N.U.in Semester Visa
It is your responsibility to obtain an appropriate visa, if necessary, prior to your arrival in Portugal. Please check with your local Portuguese consular authority for the most updated visa requirements and processes.
Detailed information about your N.U.in location’s visa process will be provided in the spring preceding your fall program entry. If applicable, Northeastern or the host partner institution will provide the documentation needed. Please note that such information is intended as informational guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Global Experience Office staff cannot advise students or families concerning visa requirements and/or application processes.
Click Here For The 2025 N.U.in Portugal Visa Guide**
**As of May 2025, there is a new requirement in the Portuguese study visa process. The FBI background check, which is part of the visa application, must now be apostilled. This additional step can take five or more weeks to complete. Detailed instructions on this new requirement are included in the N.U.in Portugal visa guide.
| Save the Date: N.U.in Portugal Visa Webinar |
| Join us on Monday, May 5th, 2025, at 2:00 PM EST for the N.U.in Portugal Visa Webinar. During this session, we’ll walk through the visa process for N.U.in Portugal students, highlight the key steps you’ll need to complete, and answer questions you may have about obtaining your visa. Attendance is strongly encouraged, and the webinar will be recorded for those who are unable to join live. Registration will open in early May—stay tuned for details. For now, please save the date! |
Please read and ensure that you understand the following points regarding the visa process of your N.U.in location:
Since the N.U.in Portugal program is over 90 days, all students who do not hold a European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) passport will need to apply for a Portuguese Study Visa before departing for Portugal. This includes U.S. citizens.
Applying for a Portuguese visa requires time, effort, and multiple steps. While we will provide you guidance on the process, it is ultimately your responsibility to secure your visa in a timely manner. The visa process can take 90+ days, depending on the consular authority and your specific situation. Students may be without their passport during that time, which could impact any summer travel plans requiring your passport. Students in N.U.in Portugal are encouraged to carefully consider extended summer travel within the Schengen Area, as it may affect their ability to obtain a visa before the start of their N.U.in program.
Please be aware that you will also be responsible for any fees associated with the application, including consular fees, travel expenses, and additional documentation (e.g., background checks or medical certificates). Please stay proactive and check your Northeastern email regularly for updates. It is imperative not to wait until the last minute to begin the visa application process.
European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) passport holders do not require a visa to participate in N.U.in Portugal, however, if you hold both a U.S. and an EU/EEA passport, you will need to travel with both passports. Your EU/EEA passport is required to enter the Portugal, while your U.S. passport will be needed for your return to the United States.
If you cannot obtain a valid visa in time for the program start date, please refer to the N.U.in Payment and Withdrawal Policy in your Application Status Check (posted in late spring) and contact the Global Experience Office to discuss next steps.
