How to study in Portugal
Compare each route by stay and permit, work rights, cost and who it suits. Sources are under each row.
How do you get there?
Choose a different route, and the permit you need changes.
Live in Portugal on a working holiday
- Youth Mobility (Working Holiday) visa
Who it suits：For people who want to travel and live in Portugal for a while.
- Length and permit
Ages 18–30 · up to 12 months (no extension)
You must be a Japanese citizen living in Japan and aged 18 to 30 when you apply. You may stay up to 12 months with no extension, and you can take part only once. The Japanese MOFA list shows no annual quota.
- Can you work?
Incidental work only
Work is allowed only on an incidental basis, and you may not take a permanent job. You may attend short courses in Portuguese language and culture.
- Cost
Visa fee: EUR 110
The fee for processing a Portuguese national visa application is EUR 110. Working holiday applicants are not on the list of exemptions.
Live in Portugal on a working holiday
- Youth Mobility (Working Holiday) visa
Who it suits：For people who want to travel and live in Portugal for a while.
Length and permit
Ages 18–30 · up to 12 months (no extension)
You must be a Japanese citizen living in Japan and aged 18 to 30 when you apply. You may stay up to 12 months with no extension, and you can take part only once. The Japanese MOFA list shows no annual quota.
Can you work?
Incidental work only
Work is allowed only on an incidental basis, and you may not take a permanent job. You may attend short courses in Portuguese language and culture.
Cost
Visa fee: EUR 110
The fee for processing a Portuguese national visa application is EUR 110. Working holiday applicants are not on the list of exemptions.
For Japanese citizens. Official names checked on government websites on October 28, 2026.
Sources (official government pages)
Live in Portugal on a working holiday・Source: Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (visa portal): Youth MobilityPortuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (visa portal): Youth Mobility documents and conditions by countryEmbassy of Portugal in Tokyo: visasPortuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa portal: national visa fees (Wayback copy of 2026-10-13)Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan: Working Holiday programmes (partner countries and annual quotas)
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