Document checklist
China → Portugal: Residence visa for study: higher education students
What you need before you submit, checked against official requirements, not guesswork.
Checked by our automated verification on 20 Oct 2026: every source on this page resolves and the data is structurally complete. This does not confirm a person re-read the source text for accuracy.
Required documents
9 itemsIdentity
National visa application form
RequiredThe national visa application form, filled in and signed by you.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Portugal), National visas: Residency, necessary documentation
Proof of legal stay in the country where you apply
If you apply in a country that is not your own, proof that you are allowed to be there (for example a residence permit). It must be valid for longer than the visa you are asking for.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Portugal), National visas: Residency, necessary documentation
Two passport photos
RequiredTwo identical, recent passport-type photos in good condition.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Portugal), National visas: Residency, necessary documentation
Valid passport and copy
RequiredA passport that stays valid for at least 3 months after the date you expect to return, plus a photocopy of the page with your personal details.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Portugal), National visas: Residency, necessary documentation
Financial
Proof of money to live on
RequiredProof you have enough money for your stay and your course. The amount is set by government decree, check the means of subsistence page on the visa portal. You don't need this proof if: you are admitted to a higher education school that is recognised under Portuguese law (Article 91-B of Law 23/2007); you have a scholarship; or you are from a Portuguese-speaking country and have been admitted to higher education.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Portugal), National visas: Residency, necessary documentation
Purpose of travel
Proof of admission to a higher education course
RequiredProof that you meet the entry rules or have been accepted onto a study programme at a university or other higher education school. Scholarship holders, including Camões Institute scholarship holders, don't need to hand in this proof.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Portugal), National visas: Residency, necessary documentation
Insurance
Travel insurance
RequiredTravel insurance that pays for needed medical costs, including emergency care and getting you home if necessary. Students admitted to a higher education school recognised under Article 91-B of Law 23/2007 don't need to hand this in. It may also be waived under a health-care agreement between Portugal and your country (for example Brazil's PB4 or the UK's S1).
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Portugal), National visas: Residency, necessary documentation
Other
Criminal record certificate
RequiredA criminal record certificate from the country of your nationality, or from any country where you have lived for more than a year, with a Hague Apostille or legalised. Applicants under 16 don't need one.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Portugal), National visas: Residency, necessary documentation
Parents' travel permission (applicants under 18)
RequiredIf a minor is not travelling with both parents, or is travelling with someone else, bring written travel permission from one or both parents (or a court order), plus a copy of the parent's ID card.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Portugal), National visas: Residency, necessary documentation
Why applications on this route get refused
Criminal record certificate without Apostille or legalisation
The criminal record certificate has to carry a Hague Apostille or be legalised. A plain copy does not meet the document rule.
How to avoid it: Ask for the certificate early, then get the Apostille (or legalisation) from the right authority before your appointment.
Passport ends too soon
Your passport must stay valid for at least 3 months after the date you expect to return. A passport that ends sooner does not meet the rule.
How to avoid it: Renew your passport before applying if it ends less than 3 months after your planned return.
Missing money or insurance proof when you are not exempt
The exemptions from proof of money and travel insurance only cover some students (recognised schools, scholarship holders, and, for money, people from Portuguese-speaking countries). Everyone else must include these documents.
How to avoid it: Check whether your school is recognised under Article 91-B of Law 23/2007 or whether you hold a scholarship. If not, include both documents.
Sources
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Portugal), National visas: Residency, necessary documentation · checked 14 Sept 2026
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Portugal), National visas: Who needs a visa · checked 14 Sept 2026
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Portugal), National visas: Means of subsistence · checked 14 Sept 2026
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