Preparing for the trip and arrival
Visa
- Students from the European Union
Students must be in possession of a valid ID card when travelling to Portugal.
If they stay for more than 90 days, they must apply for a new residence card from the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA), the former Immigration and Borders Service (SEF), which is valid for one year.
All EU citizens can obtain this card, which is valid for one year and can be extended for identical periods.
- Students from Countries Outside the European Union
Students who are not nationals of a European Union country must apply for a study visa at the Portuguese Embassy/Consulate at least 3 months before travelling to Portugal.
An acceptance letter issued by the UBI is required, indicating the duration of studies.
The visa is valid for up to one year.
Insurance
- Students of the European Union
Students must obtain a European Health Insurance Card in their home country before travelling to Portugal. The European Health Insurance Card gives access to the Portuguese public health system (Serviço Nacional de Saúde).
- Students from Countries Outside the European Union
Students must take out health insurance and a copy of the policy is required when enrolling at UBI.
Non-European citizens who come from a country with which the Portuguese state has signed an international health and social security agreement must bring documents enabling them to access the Portuguese public health system (for example, Form PB4 in the case of Brazil).
Checklist
1. Do you have your identity document and/or passport (pay attention to the validity of the document!)?
2. If you're not an EU citizen, prepare your study visa, even if it's only for 3 months.
3. Do you have your European Health Insurance Card (for EU citizens) or Health Insurance Policy?
4. Do you bring the document proving your acceptance by UBI?
5. Do you have any money with you?
6. Do you have a place to stay for the first few days, if you haven't already booked a room/residence/house in Covilhã?
Arrival
Go to UBI
You should go to UBI Academic Services to register and get practical information about your stay in Covilhã (student card, timetables, welcome kit, access to food units and library, etc.).
At the University of Beira Interior, students have School Insurance that covers any accidents that may occur during teaching activities, within the institution and also on the way home/university/home.
The Social Action Services of UBI (SASUBI) provide a range of services and support for students, including scholarships, food, accommodation, health, sports, etc.
Citizen's Bureau
The Citizen's Bureau is your gateway to Portugal.
It's the place where you'll find various useful services as a citizen, such as:
Residence Permit
Necessary documents:
- Temporary residence application form (available on the AIMA website)
- Residence Visa for study
- Copy of passport
- Proof of living conditions
- Proof of residence in Portugal
- Application for criminal enquiry by AIMA
- Proof of enrolment at UBI
- Health insurance or PB4 document (for Brazilian citizens)
Please note: The temporary residence permit must be applied for within 90 days. If you don't, you'll be in an irregular situation in the country and will have to pay a fine.
Tax Identification Number (NIF) / VAT Number
To identify yourself to the tax authorities, you need to have a NIF. This number is also used to open a bank account, for example, and to pay for your goods and services (internet, telephone, etc.).
Applying for a NIF is free and you'll be allocated one straight away. All you have to do is go to the Tax Office of the Citizen's Bureau.
Bank Account
You can go to any bank branch to open an account.
You will be given a bank card to carry out day-to-day business operations.
Documents required:
- Passport
- VAT Number
- Proof of residence
- Proof of enrolment
Health Center
To ensure that you benefit from permanent medical assistance, you must register at the Covilhã Health Centre.
Documents required:
- Proof of residence permit
- Identification document
Once you have registered, you will have a user number and will have access to the medical services of the National Health Services Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS).
If you come from a country in the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland, you must present your European Health Insurance Card. In all other cases, you must present proof of health insurance. Depending on the situation, the legal fees in force apply.