Student and Tourist Visa for Portugal (2024–2026)

How the process works

Citizens of Kyrgyzstan need a visa to travel to Portugal, as the country does not offer them visa-free entry.

Portugal issues two main types of visa:

• a short-stay category C Schengen visa

• national category ET and D visas for longer stays

The short-stay category C visa is for trips of up to 90 days within 180 days (tourism, visits, business trips).

The national ET and D visas are for stays of more than 90 days, including study, long-term language courses and academic programmes.

When you apply, Portugal must be your main country of stay (for category C visas, the main purpose of the trip; for ET/D visas, the country of study).

Types of visa

1. Category C Schengen visa

Suitable for:

• tourism

• short courses

• business trips

• attending events

Key features:

• stays of up to 90 days within 180 days

• valid throughout the Schengen Area

• issued through visa centres

2. National category ET and D visas

Suitable for:

• study at universities and schools

• long-term educational programmes

• long-term language courses

Key features:

• for stays of more than 90 days

• the ET visa — usually for stays of 3 months to 1 year

• the D visa — for stays longer than 1 year

• issued through the Embassy of Portugal

How to apply for a visa

1. Admission to an institution

• you first need official enrolment

• the institution must be located in Portugal

• confirmation from the institution is mandatory for an ET/D visa

2. Submitting documents

• for a category C visa, documents are submitted through visa centres

• for category ET and D visas, documents are submitted directly to the Embassy of Portugal

• an appointment must be booked in advance

3. Booking an appointment

• for a C visa, the appointment is booked through a visa centre

• for ET and D visas, it is booked through the system used by the Portuguese migration authorities

Core document package

In line with the requirements of the Portuguese consular authorities:

• international passport

• completed application form

• photographs that meet the required standard

• confirmation of the purpose of the trip (invitation or enrolment)

• proof of funds

• proof of accommodation

• health insurance (for the short-stay visa)

• educational documents (for the study visa)

• Portuguese translations of your documents for long-term visas

• further documents on request

Processing times

• short-stay category C visa: approximately 15–45 working days

• national ET/D visas: from 30 calendar days upwards

• timescales may lengthen depending on workload

Submitting documents

• your physical presence is mandatory

• biometric data is collected when applying for a C visa

• an interview is held when applying for ET and D visas

• documents are submitted by prior appointment only

After you receive the visa

Once you arrive in Portugal, you must:

• register with the migration authorities if you hold a long-term visa

• obtain a residence permit if required

• register your place of residence

• comply with the conditions of stay specified in your visa

Important points

• the decision to issue the visa rests with the Consulate of Portugal

• submitting documents does not guarantee that a visa will be issued

• long-term visas require notarised Portuguese translations of your documents

• documents must be complete and correct

• the study programme must take place in Portugal

Summary

• Tourism and short trips → category C visa

• Long-term study → national ET or D visas

• Application → visa centres (C) or the embassy (ET/D)

• Key factors → enrolment, funds and correct documents