Letter of Intent for Portuguese Student Visa

What is the Portuguese D4/D5 Visa?

The D4 and D5 Visa caters to researchers, students, internship holders, or volunteers who are either in their residency country (D4) or already in a program in Europe (and wishes to change to Portugal). It allows foreign nationals the opportunity to invest in their education while enjoying all the country has to offer.

If you’re thinking about applying for this visa, it’s crucial to demonstrate to the Portuguese authorities that you are serious about relocating, capable of financially supporting yourself, and committed to engaging with local culture and communities.

Why do I need a motivation letter for my D4/D5 Visa application?

Among the D4 and D5 visa application requirements is a intent letter where you share your reasons for moving to Portugal, your academic status, and how you plan to sustain yourself financially while living there.

Your motivation letter is your chance to share your personal story and goals with the Portuguese authorities. Think of it as writing to a close friend—be genuine, enthusiastic, and clear about why you want to live in Portugal.

The authorities want to ensure that you have thought carefully about the move and are dedicated to living in Portugal long-term.

What should I include in my motivation letter for the D4/D5 Visa application?

Your motivation letter should cover:

• Basic details: your name, nationality, profession, and a brief introduction of who you are.
• Purpose of moving to Portugal: Explain your personal and educational reasons for relocating, as a holder fo an acceptance role either in university or in a company for internship or voluntary work, you must outline this in your letter.
• Source of income: Describe your current remote job or freelance work, including how much you earn each month and how it will support your life in Portugal.
• Banking information: Share details of your bank account and explain how you plan to transfer your income to Portugal.
• Location: Provide details about where you plan to live, including your lease or property information.
• Integration into Portuguese society: Outline your plans to learn Portuguese, connect with locals, and become part of the community.
• Signature and personal information: Sign your letter and include your contact details.

How should I write my motivation letter for the D4/D5 Visa?

Address your visa authority

Begin your letter by addressing the relevant Portuguese Consulate or Embassy. Ensure you include their full address at the top of the letter.

State your subject

Clearly state that you are applying for the “Residency Visa for Research, Student, Internship, or Volunteering (D4 Visa).”

or

“Residency Mobility Visa (D5 Visa).”

Share your basic details

Introduce yourself, provide your name, nationality, and profession, and explain your motivation for moving to Portugal.

Example:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am [Your Name], a academic/researcher/volunteer/intern of [state your field of study] from [Your Country], intending to move to Portugal as per acceptance in a [instituition that you've been accepted]. I want to enjoy the country’s incredible quality of life while improving and investing in my academic life [Country].

Explain your purpose for moving to Portugal

Be honest about why you want to move to Portugal, both personally and professionally.

Example:

I am seeking a lifestyle change that Portugal offers: a mild climate, a relaxed pace of life, and a rich cultural experience. I have also heard that Portugal has an excellent infrastructure for residents.

Include your source of income

Explain your financial situation, how you will provide for yourself. As a student you can only work in Portugal as a part-time employee, and the salary does not meet the visas's threshold.

Example:

I will be financially supported by my [relative/yourself, if you have a source of income/volunteering placement] as per documentation attached [letter of responsability from relative along with their proof of income or latest tax return/letter of responsability of instituition/your own income].

Share your banking information

Since you'll need a Portuguese bank account after arriving in Portugal, provide relevant details about your finances.

Example:

I will have a Portuguese bank account, where I'll have an income of €X.000 to comply with the visa requirements. I plan to access my current funds and transfer my income to the Portuguese bank account on a monthly basis through [Transfer Method, e.g., Wise].

Include your future address

You must provide proof of where you plan to live in Portugal, whether it’s an university lodging, rental property or a purchased home.

Example:

I will be residing at [Address], in [City], where I have secured a 12-month rental contract beginning on [Start Date].

Your integration into Portuguese society

Describe your efforts to integrate into Portuguese life, including learning the language or participating in the local culture.

Example:

I am taking Portuguese language lessons and plan to join local study groups and community events to engage with other residents.

Finish and sign

List any supporting documents, sign the letter, and provide your contact information.

Example:

Attached to this application are the following documents:

• Passport photos;
• Bank account statement;
• Letter of financial responsability (if applicable);
• Letter of acceptance in an education or volunteer program from a Portuguese instituition;
• Proof of income (tax return, pay slips, etc.);
• Lease agreement;
• Health insurance coverage;
• Flight booking.

Please feel free to contact me if you need any further information.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[Your Email]

[Your Phone Number]