I Have Completed My Degree in Portugal: Can I Continue to Reside and Potentially Work in the Country?

Many foreign nationals choose Portugal to pursue higher education and, for this purpose, apply for a residence visa for study. However, a question frequently arises at the end of their academic journey: what happens when they complete their course? Are they required to leave Portugal, or may they remain in the country to begin their professional careers?

This article aims to clarify this issue.

Pursuant to Article 62(1) of Law No. 23/2007 of 4 July, in conjunction with Article 33 of Regulatory Decree No. 84/2007 of 5 November, foreign nationals wishing to pursue a college or university course in Portugal may apply for a residence visa for study through the competent Portuguese diplomatic mission, namely a consulate or embassy.

The granting of this visa is subject to compliance with the statutory requirements, particularly those laid down in Article 52(1) of Law No. 23/2007 of 4 July, without prejudice to any specific conditions applicable to the relevant visa category.

The residence visa allows its holder to enter Portugal for the purpose for which it was granted, thereby enabling them to proceed with the necessary formalities to obtain a residence permit from the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (Agencia para a Integracao, Migracoes e Asilo - AIMA), pursuant to Article 91(1) of Law No. 23/2007 of 4 July, in conjunction with Article 77 of the same statute.

It is therefore important to distinguish between these two documents: while a residence visa allows entry into Portugal for the corresponding purpose, a residence permit constitutes the document authorising its holder to remain in Portugal under the applicable legal framework.

Completing a higher education course does not necessarily mean that a foreign national must leave Portugal.

Indeed, under Law No. 23/2007 of 4 July, certain holders of residence permits for study may remain in Portugal after completing their studies without having to apply for a new visa, provided that the applicable statutory requirements are met.

In particular, the provisions set out in Article 122(1)(o) and (p) of the aforementioned statute may be relevant to holders of residence permits for study who intend to pursue employed or self-employed professional activities, seek employment, or establish a company in Portugal in a manner compatible with their qualifications, subject to compliance with the requirements applicable to their individual circumstances.

With regard to the procedures required to remain in Portugal after completing their studies, it is essential for applicants to verify the requirements applicable to their particular circumstances in advance and gather the necessary documentation to support their application to AIMA.

Depending on the legal grounds relied upon and the applicant's specific circumstances, it may be necessary to provide evidence of completion of the course, as well as documentation relating to any professional activity undertaken or to the intention to seek employment or establish a business.

Preparing the application in advance helps identify potential documentary issues and reduce the risk of delays or administrative difficulties.

If you have completed, or are about to complete, your higher education course in Portugal and wish to remain in the country to begin your professional career, seek employment, or develop a business project, it is important to understand the options available under Portuguese law and ensure compliance with the applicable requirements.

The VPA team is available to assess your individual circumstances, answer your questions, and provide the legal assistance necessary to identify the most appropriate solution for your situation.