Student and Tourist Visa for Portugal (2024–2026)

How the process works

For citizens of Kyrgyzstan, travel to Portugal requires a visa, as the country does not offer visa-free entry to citizens of Kyrgyzstan.

Portugal issues two main types of visa:

• a short-term category C Schengen visa

• national category ET and D visas for long-term stays

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

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

When applying for the visa, it is important that Portugal is 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:

• a stay 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:

• intended for stays longer than 90 days

• the ET visa — usually for stays from 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 must obtain 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 is required in advance

3. Booking an appointment

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

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

Core document package

In accordance 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 financial means

• proof of accommodation

• health insurance (for the short-term visa)

• educational documents (for the study visa)

• translations of documents into Portuguese for long-term visas

• additional documents on request

Processing times

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

• national ET/D visas: from 30 calendar days and more

• timeframes may increase depending on the workload

Submitting documents

• your physical presence is mandatory

• biometric data is provided when applying for a C visa

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

• documents are submitted by prior appointment only

After receiving the visa

After entering 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 the visa

Important details

• the decision to issue the visa is made by the Consulate of Portugal

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

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

• 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, financial means, correct documents