Portugal · study · guide
Portugal Trainee Residence Permit: Requirements
This residence permit is for people who want to do an unpaid professional internship in Portugal.
MIGRAGENT wrote this from 13 requirements on the official page, each checked against the government's own wording. Updated 2026-10-02. Source: https://aima.gov.pt/pt/estudar/autorizacao-de-residencia-para-estagiarios-art-93-o
Who can apply
You can apply if you have been accepted for an unpaid professional internship in Portugal. You must also hold a higher education degree or be enrolled in a study program in a country outside of Portugal.[1]
You must meet the general conditions for a residence permit. You cannot have a ban on entering Portugal, and you must not have an active refusal alert in the Schengen Information System.[1][2][3]
You must not have been convicted of any crime that carries a prison sentence of more than one year in Portugal.[4]
Documents you need
You must show a valid passport or another valid travel document. You also need to provide a training contract with an officially recognized company or training organization.[5][6]
You must show proof of health insurance or proof that you are covered by the Portuguese National Health Service.[7]
If you are 16 years or older, you must provide a criminal record certificate. This must come from your home country or the country where you lived for more than one year before moving to Portugal.[8]
You must submit a signed declaration under oath about your address. This document must explain the terms under which you live in your housing.[9]
You must show a residence visa unless you are applying for a permit without one. If you apply without a visa, you must show proof of your legal entry and stay in Portugal.[10][11]
Money and subsistence
You must provide proof of sufficient means of subsistence. This proof must comply with the current legal requirements.[12]
How to apply
You must book an appointment in advance to submit your application. You must hand in the application in person along with a signed standard form.[13]
Checklist
- A valid passport or travel document[5]
- A training contract with an officially recognized company or training organization[6]
- Proof of health insurance or coverage by the National Health Service[7]
- A criminal record certificate if you are 16 or older[8]
- A signed declaration under oath stating your address and housing terms[9]
- Proof of sufficient means of subsistence[12]
- A residence visa or proof of legal entry and stay in Portugal[10][11]
- A signed standard application form[13]
Questions people ask
Do I need a visa to apply for this residence permit?
You must present a residence visa unless you are applying for a permit without one. If you apply without a visa, you must show proof that you entered and stayed in Portugal legally.[10][11]
Can I apply if I have a criminal record?
You cannot apply if you have been convicted of a crime that is punishable in Portugal by a prison sentence of more than one year.[4]
What kind of internship qualifies for this permit?
You must be admitted to an unpaid professional internship. You must also have a training contract with an officially recognized company or training organization.[1][6]
Do I need health insurance for the application?
Yes, you must show proof of health insurance or proof that you are covered by the Portuguese National Health Service.[7]
How do I submit my application?
You must book an appointment in advance and submit your application in person. You must also hand in a signed standard form.[13]
What education level do I need to qualify?
You must hold a higher education degree or be currently enrolled in a study cycle in a country outside of Portugal.[1]
This explains what one official page says. It is not legal advice, and the page itself is the authority. Rules change; the wire reports it when they do.