As of September 11, foreigners who enter Portugal visa-free or on a Schengen visa can no longer obtain a student residence permit in the country, even if they have been accepted by a university. Anyone planning to study in Portugal must now obtain a residence visa from a Portuguese consulate before moving. The change is part of the amendments to Portugal’s Foreigners Act, which the president signed into law on August 31.
Previously, university students who had entered Portugal legally could apply directly to AIMA, the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum, for a residence permit. They had to provide proof of university enrollment and sufficient funds to support themselves. That option has now been removed entirely. The same route has been closed to school pupils and students enrolled in vocational courses. In addition, parents of foreign minors legally residing in Portugal can no longer obtain a residence permit solely on that basis. An exception remains for parents of children who hold Portuguese citizenship.
It is still unclear what will happen to people who submitted their applications before September 11. The law contains no transitional provisions for such cases, so each application will be assessed individually. Lawyers, including André Lima of DN Brasil, advise applicants not to withdraw pending applications and to challenge any rejection in court.
Those planning to study in Portugal must now apply from their home country and obtain a student visa through a Portuguese consulate before traveling.
