The decree, which defines the simplification of procedures for the issuing of visas for international students comes into effect on May 11.

This is one of the measures foreseen in the "Simplex+" initiative and aims to set up a "fast track for foreign students in Portugal".

A commission will be created to accompany and monitor this decree, with representatives from the ministries of foreign affairs, internal administration and science, technology and higher education.

The number of international students in Portugal has doubled in the last decade, and today represents 50,000 of students enrolled and 13% of the total number of students in higher education.