Iscte – Instituto Universitário de Lisboa

Work during study

Portugal's Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (AIMA) states that a holder of a residence authorisation issued for higher-education study (Article 91 of the Foreigners' Law, REPSAE) may carry out a professional activity, employed or self-employed, as a complement to the activity that gave rise to the residence authorisation (Article 97 REPSAE). Unlike several other countries on StudyPath, AIMA's factsheet on this authorisation states no specific numeric weekly-hours cap for this route — only that the work must remain complementary to the study itself. The study residence authorisation is granted for 3 years, renewable, or for the duration of the study programme if shorter (2 years, or 1 year in some cases, for students on an EU/multilateral mobility programme or an inter-institutional agreement).

Post-study work visa

Autorização de residência temporária sem visto para procura de emprego (Art.º 122, alíneas o)/p)) — post-study job-search / business-startup residence authorisation . Up to 1 year
AIMA states that a higher-education student or researcher who has finished their studies or research project in Portugal may benefit from a maximum period of 1 year to look for a job or start a business in Portuguese territory compatible with their qualifications, applied for via a dedicated online scheduling form for foreign students who don't need a visa. Required documents include proof of completed studies, and — notably — either an employment/services contract with a declaration of starting independent activity with the Tax Authority, or a declaration that the applicant intends to use the maximum 1-year job-search period, plus proof of Social Security registration (NISS).

Route to citizenship

Portuguese nationality by naturalisation is granted by the Ministério da Justiça. Lei Orgânica n.º 1/2026 of 18 May 2026, in force from 19 May 2026, revised the Lei da Nacionalidade and raised the minimum period of legal residence in Portugal required to apply: SEVEN years for nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries or of EU Member States, and TEN years for nationals of all other States. The ministry states the new provisions apply only to applications submitted after that date, and that pending cases continue under the previous wording. The same law adds requirements beyond residence length: sufficient knowledge of Portuguese culture, national history and national symbols; knowledge of the fundamental rights and duties attached to Portuguese nationality and of the political organisation of the Portuguese State; a solemn declaration of adherence to the fundamental principles of the democratic rule of law; no effective prison sentence longer than 3 years for terrorism, violent or highly organised crime, crimes against State security or aiding illegal immigration; not being subject to UN or EU restrictive measures; and the capacity to support oneself. Sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language remains a condition on the ministry's own guide page for applicants resident at least 10 years. Neither the reform notice nor that guide page lists any requirement to renounce an existing nationality.