D4 Visa: Student Visa in Portugal

Arrived in Portugal? Schedule an AIMA appointment for your D4 visa.

During the 120 days that your D4 Visa is valid, you will have ample opportunity to settle down in Portugal. You need to get your NIF and change it to your new address in Portugal so you may become a tax resident, register for health insurance in Portugal, set up your finances, and certify that you intend to stay at your new house.

You have 120 days from the date of your D4 visa's expiration to arrange an appointment with the AIMA in order to get a residence authorization and submit the paperwork that proves you've settled in Portugal and can support yourself here according to the visa's requirements (the values of which are explained at the beginning of this article).

Acquire NIF Portugal.

Acquiring a tax identification number, often known as a NIF or "Número de Identificação Fiscal", is necessary to embark on a fresh chapter in your Portuguese experience.

⚠️ It is necessary to have a NIF in to get a job, locate a rental, and create a bank account in Portugal.

What is AIMA?

This office is in charge of dealing with issues pertaining to foreigners in Portugal, such as their entrance, exit, and legalization. It was previously called 'SEF - Serviços de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras' (Immigration and Borders Service), and now it's AIMA, 'Agência para an Integração, Migrações e Asilo' (or Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum).

How can I schedule my AIMA appointment?

AIMA may become rather packed. So, getting in touch with them and setting up your appointments could be a bit of a challenge.

⚠️ Always be ready! If you want to get in touch with AIMA, you should probably phone them up, check their website often, and pay attention to whatever they say online, particularly on their official Facebook page. If you want to know how to get an appointment scheduled well, join a Facebook community where people have shared their experiences.

What can I expect from my AIMA appointment?

Prepare for and attend your AIMA appointment.

• Confirming documents and biophysical information collecting (fingerprints, signatures, and pictures).
• Please ensure that you bring all the necessary documents for the AIMA appointment. These include the original ones used in your visa application, any updated proof of accommodation in the event that you decide to move, and any documentation of your program enrollment. Additionally, rather than travel insurance, you should bring Portuguese health insurance.
• A Portuguese bank account that has the Portuguese minimum salary accessible is required.
• Your most recent payment receipt for school is another document AIMA will require from you as a student.

⚠️ For the criminal record, you'll need to translate and notarize it (even if it's in your mother tongue).

Create a Portuguese bank account

Not everyone who lives outside Portugal can open an account with one of the few banks that cater to non-residents. Online payment systems like Revolut may be rejected by AIMA on occasion.

Our Portuguese bank account service is something you should think about.

With just your Portuguese visa, evidence of address, income, and Portuguese legal status, you can open a bank account at any agency in Portugal once you've settled down.

⚠️ Maintaining a minimum monthly amount in a Portuguese bank account is mandatory according to your visa. It is necessary in order for your residence permit to be issued.

Transfer the necessary D4 visa threshold into your Portuguese bank account.

For smaller values (less than $20,000),

The low conversion rate and easy-to-understand interface of Wise (formerly TransferWise) make it our top pick. Immigrants often choose this solution due of the ease and speed of the application or website.

For bigger values

When dealing in greater amounts between USD and EUR, Currencies Direct is the way to go. Reduced conversion rates and a simple in-app payment option are two other features they provide. Help is on the way, and it will be tailored to your specific requirements.

Everything in order? At home, you should just await the arrival of your residency permit.

How much will I pay for my D4 visa residency card?

An AIMA residence card for a D4 visa would set you back around €90.

How long does my D4 visa residency card last?

Your first residency card will last one year.

After my residency card expires, how should I renew it, and how long will it last?

Once you get your AIMA residency card, you must renew it annually until you graduate or complete your program, using the initial procedure with the most recent documentation.