Study in Belgium vs Portugal: student visa compared
A side-by-side look at the student-visa requirements for Belgium and Portugal— the funds you must show, living costs, fees, processing time and document load. Figures are sourced from each country's official pages and date-verified.
| Factor | Belgium | Portugal |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of funds (per year) | 12,744 EUR | 9,120 EUR✓ lower required funds |
| Living cost (per month) | 1,062 EUR | 760 EUR✓ lower living cost |
| Visa fee | 215 EUR | 90 EUR✓ lower visa fee |
| Typical processing time | ~8 weeks | ~8 weeks |
| Main intakes | Feb, Sep | Feb, Sep |
| Required documents | 5 | 5 |
Funds are shown in each country's own currency, so “lower” is only marked when currencies match. Always confirm current figures on the official sources below.
Verdict: Belgium vs Portugal
- Portugal needs less money up front — about €9,120/year versus €12,744 for Belgium (≈ €3,624 less).
Money figures normalised to euros at ECB rates for comparison; official requirements are set in each country's own currency.
Unique to Belgium
- Enrolment at a recognised institution
- Medical certificate
- Accommodation
Unique to Portugal
- Admission to a Portuguese institution
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of accommodation
Get matched with a vetted study-abroad consultant for your destination. Free, no obligation.
Get matched →Sponsored matching service. We may earn a referral fee. Informational only — we don't process applications.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to study in Belgium or Portugal?
By proof of funds, Portugal is cheaper — €9,120/year versus €12,744 (compared at ECB rates, 2026-06-20). Tuition and living costs vary too — see each country's full guide.
Which student visa is faster, Belgium or Portugal?
Belgium typically processes faster (~8 weeks vs ~8). Embassy appointment availability is often the real bottleneck in both.
Should I study in Belgium or Portugal?
It depends on your budget, course and goals. Portugal needs less money up front — about €9,120/year versus €12,744 for Belgium (≈ €3,624 less). Use each country's full requirements guide and the eligibility tools to decide.