Life in Portugal

Best Tourist Destination in Europe

Portugal was elected the Best Tourist Destination in Europe for the 5th time in the last six years at the World Travel Awards 2022.

If, at Universidade Europeia, an academic experience with a strong international component can be offered (multicultural classes, programs taught in English, hundreds of international cooperation partnerships, privileged links with companies, etc.), studying in Lisbon or Porto will also allow students to enjoy a mild climate all year round, delicious gastronomy, stunning landscapes, and excellent beaches just a few minutes from any of the university campuses.

In addition to all these factors, Portugal continues to stand out in Europe for its affordable cost of living, high level of safety, excellent transport network, and the unmatched hospitality of its people, as well as the possibility of traveling quickly to any of the main European capitals.

6th

Most peaceful country in the world

+3000

Hours of sunshine

850

Km of coastline

5th

Best tourist destination in Europe

4th

Most spoken language in the world (more than 260 million speakers)

Useful Information

Transport

Lisbon and Porto have a good urban transport network, including train, metro, boat, and bus/tram services.

To move around freely and at a more affordable cost, students should obtain the Sub23 Monthly Pass: Sub23 Monthly Pass

LISBON

PORTO

Accommodation

Finding the ideal accommodation is one of the biggest concerns for students arriving in a new city or from a foreign country. For this reason, Universidade Europeia has established several accommodation partnerships with renowned student residences, allowing access to special booking conditions for everyone who identifies themselves as one of its students.

At the same time, other options (non-partner options) are also available for booking apartments or rooms.

Cost of Living

Portugal remains one of the most affordable countries in Europe. On average, the estimated monthly expenses for a student living in Lisbon or Porto are:

Housing: €300–€700
Transportation: €30–€60
Food: €250–€350
Health insurance: €30 - €60

Student Visa

Students who are not citizens of the European Union must obtain a visa in order to study in Portugal. To apply for the visa, the European University issues a letter of acceptance/enrollment confirmation after receiving and verifying all enrollment documents.

Health Insurance

All international students must have health insurance. For more details on this matter, students should contact the International Office or the Admissions Service, which will provide the necessary assistance. European students only need to have the European Health Insurance Card.

School Insurance: The European University’s school insurance is mandatory and ensures that students are covered in the event of any personal accidents occurring during academic activities (classes, field trips, curricular internships, or round-trip travel between home and campus); it does not cover illnesses or accidents occurring outside the school setting. This insurance is purchased at the time of enrollment and must be renewed annually as part of the enrollment renewal process.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): Students who are citizens of the European Union or Switzerland are entitled to the European Health Insurance Card, which guarantees medical care in the event of illness or accident. This card can be obtained from the Social Security Office in the student’s country of origin before coming to Portugal.
Social Security Agreement with Brazil – PB04: Students from Brazil who wish to use the National Health Service (SNS) in Portugal must be registered in Brazil’s Public Health System and request the PB04 application form from the social security services in their country of origin. The PB04 can be requested online and is valid for one year. +info.
View agreement.
Private Health Insurance: Additionally, students may choose to obtain private health insurance. If you are from a European Union country or Switzerland and are studying in Portugal for a short period, you should check with the relevant authorities in your country of origin to ensure that you have health insurance valid in Portugal.

Bank Account

Students who do not yet have a bank account may visit a bank branch to inquire about special terms and conditions for higher education students.

Generally, the main documents required to open an account are:

Citizen Card/Passport + NIF
Proof of Residence
Proof of enrollment in higher education (Student ID Card or Enrollment Certificate).

NIF – Tax Identification Number

International students who are not in Portugal as part of a short-term mobility program must apply for a NIF – Tax Identification Number at a Citizen’s Bureau or Tax Office.

This number is essential not only for opening a bank account and linking it to tuition payment receipts, but also for contracting and paying for other goods and services.

Student Residences

Finding the right housing is one of the biggest concerns for students arriving in a new city or a foreign country. For this reason, Universidade Europeia has established several housing partnerships with reputable student residences, providing access to special booking rates for all students enrolled at our university.

At the same time, other (non-partner) options are also available for booking apartments or rooms.

Student Residences

Learn more about the Easy Home Pack partners at: https://info.europeia.pt/easypacks

Partner Residences

Livensa Living

Livensa Living is present in Lisbon and Porto, in central areas of both cities. In Lisbon, it has two residences in Cidade Universitária and in the Marquês de Pombal area; in Porto, it is located at Campus Asprela and in the Jardim Botânico / Casa da Música area. It offers individual and double studios with kitchen or kitchenette and bathroom. Prices include all expenses for water, electricity, internet, TV, 24-hour security, and maintenance service.

Residents also have access to a swimming pool, gym, study rooms, library, cinema room, games area, terrace, and events throughout the year. It also offers an airport pickup service, subject to availability.

ROOF Residence

Located in Porto, next to Norteshopping, ROOF Residence offers an accommodation solution in a welcoming and family-like environment. Divided over two floors, it provides 16 suites in single or double room formats.

At this residence, the service includes free internet access, water and electricity, as well as weekly cleaning service and washing of bed linen and towels. It also has an equipped kitchen, dining area, and leisure spaces as common areas.

Xior Student Housing

Xior Student Housing has four residences spread across the main areas of Lisbon (Alameda, Alvalade, Benfica, and more recently Lumiar), and one located in the city of Porto (Campus Asprela). It offers a wide variety of suite types and an all-inclusive service (water, internet, electricity), along with common study and leisure areas such as a games room, cinema, library, and terrace, as well as weekly cleaning service and the central location of its residences.

It also provides an airport pickup service, subject to availability.