
• Proof of accommodation in Portugal;
• Valid health insurance;
• Criminal record certificate;
• Consular fee payment.

It is recommended to check the website of the relevant consulate in advance to confirm updated requirements.

Before leaving the country of origin

• Confirm admission to the Higher Education Institution;
• Schedule a visa appointment at the Portuguese consulate/embassy in your country of residence;
• Schedule here: www.vfsglobal.com/en/individuals/index.html

A citizen holding a temporary stay visa under Article 54(1)(f) of the Immigration Law is not permitted to engage in professional activity; however, they may apply for a student residence permit.
As long as the student has legally entered the national territory, they are exempt from needing a residence visa.

Prepare the following documents:

• Valid passport;
• University admission letter;
• Proof of accommodation in Portugal;
• Proof of means of subsistence;
• Health insurance and/or health service user number;

Upon arrival in Portugal

You must request an appointment at AIMA for the granting of a student residence permit through the Single Point of Contact;

Prepare the following documents:

• Valid passport;
• University admission letter;
• Proof of tuition fees;
• Proof of means of subsistence;
• Proof of accommodation in Portugal;
• Health insurance and/or health service user number;
• Tax Identification Number;
• Social Security Identification Number.

Attention: this information is not legally binding, does not replace expert advice, but only provides an initial overview of the subject. If necessary, seek advice from the competent diplomatic mission abroad.

Before leaving the country of origin

• Have an employment contract, or a promise of an employment contract, a service contract, or
• Invitation letter issued by an educational or vocational training institution, or
• Statement of responsibility from a certified company;
• Application for a residence visa for teaching/highly qualified activity, at the Portuguese consulate/embassy in the country of residence;
• Schedule here: www.vfsglobal.com/en/individuals/index.html

NOTE: As long as the teacher has legally entered and remained in the national territory, they are exempt from needing a residence visa.

Prepare the following documents:

• Valid passport;
• Employment contract with the institution;
• Proof of means of subsistence;
• Health insurance and/or health service user number;
• Proof of accommodation in Portugal;

Upon arrival in Portugal

You must request an appointment at AIMA for the granting of a residence permit for teaching/highly qualified activity, through the Single Point of Contact;

Prepare the following documents:

• Valid passport;
• Employment contract;
• Proof of means of subsistence;
• Proof of accommodation in Portugal;
• Health insurance and/or health service user number;
• Tax Identification Number;
• Social Security Identification Number;

Attention: this information is not legally binding, does not replace expert advice, but only provides an initial overview of the subject. If necessary, seek advice from the competent diplomatic mission abroad.

Before leaving the country of origin

• Affiliation with a research center or university: having a research grant, employment contract, service contract, or hosting agreement issued by a recognized scientific center or institution in Portugal;
• Apply at the Portuguese consulate/embassy before entering;
• Schedule here: www.vfsglobal.com/en/individuals/index.html

NOTE: As long as the researcher has legally entered the national territory, they are exempt from needing a residence visa.

Prepare the following documents:

• Valid passport;
• Contract/document establishing a link with the institution;
• Proof of means of subsistence;
• Certificate of academic and professional qualifications;
• Health insurance or proof of coverage by the National Health Service (SNS);

Special mobility conditions

• Researchers with a residence permit issued by another EU Member State can enter without a visa and stay for up to 180 days, provided they meet specific conditions;
• If the stay exceeds 180 days, they must apply for a long-term mobility residence permit within 30 days of entry.

Upon arrival in Portugal

You must request an appointment at AIMA for the granting of a residence permit for teaching/highly qualified activity, through the Single Point of Contact;

Prepare the following documents:

• Valid passport;
• Employment contract;
• Proof of means of subsistence;
• Proof of accommodation in Portugal;
• Health insurance and/or health service user number;
• Tax Identification Number;
• Social Security Identification Number;

Attention: this information is not legally binding, does not replace expert advice, but only provides an initial overview of the subject. If necessary, seek advice from the competent diplomatic mission abroad.

NIF – Tax Identification Number

A foreign national residing in Portugal who works and pays taxes in Portugal must have a Tax Identification Number (NIF).

Prepare the following documents:

• Non-residents in Portugal – identification document or passport and a tax representative (individual or collective) residing in national territory;
• Citizens of the European Union – civil identification document, a passport, or a Certificate of Registration of a Citizen of the European Union issued by the municipality of residence;
• Citizens of countries outside the European Union – identification document or passport and a valid residence permit;

How do I request a NIF?

• By the person themselves at the Tax Office – serviços das Finanças – by scheduling an in-person appointment through the Telephone Service Center (CAT) – 217 206 707, weekdays from 9 am to 7 pm, or via the Tax Portal;
• By a representative – through the e-counter of the Tax Portal – in cases where the person for whom the NIF is requested resides outside the European Union, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein.

Lusófona University can request a provisional Tax Identification Number (NIF) in the researcher’s name. Subsequently, the researcher must go in person to the Tax Office, accompanied by a legal representative, to convert the provisional NIF into a definitive one.

NISS – Social Security Identification Number

The Social Security Identification Number (NISS) is mandatory for anyone working in Portugal and is a unique number used for registration and monitoring with Social Security. Without a NISS, it is not possible to make contributions or access social benefits. It is also required for employment contracts and other administrative procedures related to professional activity and social protection.

The NISS is free of charge and can be requested via the form available on the Social Security website, upon presentation of valid identification documents. It is only available to those holding a valid residence permit.

Prepare the following documents:

• Citizens of third countries (outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland):
  • Passport; or
  • Residence Permit/Authorization (temporary or permanent) – the Residence Permit replaces the identification document, including for Brazilian citizens.
• Citizens of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland:
  • Civil identification document from the country of origin; or
  • Passport; and/or
  • Residence permit
• Document proving the reason for assigning the NISS:
  • Employment contract (employee);
  • Self-employment (start of activity and receipts/invoices);
  • Registration with the Voluntary Social Security System (SSV);
  • Need to receive support from Social Security.
• Accepted supporting documents (foreign citizens):
  • Employment contract (translated into Portuguese);
  • Proof of commencement of independent activity and receipts/invoices;
  • Employment contract with a foreign entity (digital nomads).

Health and Wellness Services

The public healthcare system in Portugal is free for Portuguese citizens and legal residents, guaranteeing general access to essential care. If you are a foreign citizen with a valid residence permit in Portugal, you are entitled to obtain a National Health Service (SNS) user number. To do this, you should go to the health center in your area of residence.

Prepare the following documents:

• Valid residence permit;
• Passport;
• Tax Identification Number (NIF);
• Proof of address, such as a lease agreement or a certificate from the Parish Council.

At the health center, you will be registered in the system and given a User Number. If there are vacancies, you can also choose a family doctor. The number is usually assigned the same day or within a few days. However, many people choose to purchase private health insurance, the cost of which can vary between 35 and 100 euros per person, depending on age and the services included. Students moving to Portugal should pay attention to their health coverage according to their country of origin.

Students who are citizens of the European Union (EU) must obtain the European Health Insurance Card in their country of origin before traveling, which guarantees access to the Portuguese National Health Service (SNS).

Students from countries outside the EU must take out international health insurance. In the case of citizens from countries with which Portugal has international agreements in the area of health and social security, such as Brazil, it is necessary to bring documents that allow access to the SNS, such as Form PT/BR 13.

More information about accessing the public health system can be found on the SNS website.

Furthermore, all students enrolled in Lusófona educational institutions have access to school personal accident insurance, which covers accidents occurring during school activities, on school premises, as well as on the way between home and school.

In the Lisbon region, all students at Lusófona University are entitled to benefit from the PBS – Health Benefits Plan. This plan is not health insurance, but a free program that offers benefits directly to students, faculty, and other university staff who have registered or are actively enrolled. To access the benefits, simply present your Student, Faculty, or Staff Card. More information can be found on the PBS website.

Recognition of Academic Degrees

Academic degrees obtained abroad may require recognition and conversion of the final grade to the Portuguese scale. The request can be made at a public higher education institution or at the DGES (Directorate-General for Higher Education).

Types of recognition in Portugal:

• Automatic Recognition;
• Level Recognition;
• Specific Recognition.

Accommodation

Accommodation represents, for most people, the most significant expense in their monthly budget. Prices vary depending on the location, size, and type of property. In general, renting a room can cost from 300 euros, and may increase considerably depending on the area and condition of the property.

• Idealista
• Imovirtual
• Casa Sapo
• Supercasa
• Uniplaces – Discount code: LUSOF40
• Reserva Booking
• Trivago
• Spotahome – Promotional code: LUSOFONA437
• Colegial
• Coolivin
• Inlife – Promotional code: INULUSOFONA10

Lusófona University offers accommodation at the Manuel da Maia University Residence, located at the intersection of Av. Manuel da Maia and Alameda Dom Afonso Henriques, as part of a project by the Lisbon City Council made available to higher education institutions in Lisbon.

Transport

Lisbon

• Municipal transport pass – €30/month. Valid for travel on regular public transport in one of the 18 municipalities of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, valid from the first to the last day of the month of purchase, within the selected municipality;
• Metropolitan pass – €40/month. Valid on all regular public transport in the 18 municipalities of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, valid from the first to the last day of the month of purchase;
• More information: Navigator card;
• Youth Pass / Under 23 – Free up to age 23 (Lisbon): free for all young people up to age 23, students or non-students; valid throughout the Lisbon Metropolitan Area; applies to the Metropolitan traveler.

Porto

• Andante Metropolitan Pass: free up to age 23 (Andante Youth Pass); this covers metro, buses, and suburban trains; valid in the 17 municipalities of the Porto Metropolitan Area; monthly top-up required, even when free.

Additional information:

• Andante Card: one-time cost of €3;
• Validation required on all journeys;
• The ANDA app allows you to travel with your mobile phone (youth profile set at an Andante store).

Supporting and Integrating Migrants (AIM) is a project of CLAIM ULusófona, supported by the FAMI 2030 Program and the European Union.

The Local Centers for Migrant Integration Support (CLAIM) are specialized structures for assisting and supporting migrants, with the aim of providing information, guidance, and legal support services throughout the national territory. It is a service dedicated to welcoming and integrating migrants, promoting a coordinated, integrated, and holistic community intervention, aimed at responding to the multiple challenges inherent in migration processes.

Objectives:

• Facilitate the integration of migrants;
• Provide support and guidance in the migration process;
• Promote awareness-raising and training activities and actions for the integration of migrants;
• Organize workshops, discussions, and training sessions;
• Develop intervention projects;
• Collaborate with institutions to develop...

CLAIM ULusófona: Services

• Legal Area
• Social Support
• Psychological Support
• Support for Professional Integration

For clarification of doubts and access to personalized guidance, the CLAIM of Lusófona University provides the following contacts:

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• Lusófona University Lisbon Campus: +351 217 515 557
  Campo Grande, nº 376, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
• Lusófona University Porto Campus: +351 222 073 241
  Rua Augusto Rosa, nº 24, 4000-098 Porto, Portugal

In-person Service
Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 19:00

AIMA: Agency for the Integration of Migrants and Asylum

Diplomatic Portal

Consular Network