How long can I stay in Portugal after graduation?
Portugal is an increasingly popular destination for international students, thanks to its affordable education, high-quality universities, and welcoming lifestyle. But what happens after you graduate? How long can you legally stay in Portugal, and what are your options if you wish to remain in the country for work or further study?
This blog post explores the legal stay period after graduation, the residence permit options available, and practical steps to extend your stay in Portugal after finishing your degree.
1. Immediate Post-Graduation Stay Period
If you are an international student from a non-EU/EEA country, your legal stay in Portugal is tied to your student residence permit. Once you graduate:
- Your student visa or residence permit is valid only as long as your studies continue.
- Once your program officially ends, you are required to either leave the country or change your residence status.
In general, you do not automatically get a grace period to remain in Portugal after graduation. However, you can apply for a permit extension or a new permit if you qualify.
2. Stay Options After Graduation
Portugal offers several legal pathways for international graduates who wish to remain in the country. Here are the most common options:
a. Job-Seeking or Business Creation Residence Permit
In 2019, Portugal introduced a "job-seeking or entrepreneurship residence permit" specifically for students finishing their degree.
- Who is eligible? Non-EU graduates of a Portuguese higher education institution
- Duration: 12 months (non-renewable)
- Purpose: To look for a job related to your field of study or start a business in Portugal
- Requirements:
- Proof of graduation
- Proof of financial means
- Health insurance
- Clean criminal record
This permit allows you to legally stay and work in Portugal while you search for employment or prepare to launch a business.
b. Change to Work Residence Permit
If you receive a job offer after graduation, you can apply to change your status from student to employed resident.
- Your employer must provide:
- A valid job offer
- Proof that they could not fill the position with an EU citizen (in some cases)
- A contract of employment
- You must submit the application to SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) before your student residence permit expires.
c. Further Studies
If you decide to continue your education (e.g., a Master’s after a Bachelor’s), you can apply to renew your student residence permit. You will need to provide a new enrollment letter from the university and meet all standard student visa requirements.
3. What About EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens?
If you are an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, you do not need a visa to stay in Portugal. However, you should register your residence if your stay exceeds 90 days. After five years of legal residence, you can apply for permanent residency.
4. Overstaying After Graduation
Staying in Portugal after your student residence permit expires without applying for a new status is considered illegal. Consequences may include:
- Fines
- A future ban on re-entering the Schengen Area
- Difficulties in applying for future visas or residency
To avoid this, make sure to apply for a permit change or renewal before your current one expires.
5. Permanent Residency & Citizenship Path
If you remain in Portugal legally for five continuous years, you may be eligible to apply for:
- Permanent residence permit (valid for five years and renewable)
- Portuguese citizenship, subject to meeting language and integration requirements
Time spent on a student visa may only partially count toward this five-year requirement, depending on the visa type and purpose.
Final Thoughts
Staying in Portugal after graduation is entirely possible—but it requires careful planning and timely applications. Whether you’re looking to find a job, start a business, or continue your studies, Portugal offers several legal avenues to extend your stay beyond student life.
Make sure to consult SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) or a qualified immigration advisor to explore the best option for your situation.
