What are the academic requirements for maintaining a Student Visa?

Maintaining your legal status as a student in Portugal goes beyond simply entering the country with a valid visa.

Once you’re enrolled and living in Portugal, you must meet specific academic requirements to keep your student residence permit active.

These expectations are designed to ensure you’re genuinely pursuing your studies and not using the visa for unrelated purposes.

Below is a clear breakdown of the academic obligations every international student must follow.

You Must Remain Enrolled in a Recognized Program

The most fundamental requirement is staying officially enrolled in the course you used to obtain your visa.

Your residence permit is tied directly to your:

• Bachelor’s program

• Master’s degree

• PhD or research program

• Vocational or technical training

• Exchange or mobility period

If you drop out or fail to re-enroll, your student status becomes invalid. AIMA can refuse your renewal if enrollment is not maintained.

You Must Show Adequate Academic Progress

Portugal does not require perfect grades, but it expects students to demonstrate meaningful progress.

This means:

• Passing a reasonable number of classes each academic year

• Not repeatedly failing or abandoning courses

• Meeting your institution’s minimum performance standards

• Showing engagement in your academic program

When you apply for a residence permit renewal, AIMA may request:

• A transcript

• A progress declaration from your university

• An enrollment certificate for the next period

If you’re falling behind, it’s important to speak with your school early. Universities can issue explanations that help maintain your visa status.

Regular Attendance Is Required

Attendance matters. Portuguese immigration authorities want to ensure students are truly participating in their studies.

While each school has its own attendance policy, missing too many classes or failing to meet participation requirements may raise concerns during visa renewal.

Some departments require professors to report repeated absences, especially in professional or lab-based programs.

You Must Follow Your Academic Plan or Notify AIMA of Changes

If you decide to:

• Change universities

• Switch degree programs

• Shift from part-time to full-time studies

• Extend your degree beyond the expected timeframe

…you must notify AIMA or provide updated documentation during renewal.

As long as the new academic path is credible and you remain enrolled full-time, your visa can be maintained.

Thesis or Dissertation Extensions Are Allowed

Students who need more time for:

• Thesis research

• Dissertation writing

• Laboratory work

• Final project completion

…can renew their residence permits as long as they provide an official declaration from their academic supervisor or department outlining the need for extra time.

Portugal is flexible with academic delays when they are properly documented.

Academic Misconduct Can Jeopardize Your Visa

Serious academic violations, such as plagiarism, fraud, or disciplinary actions may affect your status if they lead to expulsion or program removal.

Always maintain academic integrity and follow your institution’s guidelines.

Long-Term Perspective

Meeting academic requirements not only protects your student visa but also builds the foundation for long-term residency.

Every year you spend legally in Portugal counts toward the five-year requirement for permanent residency or citizenship.

After graduation, many students transition to work permits, entrepreneurial visas, or investment pathways such as Portugal Golden Visa Funds as they advance in their careers.