Student guide to Portugal

Visa for studies at consulate, then residence permit at SEF/AIMA after arrival. Financial requirement ~€760/month. 1-year residence permit post-completion to find work.

NIF (tax number) universal Portuguese ID. IRS progressive 13.25-48%. NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) regime ended 2024 but earlier graduates may still benefit.

FCT (Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia) PhD scholarships — government-funded, internationally open. Camões scholarships for Portuguese-language students. Erasmus Mundus.

Caixa Geral de Depósitos, Millennium BCP, Santander Totta, plus digital Activobank, Revolut. NIF before traditional banking.

Lisbon and Porto rents have surged 40%+ in 5 years. Residências universitárias (limited supply). Idealista.pt and OLX.pt for private. Caução (deposit) 1-3 months.

SNS access for residents — minimal copays. Número de utente issued after residence registration. Private supplementary insurance common.

Master's programmes increasingly English-medium. IELTS 6.5+/TOEFL iBT 85+. Portuguese easy for Spanish-speakers; learning B1+ helps work options.

Indian groceries in Lisbon (Mouraria, Martim Moniz), Porto. Continente, Pingo Doce, Lidl chains.

Among Europe's safest countries. Lisbon nightlife districts have typical late-night considerations.

Goan-Portuguese community is historically strong. Indian Embassy in Lisbon. Diwali celebrations at Praça do Comércio.