neale_p
English expat in Portugal
Forum posts
43
Contacts
2
About me
English
Lives in Albufeira, Faro
Speaks English fluently and I also speak Portuguese a little
Registration: 16 August 2021
Renewal of EU Health Card (issued by Portugal) by TGCampo
Does anybody know why I cannot renew the EU Health Card (Cartao Europeu de Seguro de Doenca) on the Seguranca Social website or through the app? When I try to do this I get a message to go to a Seguranca Social Post in my town. Is this unique to me ...
@TGCampo - I got the same message as you when i tried this online yesterday evening. I only collected my NISS number yesterday so thought I may need to wait a bit before processing the EHIC card request online Read More
Certificate of authenticity of the driving licence - UK by neale_p
Hi All,I am going to exchange my UK driving licence for a PT one as I am approaching the 2 year residency mark. I see from the IMT website that I need to provide a 'Certificate of authenticity of the driving licence'. I have gone to the DVLA site ...
Thanks everyone for your replies to my post. All very useful.I began the registration of my UK licence with IMT back in Sep 23. Got a couple of emails and then nothing. The last one just said 'Waiting for information / documents'. Not sure what ... Read More
Certificate of authenticity of the driving licence - UK
Hi All,I am going to exchange my UK driving licence for a PT one as I am approaching the 2 year residency mark. I see from the IMT website that I need to provide a 'Certificate of authenticity of the driving licence'. I have gone to the DVLA site ... Read More
Is language A2 certificate required for Perm Residency ? by neale_p
Hi All,I arrived on a D7 visa 2022 and am nearly mid way through my temporary residency. At the five year point I will apply for permanent residency, however I have been informed by a few people I have spoken to that to move from temp to perm ...
@hbinder36Congratulations to you for passing it.I am doing a similar course - however its a total of 150 hours spread over 4 days per week (so about 9 weeks duration), so more condensed than your one. Just finished week 2 and so far its going ok. Read More
Is language A2 certificate required for Perm Residency ? by neale_p
Hi All,I arrived on a D7 visa 2022 and am nearly mid way through my temporary residency. At the five year point I will apply for permanent residency, however I have been informed by a few people I have spoken to that to move from temp to perm ...
@JohnnyPTExcellent !! Thanks very much - this will help me I am sure. Cheers Johnny, much appreciated. Read More
Is language A2 certificate required for Perm Residency ? by neale_p
Hi All,I arrived on a D7 visa 2022 and am nearly mid way through my temporary residency. At the five year point I will apply for permanent residency, however I have been informed by a few people I have spoken to that to move from temp to perm ...
@JohnnyPTThanks Johnny - I am just starting an intensive language course - so hopefully I will pass the end exam. Read More
Is language A2 certificate required for Perm Residency ?
Hi All,I arrived on a D7 visa 2022 and am nearly mid way through my temporary residency. At the five year point I will apply for permanent residency, however I have been informed by a few people I have spoken to that to move from temp to perm ... Read More
NHR application help by Wingover
Hello everyone, Just finished my SEF appointment for the resident card and would like to apply for the NHR status. My lawyer is asking for a lot of money to do it and I an not comfortable doing it myself. I am also looking for a trusted accountant ...
@JohnnyPT yes. She did. It was a very convenient rounded up 400 euros. I live and learn Read More
NHR application help by Wingover
Hello everyone, Just finished my SEF appointment for the resident card and would like to apply for the NHR status. My lawyer is asking for a lot of money to do it and I an not comfortable doing it myself. I am also looking for a trusted accountant ...
Just a word of advice....from someone who learned the hardway...If you do end up using an accountant to complete your NHR process rather than doing it yourself - make sure you ask how much it will cost beforehand...I got a bill for 400 Euros ! Read More
Obtaining a Portuguese driving licence after becoming a resident by gra2513
I became a resident in Portugal on 4th November 2022. How long do I have to change my UK licence to a Portuguese licence?The Govt website says 2 year but the IMT website says 90 days.Which is it if you know for sure please.
@JohnnyPT Just got back from the local IMT office. No queue - just me and the IMT agent. The good news is that 'yes' they are able to register my driving licence in this office. The bad news is that She did not speak a word of English, so i ... Read More
Obtaining a Portuguese driving licence after becoming a resident by gra2513
I became a resident in Portugal on 4th November 2022. How long do I have to change my UK licence to a Portuguese licence?The Govt website says 2 year but the IMT website says 90 days.Which is it if you know for sure please.
@Jean Denise Oh blimey !!! another long day dealing with the bureaucracy. I am currently staying in Lisbon, and there is a very small IMT office about 2 minutes from me. Most of the time its empty, so i may just chance it one day soon and see if ... Read More
Obtaining a Portuguese driving licence after becoming a resident by gra2513
I became a resident in Portugal on 4th November 2022. How long do I have to change my UK licence to a Portuguese licence?The Govt website says 2 year but the IMT website says 90 days.Which is it if you know for sure please.
@Jean Denise Thanks for this - very helpful - I will go in armed with everything !!! Read More
Obtaining a Portuguese driving licence after becoming a resident by gra2513
I became a resident in Portugal on 4th November 2022. How long do I have to change my UK licence to a Portuguese licence?The Govt website says 2 year but the IMT website says 90 days.Which is it if you know for sure please.
@Jean Denise Hi - to get registered, did you need to provide any paperwork to IMT, other than your driving licence and Residencia Card ? Read More
Obtaining a Portuguese driving licence after becoming a resident by gra2513
I became a resident in Portugal on 4th November 2022. How long do I have to change my UK licence to a Portuguese licence?The Govt website says 2 year but the IMT website says 90 days.Which is it if you know for sure please.
@JohnnyPT Hi Johnny - yup - thats the one Read More
Obtaining a Portuguese driving licence after becoming a resident by gra2513
I became a resident in Portugal on 4th November 2022. How long do I have to change my UK licence to a Portuguese licence?The Govt website says 2 year but the IMT website says 90 days.Which is it if you know for sure please.
When I have looked on the IMT website, it says "Optional exchange and no submission to driving test." for UK driving licence holders.https://www.imt-ip.pt/cartasconducao/cartasconducao.aspOptionalI thought I had read in the Portugal news recently ... Read More
Sef appointment for d7 visa by Dany Baydoun
Hello, my d7 visa got approved and now i have it printed on my passport. I just realized that the automatic sef appointment was set after my visa gets expired. Expiration date is on November while sef appointment is on December.I am trying to call ...
Hi Brian,The SEF lady asked me initially for a utility bill in my name (gas, electric, water, broadband, mobile phone contract). I did not have any of these. I only had the rental agreement, which She accepted.So I suspect if you have a utility bill ... Read More
Sef appointment for d7 visa by Dany Baydoun
Hello, my d7 visa got approved and now i have it printed on my passport. I just realized that the automatic sef appointment was set after my visa gets expired. Expiration date is on November while sef appointment is on December.I am trying to call ...
Hi Brian.I went in with everything !I had my annual travel insurance policy, with full medical coverI had a private Portuguese medical policy, which now costs me 65 Euros per monthandI registered myself with the National Health service too, so I ... Read More
Sef appointment for d7 visa by Dany Baydoun
Hello, my d7 visa got approved and now i have it printed on my passport. I just realized that the automatic sef appointment was set after my visa gets expired. Expiration date is on November while sef appointment is on December.I am trying to call ...
Good point JohnnyPT Read More
Sef appointment for d7 visa by Dany Baydoun
Hello, my d7 visa got approved and now i have it printed on my passport. I just realized that the automatic sef appointment was set after my visa gets expired. Expiration date is on November while sef appointment is on December.I am trying to call ...
Dany - The passport check at Faro airport when I arrived in May, two weeks after the date my D7 visa had expired, did not seem to concern the SEF employee, who dutifully stamped my passport with the entry date stamp. I doubt he even flicked through ... Read More
Sef appointment for d7 visa by Dany Baydoun
Hello, my d7 visa got approved and now i have it printed on my passport. I just realized that the automatic sef appointment was set after my visa gets expired. Expiration date is on November while sef appointment is on December.I am trying to call ...
@Dany Baydoun聽Dont worry. I just had my D7 SEF appointment at end of June and my 4 month D7 Visa stamped in the passport expired in early May. They are behind on appointments. It was never mentioned at my SEF appointment at all. I am sure you ... Read More
health insurance for D7 by helpn764
was wondering, what would a good health insurance company be for the D7 visa?I did have Cigna in mind.聽do these health insurance require you to fill out medical history forms - just asking.can non residents opt for any Portuguese health ...
For the D7 appointment at the London Embassy in Oct 2021 I showed proof of comprehensive 1 year travel insurance which includes medical cover. This was acceptable.This policy is still active and does not expire until next yearI have my appointment ... Read More
Does NIF / AT address have to be in Portugal for the D7 SEF interview? by neale_p
Hello all, I have just arrived in Portugal from UK, with the D7 Visa stamped in my passport & am awaiting my interview for temporary residency with the SEF. My NIF / AT address is still stated as UK - my question is: Do i have to change this ...
Helps with your annual Portuguese tax return, as I understand it. You dont have to provide receipts as this is now done automatically to the tax man against your annual submission. Read More
Does NIF / AT address have to be in Portugal for the D7 SEF interview? by neale_p
Hello all, I have just arrived in Portugal from UK, with the D7 Visa stamped in my passport & am awaiting my interview for temporary residency with the SEF. My NIF / AT address is still stated as UK - my question is: Do i have to change this ...
Hi. My D7 application was handed to VFS Global London and 77 days later I received my stamped passport back on 14th Jan 2022. Within the passport was a letter stating my appointment with SEF will be on 27th June. Hope this helps Read More
Does NIF / AT address have to be in Portugal for the D7 SEF interview? by neale_p
Hello all, I have just arrived in Portugal from UK, with the D7 Visa stamped in my passport & am awaiting my interview for temporary residency with the SEF. My NIF / AT address is still stated as UK - my question is: Do i have to change this ...
As always - thanks very much for your information, Johnny. Read More
Does NIF / AT address have to be in Portugal for the D7 SEF interview? by neale_p
Hello all, I have just arrived in Portugal from UK, with the D7 Visa stamped in my passport & am awaiting my interview for temporary residency with the SEF. My NIF / AT address is still stated as UK - my question is: Do i have to change this ...
Thanks for this advice. I was just trying to avoid repeating the changes needed, but I get what you are saying. Thanks again Neale Read More
Does NIF / AT address have to be in Portugal for the D7 SEF interview?
Hello all, I have just arrived in Portugal from UK, with the D7 Visa stamped in my passport & am awaiting my interview for temporary residency with the SEF. My NIF / AT address is still stated as UK - my question is: Do i have to change this ... Read More
D7 - SEF interview document requirements question.
Hello, I presented my D7 documents yesterday at the VFS Global Offices in London and paid my 拢127 in fees. I was told that I would only receive back the stamped passport and that any supporting paperwork would not be returned to me. This ... Read More
Is Basic DBS Check OK for the D7 app or the ACRO 'Visa' Certificate ? by neale_p
Just asking if anyone from the UK has submitted the basic (and cheaper) gov DBS criminal record check as required for the D7 application visit ? I see there is an option on the GOV.UK site for a proper certificate from ACRO, but its twice as ...
Thats so useful - thanks for all this information and i am glad you are through the process. Read More
Is Basic DBS Check OK for the D7 app or the ACRO 'Visa' Certificate ? by neale_p
Just asking if anyone from the UK has submitted the basic (and cheaper) gov DBS criminal record check as required for the D7 application visit ? I see there is an option on the GOV.UK site for a proper certificate from ACRO, but its twice as ...
Thanks so much for the information, Denise. Very helpful. Regards Neale Read More
Is Basic DBS Check OK for the D7 app or the ACRO 'Visa' Certificate ? by neale_p
Just asking if anyone from the UK has submitted the basic (and cheaper) gov DBS criminal record check as required for the D7 application visit ? I see there is an option on the GOV.UK site for a proper certificate from ACRO, but its twice as ...
Hi Denise, Once your paperwork had been accepted by the Embassy in London, how long did it take for them to give you the approval ? And did they need to keep hold of your passports for the duration? Thanks in advance Neale Read More
Handy portable WiFi device while traveling in Portugal by Andrew Rockwell
We're in Portugal for the month of August. I decided to try a portable WiFi device from Portugal Internet. Unlimited, high speed. We did NOT purchase local sims because both of our phones are locked from the US. It's a small device that ...
Hi. Quick Q. Were you able to order the LycaMobile Portugal number SIM card from the UK and get delivery to the UK too? Or did you have to organise this whilst in Portugal ? Cheers Read More
Is Basic DBS Check OK for the D7 app or the ACRO 'Visa' Certificate ? by neale_p
Just asking if anyone from the UK has submitted the basic (and cheaper) gov DBS criminal record check as required for the D7 application visit ? I see there is an option on the GOV.UK site for a proper certificate from ACRO, but its twice as ...
Thanks - yes, nothing seems totally clear with this whole process !! Hopefully i 'guessed' right with the insurance as i have just purchased an annual multi trip policy which includes those countries you listed. Read More
Is Basic DBS Check OK for the D7 app or the ACRO 'Visa' Certificate ? by neale_p
Just asking if anyone from the UK has submitted the basic (and cheaper) gov DBS criminal record check as required for the D7 application visit ? I see there is an option on the GOV.UK site for a proper certificate from ACRO, but its twice as ...
Thanks Denise. So glad you are all legal and processed now. Thats good news. What was the issue with the travel insurance? I have booked a 15 month policy with a 100 continuous day stay extension. Thanks again for your advice Neale Read More
Is Basic DBS Check OK for the D7 app or the ACRO 'Visa' Certificate ?
Just asking if anyone from the UK has submitted the basic (and cheaper) gov DBS criminal record check as required for the D7 application visit ? I see there is an option on the GOV.UK site for a proper certificate from ACRO, but its twice as ... Read More
Portugal D7 visa - Proof of accommodation 鈥� lease agreement by SK EXPAT68
Hi, I am yet to apply for the D7 visa in my home country. They need a proof of accommodation (lease agreement) to support my D7 application. I am not sure how many days or months it will take for the approval of the D7. I should ideally have the ...
Thanks so much for the reply. That is very useful info for me to know. At least I know what I need to secure accommodation wise for the application. Thanks again Read More
Portugal D7 visa - Proof of accommodation 鈥� lease agreement by SK EXPAT68
Hi, I am yet to apply for the D7 visa in my home country. They need a proof of accommodation (lease agreement) to support my D7 application. I am not sure how many days or months it will take for the approval of the D7. I should ideally have the ...
JohnnyPT - Do you think a Booking.com reservation for the duration of my stay would be accepted as proof for the D7 embassy application ? Once I get there, I plan to find a suitable place to rent properly before the SEF interview. Also, does ... Read More
Letter of Application by UKMark
Hi, Does anyone have any advice on what type of thing to put in the personal statement about why you are moving to Portugal in the application for the D7? Thanks
Wow !!! I was just writing the exact same question !!! Lets hope somebody can share a successful example with us ! Neale Read More
D7 - How do you get to organise the criminal record check by SEF ?
Hi, Hope someone can help me. As part of my application for the D7 at the London Embassy, I have to provide this: 鈥� Application for consultation of the Portuguese criminal record by the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF); I have managed ... Read More
New members of the Portugal forum, introduce yourselves here - 2021 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Portugal forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Hello. I am Neale. I am just starting the D7 Visa process to hopefully enable me to permanently move to the The Algarve. I have visited the region every year for 25 years and its kinda my 'home' really as my parents lived there until this ... Read More