hbinder36
American expat in Portugal
Forum posts
53
About me
American
Registration: 22 October 2023
AIMA Appointment, NISS and Health Insurance by PaulDukey
Hi all, My AIMA appointment is next month and I don't have a health insurance within Portugal. Could someone confirm that it is needed for my AIMA and more importantly then, how to go about getting one. Thanks.
@Andrew Finnie Yes, they are now catching. Read More
How to get an AIMA appointment to complete residency visa? by JRTRUEMA
Hello all,I've just arrived in Porto on my D7 visa and I did not get an appointment date on my visa. I can't get through on the AIMA numbers listed on the site. I've been sifting through pages of expat sites and I can't find direct advice on how to ...
@mrcbmtho It's not true consistently. In theory, it's true... you just have to see if you are a lucky one with the url or if you'll have to request an appointment via email, phone or trying in person. Email is recommended. Read More
AIMA Appointment, NISS and Health Insurance by PaulDukey
Hi all, My AIMA appointment is next month and I don't have a health insurance within Portugal. Could someone confirm that it is needed for my AIMA and more importantly then, how to go about getting one. Thanks.
@PaulDukey Yes, it is a requirement to have private health insurance. Winsurance is great and can help you. Google them. Read More
International phone codes by Strontium
I think I managed to stick the wrong phone number in some official web site聽 聽should it be 00351 0XXXXXXXXX聽 or聽 聽00351聽 XXXXXXXXX聽 ??? Panic panic
+351 or 00351 Read More
AIMA Appointment (personal experience) by bloggerblogger
Hey guys,So I successfully appeared for the appointment. It was AIMA that handled everything. Not SEF. Also I confirm that the appointment date and time was the same as expected even though it was originally scheduled by SEF in December 2023 on my ...
@donn25 when you get your renewal card it will be a new temporary resident card number, yes. The NISS (social security number) seems to now be regularly required/asked for even in VFS appointments sometimes, although it's not been a major issue. It ... Read More
Immigration attorney by mgorman339
Hello,I'm planning on retiring in Portugal - either in Lisbon or Cascais. I'm looking for an English speaking Portuguese lawyer in lisbon who can help me with immigration, renting an apartment or maybe a room temporarily, setting up a bank account, ...
@mgorman339 do not expect the level of service or communication that you are accustomed to, which is highly frustrating. You are welcome to ask for details like my friend shared with me on their experiences. Read More
How to build a social circle from scratch in Portugal by JohnnyPT
Due to Covid19, many of these groups may have conditioned or temporarily suspended events. In many of them, you can see that the last event took place in March 2020.聽聽But now everything seems to be getting back to normal ;)In what concerns ...
I have an informal WhatsApp group that is in the Silver Coast area, plus I throw a monthly meet up anyone is welcome to. Read More
Rental proof for SEF appointment by bloggerblogger
Hey guys,I have my D& Visa and I am in Portugal already but my SEF appointment is April 2024. So I have been paying my landlord since October 2023 based on my rental booking date at Uniplaces even though I fled to Portugal just in December 2023 ...
@sunbest be careful, as they could easily overlook and cancel. I had Booking.com with me as the landlord take an INACTIVE listing and not only list it as active but take a booking for New Year's Eve last year! I already had AirBnB people here and it ... Read More
Rental proof for SEF appointment by bloggerblogger
Hey guys,I have my D& Visa and I am in Portugal already but my SEF appointment is April 2024. So I have been paying my landlord since October 2023 based on my rental booking date at Uniplaces even though I fled to Portugal just in December 2023 ...
@bloggerblogger you should be able to see proof that the lease and rent are recorded in your finan莽as portal. That is proof that AIMA can require. You may be fine, but you may not. It's the landlord's responsibility to record the lease, so I ... Read More
Rental proof for SEF appointment by bloggerblogger
Hey guys,I have my D& Visa and I am in Portugal already but my SEF appointment is April 2024. So I have been paying my landlord since October 2023 based on my rental booking date at Uniplaces even though I fled to Portugal just in December 2023 ...
@sunbest no, only the landlord can do this in their tax portal. Read More
is Portugal better choice than spain to live by biking16
I am A US citizen Im retired and looking into obtaining a lucrative visa to reside in Spain . What are my best choices for assistance in obtaining a visa?
@slugsurmamates this aspect has, but I wouldn't agree when you compare the other European options it still makes the most sense for me depending on your location in the country. Read More
Success rate of D7 Visa applications? by hazmog
Hey everyone, thanks for all of your advice so far, this has been so useful. So, my family and I are leaving the UK to live in Portugal and looking to get a D7 Visa. We have a NIF, bank account and fulfil all of the requirements for passive income ...
@hazmog how has everything worked out in your relocation? Read More
Appointment with AIMA by IBHwood
If somebody can help I will appreciate it. I need to know the following about the documents to be taken to the AIMA appointment. Do any of the documents need to be translated to Portuguese?Do any of the documents need to be authenticate or ...
@IBHwood Atestado de Resid锚ncia you obtain from your local junta de freguesia. Read More
Is a joint wife and husband D7 Application Form possible by basil3
Just seeking clarification. My wife and I are planning a move from US to Portugal next year on a long stay passive income category. The D7 application form has no provision for applying jointly. It appears that it can only have a single applicant. ...
@shelly14 what additional info did they come back and ask for? Read More
Is a joint wife and husband D7 Application Form possible by basil3
Just seeking clarification. My wife and I are planning a move from US to Portugal next year on a long stay passive income category. The D7 application form has no provision for applying jointly. It appears that it can only have a single applicant. ...
@litgirl65 how did this go for you? Read More
Delays in processing my D7 visa by Guest8795
Hello everyone, I first lodge my D7 application back in 29th of June this year, I had to make an ajudsment (completing my application) on 26th of August, But since then (around 45 days) i didn't hear anything about it. My lease agreement, ...
@daphnelavern there is no such thing as a duplicate or interim passport. If you get a new one issued they will hole punch your current one and change the number. This will screw up your application. I have had a client retrieve there's from Toronto, ... Read More
Portuguese Citizenship: Who is entitled and how to obtain it? by JohnnyPT
Warning: This may be out of date. There have been changes to nationality law since 2020/2021. [b]Portuguese Citizenship: Who is entitled and how to obtain it?[/b]Most of recent amendments (in force since 11 November 2020) are already included here. ...
My response is in regards to temporary residency and not citizen card. I'm not aware of any limitations for citizens. Read More
Portuguese Citizenship: Who is entitled and how to obtain it? by JohnnyPT
Warning: This may be out of date. There have been changes to nationality law since 2020/2021. [b]Portuguese Citizenship: Who is entitled and how to obtain it?[/b]Most of recent amendments (in force since 11 November 2020) are already included here. ...
The law states you can't leave for more than 6 months at a time. The first temporary residency 2 year period allows for 8 months out of Portugal in total. After the 3 year renewal you get the same 8 months, no more than 6 at a time to be absent. Read More
New members of the Portugal forum, introduce yourselves here - 2024 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 your ...
@RepairBill welcome to Portugal soon! Hope your VFS appointment went smoothly. Read More
馃憠 The Portugal Expat Lounge 馃憟 by Mickael
Hello everyone and hope you are well. I would like to introduce to you our new free expression thread: The Portugal Expat Lounge.Here you can talk about everything you want. Talk about your passion (sport, movies, arts, dancing, etc鈥�), what ...
@Mickael solar, yes. You just need to make sure the battery is included in the price. They aren't typically! Read More
Is a joint wife and husband D7 Application Form possible
[Post under review] Read More
Is a joint wife and husband D7 Application Form possible by basil3
Just seeking clarification. My wife and I are planning a move from US to Portugal next year on a long stay passive income category. The D7 application form has no provision for applying jointly. It appears that it can only have a single applicant. ...
@basil3 each visa application is stand alone and must be complete. Although, there are vehicles like a Term of Responsibility and your personal statements that connect you. I'd suggest you consult with a visa consultant. *** Read More
Rental lease and obtaining a D7 visa for Portugal by mgorman339
Hello, this is my first time posting a question. I'm planning on retiring to Portugal and have done a lot of reading but haven't started paperwork yet. I've read several times that it takes about a year to get the D7 visa and whatever else you need ...
There are several serious misinformation statements in these replies. You MUST enter on your visa to establish residency from your home country, for one. Yes you can come before you get the visa if you respect the 90/180 Schengen rules. You must ... Read More
We芒€™re a dedicated, multicultural team with boots on the ground in Arizona and Portugal, led by our co-founder and Head Consultant, Heather Binder. With lived experience as immigrants and expats across six countries and three ...
SEF: Evidence of Adequate Accommodation by Castle23
Is it possible to use a CPCV for D8 visa evidence of adequate accommodation at SEF appointment? I purchased a new construction home that should have been completed now, but it is delayed and may not completed before my SEF appointment. Is there any ...
Do you mean after your VFS/Embassy appointment or your in Portugal appointment (AIMA now, not SEF)? We have used it for VFS, yes. For AIMA you need a real mailing address and a home under construction isn't going to have that. They will mail your ... Read More
D7 Visa Refusal by Farhan Younis
Deal AllI applied for D7 Visa in November 2021 and got the Approval and after that i am not able to travel for Some reason.And i apply again in May 2022 and this time i got refusal letter from Embassy "Does not prove sufficient financial meansAs i ...
@ossama.k they want to see guaranteed regular income. This can be interest from your cash, as an example. It can be royalties, dividends, rental income, etc. They are not in love with JUST cash in our experience processing visas for clients. We ... Read More
D7 Visa Refusal by Farhan Younis
Deal AllI applied for D7 Visa in November 2021 and got the Approval and after that i am not able to travel for Some reason.And i apply again in May 2022 and this time i got refusal letter from Embassy "Does not prove sufficient financial meansAs i ...
@asnizami did you get approved Read More
New members of the Portugal forum, introduce yourselves here - 2024
[Post under review] Read More
Appointment with AIMA by IBHwood
If somebody can help I will appreciate it. I need to know the following about the documents to be taken to the AIMA appointment. Do any of the documents need to be translated to Portuguese?Do any of the documents need to be authenticate or ...
@IBHwood no new criminal check is required, we are professional visa processors. They only look at this once at VFS or wherever your initial appointment was at. Read More
Renewal of permanent resident card by Akerstholt54
My resident card is up for renewal in June 2024. I have been told this has to be done by SEF/AIMA and an appointment has to be made online. As luck would have it. the website is constantly giving me error messages (I can鈥檛 even login with my ...
@Akerstholt54 try using my free instructions and tips! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HpoOAAed3oXczvHQmXLQGVvv939ttUC05_hSuyns3YY/edit?usp=drivesdk Read More
Situation (legal and other) regarding squatters by nz7521137
I would like to find out the legal and other situation in Portugal when it comes to squatters, aka people that are occupying and using your property without your permission. From France and Spain I have heard real horror stories, because there it is ...
Squatting is not legal in Portugal. It's a huge problem in Spain, however. Read More
New members of the Portugal forum, introduce yourselves here - 2024
@alexmotiongrapher I know of a provider who can get appointments, I believe. You can email me heather@bootsonthegroundpt.com and I can refer you to them. 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 ...
@Bruper my response was in regards to Citizenship. Read More
Passive Income Requirement by UKMark
Hi, I posted this a few days ago but didn't get a response. I would really appreciate to hear from anyone who managed to get the D7 visa with a lump sum rather than a regular passive income. This is the situation i'm in and can't find ...
@hazmog no, actually it won't. I've seen the denial trying this route even off of $800,000 principal investment. Read More
Passive Income Requirement by UKMark
Hi, I posted this a few days ago but didn't get a response. I would really appreciate to hear from anyone who managed to get the D7 visa with a lump sum rather than a regular passive income. This is the situation i'm in and can't find ...
@abbejena things have tightened considerably, although no official changes. You must show actual passive income now and 3 months worth currently depositing into your account. Read More
SEF or AIMA Interview appointment by bloggerblogger
Hey guys,So I have my SEF appointment URL stamped on my visa in Nov 202, and when I visited the link, I saw the appointment data which is in April 2024. With the transition from SEF to AIMA, I hope this should be sufficient so that I do not have to ...
@bloggerblogger you should be good, recheck it a couple of times to be sure they don't change it, though. Read More
Utilities Assistance- reasonable charge by rogerpart
Hello,We are in the process of purchasing a property in Caldas da Rainha area. Before placing an offer we were told by the seller's realtor (Portugal Property) they would assist us with this, and we have read stories realtors usually do this as part ...
@JohnnyPT We don't offer this service a la carte any longer, so I am not advertising. We provide valuable information with no charge. Read More
Utilities Assistance- reasonable charge by rogerpart
Hello,We are in the process of purchasing a property in Caldas da Rainha area. Before placing an offer we were told by the seller's realtor (Portugal Property) they would assist us with this, and we have read stories realtors usually do this as part ...
Also, I would NOT recommend doing this yourself. I did and shouldn't have, I would be better off if I'd had help and understood ALL the options. You simply won't by yourself. 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.
@akupurpleheartYou can call. You can just do walk in to some offices like Leiria. Go between 8:30-8:45 am. It's first come first serve. Read More
Utilities Assistance- reasonable charge by rogerpart
Hello,We are in the process of purchasing a property in Caldas da Rainha area. Before placing an offer we were told by the seller's realtor (Portugal Property) they would assist us with this, and we have read stories realtors usually do this as part ...
@rogerpartThis is no one's job, but certainly that stinks if you were told you'd get the help. We do this as part of our visa services as we provide a very complete service including helping with AIMA doc prep, driver's license exchange, health ... 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 ...
@neale_pYes, although there's another option. You can take the government credited class and get a certificate. This fulfills the requirement. It's one year of classes likely 2x a week for 3 hour classes. I did it successfully last year. Read More
D7 visa with non-passive income by RussellK
Hi all,I'm hoping to get residency in Portugal and currently exploring my options. I work remotely as a freelancer, but my income can be a little irregular and doesn't quite always meet the 4 x minimum salary of 820 euros a month. Therefore I don't ...
Yes, I'll message you Read More
D7 visa with non-passive income by RussellK
Hi all,I'm hoping to get residency in Portugal and currently exploring my options. I work remotely as a freelancer, but my income can be a little irregular and doesn't quite always meet the 4 x minimum salary of 820 euros a month. Therefore I don't ...
No, you cannot use D7 unless it's truly passive income. It's not. Your income over the preceding 3+ months prior to your D8 appointment should average to at least 4x820. I'd suggest you get professional help. Read More
NISS and living in Portugal by bloggerblogger
Hey guys,For people who got their residence permit in Portugal, I would like to know whether NISS is a requirement at SEF. Does SEF require proof of Social Security (NISS) or is it just a personal choice?And is NISS required for getting SNS ...
@donn25 this is so true. In most cities it's not required, we help people with this as part of our services. Read More
NISS and living in Portugal by bloggerblogger
Hey guys,For people who got their residence permit in Portugal, I would like to know whether NISS is a requirement at SEF. Does SEF require proof of Social Security (NISS) or is it just a personal choice?And is NISS required for getting SNS ...
@TGCampo correct it is not required nor for medication discounts, but some people in the government think otherwise. Read More
NISS and living in Portugal by bloggerblogger
Hey guys,For people who got their residence permit in Portugal, I would like to know whether NISS is a requirement at SEF. Does SEF require proof of Social Security (NISS) or is it just a personal choice?And is NISS required for getting SNS ...
@JohnnyPT no you do not. NISS is for the working and my 84 year old expat father uses the SNS regularly without a NISS. Read More
Saying hello by vinnyyoung81
We are just retired and have a place near Ferreira do Alentejo
@vinnyyoung81Congratulations! You can reach me directly via email at [link under review], if you'd prefer. Read More
D7 decision / New Delhi ,INDIA by h9654004745
I have read through this forum that decision of D7 is very long period from the embassy of Portugal New Delhi , And Now experienced same myself that I had applied the D7 visa through VFS New Delhi, on mid September 2023 and still the status not ...
Don't ever leave your passport is always our advice! Read More
Extend "Schengen" Visa Stay by RICK_E
My wife and I are in Portugal from the UK. Just visiting on the standard visa waiver scheme. Our 90 days are up in early January, and we'd like to stay another three months. Is it possible to extend our stay? We have place to stay, plenty of ...
@Emily523tYou are supposed to travel within 60 days of the visa start date, some embassies would say 90 days. Read More
Rental lease in Portugal by folinas934
Dear wonderful community of ...
@lindaeva D7 requires 12 month lease, not 6. 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 ...
@daphnelavern congratulations! 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 ...
@daphnelavern we offer assistance that would be less than your flight most likely and navigate facilitating a successful lease. Read More
Family reunion and SEF appointment by Yoyagi
Hello guys!I will be moving to Portugal with my family and have a question. I am a Norwegian and will do my residence permit first and then I will make a Family reunion for my family. I've heard that it's sometimes possible to make my residence ...
@seasunhere any luck? Read More
D7 Visa Refusal by Farhan Younis
Deal AllI applied for D7 Visa in November 2021 and got the Approval and after that i am not able to travel for Some reason.And i apply again in May 2022 and this time i got refusal letter from Embassy "Does not prove sufficient financial meansAs i ...
@shelly14 get a new advisor that understands the requirements. You need to have both income in the bank AND passive income. 1.5 times the minimum wage is an absolute minimum and if you are from other countries than the US and Canada they seem to ... Read More