daphnelavern
American looking for information about Portugal
Forum posts
45
About me
American
Registration: 18 December 2023
Managing meals in Portugal by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Managing meals day-to-day can sometimes be a real mental challenge, even more so when you land in a new environment, with different schedules, habits or ingredients. How do you manage your meal routine as an expat in Portugal? We ...
I usually do a weekly shop every Sun morning at Continente. If needed throughout the week, I may pop into Aldi or Lidl. However, I also try to support the farmer鈥檚 market each week for fresh veg, nuts, cheese, etc. (my fave is Tomar) and when ... Read More
Changing driving licence by quickmessage
I'm having a terrible time trying to change my driving licence. I just get sent round in circles. Please can someone HELP ?
Oh well, it鈥檚 their country and their rules, so, there you have it. Read More
Changing driving licence by quickmessage
I'm having a terrible time trying to change my driving licence. I just get sent round in circles. Please can someone HELP ?
Just an update on my DL exchange: 26/8/25 online submission, 16/10/25 in-person appt (to exchange docs), 23/10/25 physical DL ready for pick up (I chose to pick up in-person bc didn鈥檛 want to chance any CTT/mail delivery/having to be home to ... Read More
Changing driving licence by quickmessage
I'm having a terrible time trying to change my driving licence. I just get sent round in circles. Please can someone HELP ?
Not sure if this is the correct group/forum, but just wanted to share that I successfully exchanged my USDL for a PTDL today! Emigrated to PT in Sep 2024, got residency in Nov 2024, bought a car in Dec 2024, got resident card in Mar 2024 and hit a ... Read More
Information that can be useful to make life easier in Portugal by JohnnyPT
[color=#1d7ec0] [large][b]Livro de Reclama莽玫es - Complaints Book / Portugal[/b][/large] [/color] All portuguese suppliers of goods or services that carry out a professional activity in a fixed or permanent establishment in contact with ...
Referencing two different links of information, Johnny:I successfully scheduled my DL exchange appointment with IMT via one of the links on the thread (and, you are correct, I did not have to pay anything for that); andI paid my road tax/UIC via the ... Read More
Information that can be useful to make life easier in Portugal by JohnnyPT
[color=#1d7ec0] [large][b]Livro de Reclama莽玫es - Complaints Book / Portugal[/b][/large] [/color] All portuguese suppliers of goods or services that carry out a professional activity in a fixed or permanent establishment in contact with ...
@JohnnyPT Thanks for the outlined instructions. I was able to pay this today. It was a bit dicey (perhaps the system was just processing slowly), but eventually I received a notification that it was successful. One more item checked off of the ... Read More
Information that can be useful to make life easier in Portugal by JohnnyPT
[color=#1d7ec0] [large][b]Livro de Reclama莽玫es - Complaints Book / Portugal[/b][/large] [/color] All portuguese suppliers of goods or services that carry out a professional activity in a fixed or permanent establishment in contact with ...
@JohnnyPT Thank you! I will try this tomorrow and will share my experience. Read More
Residency or Citizenship by LorieAnneC
Hi everyone,I can't believe it will be five years in October since I arrived here in Portugal. Now, I am wondering what is the process to apply for citizenship. I have looked on line and understand the steps needed, but had anyone tried to apply ...
@JohnnyPT Read More
Transporting our pets to Portugal by dgvilsack
Looking for advice on getting our small dog and 4 cats to Portugal. Moving from US (Orlando Fl) to Portugal. What did you have to do to get the pets into Portugal e.g. shots, vaccinations, papers etc.Which transport company did you use, how was the ...
@dgvilsackI鈥檓 sure all of the proper details will be in the link from @JohnnyPT, but thought I鈥檇 share my experience, in case helpful:I moved to Portugal solo from San Francisco in Sep 2024 with my cat. I needed her med records to show ... Read More
Experience sharing about Visas to Portugal (D7 & others) by JohnnyPT
Please share here your successful experiences with visa applications (eg. D7), namely check list, timelines and other aspects that you consider to be relevant and that may be useful for those who wish to start this visa application now. We invite ...
@Myndgate Hiya! Congrats on your plans. I was very fortunate (and blessed) as I actually rented an apartment that was being vacated by someone whom I had met on a previous trip to Portugal. Her lease ended on Jan 31, 2024 and I rented it starting ... Read More
Experience sharing about Visas to Portugal (D7 & others) by JohnnyPT
Please share here your successful experiences with visa applications (eg. D7), namely check list, timelines and other aspects that you consider to be relevant and that may be useful for those who wish to start this visa application now. We invite ...
I moved solo (with my cat!) to Portugal in Sep 2024. I lived in San Francisco, CA, and scheduled my appt with VFS in SF. I went to VFS鈥� online portal in/around Nov 2023 and the first avail appt they had was in late Feb 2024.During the 4 month ... Read More
Renewal of Residence Card by stefano1966
Anyone have suggestions on how to renew your card. The online renewal is not working and I was told that they are 6 months behind. I have sent email to Aima still waiting .... Does anyone have an email to the IRN to request an appointment,Any ...
@EstrellaGaliciaCheck your spam/junk folder regularly 馃檪. Since moving here, I check mine daily. Read More
Renewal of Residence Card by stefano1966
Anyone have suggestions on how to renew your card. The online renewal is not working and I was told that they are 6 months behind. I have sent email to Aima still waiting .... Does anyone have an email to the IRN to request an appointment,Any ...
Same for a friend of mine. sep/Oct 2024 expiration. She got two emails to appear on Mar 24 (which she did) and was renewed. 馃檪 Read More
Interested in Portugal, pursuing countries by LionLover
Hi, I love joining expat groups as I explore possible countries to move to. I am in my 70's and am researching countries to move to. Presently I live in the US. I plan to visit Portugal to get a feel for the country, and from there will return to ...
@LionLover Hello ~ My 馃悎 (6yo) and I (60yy 馃檪) moved from CA to the PT countryside (approx 1 hr north of Lisboa) in Sep 2024 on a D7 and we are loving it!Visa approval was smooth; AIMA appointment was set with my visa; and I received ... Read More
RENEWING US PASSPORT FROM PORTUGAL by maxwmitchell1997
Has anyone renewed their US passport while living in Portugal??
Sent everything off on 14 mar and got confirmation it was received at the consulate today, 17 mar, at 10:00.Biggest challenge was getting CTT to sell me stamps as the attendant insisted I didn鈥檛 need them (just as the Consulate said they would ... Read More
AIMA Help Collecting Cards by samwilliams20
Hi,looking for some advice.I applied for my and my family鈥檚 residence permits in October.We was successful and myself and my wife received our cards 3 weeks later.My 3 children鈥檚 cards were sent 2 weeks later but we never received notice ...
@samwilliams20Hi Sam - Sorry I can鈥檛 help with your inquiry, but, when you can, would you please send me the link you used to email AIMA? I have been trying and keep hitting a dead URL for SEF. I got my temp permit, but it鈥檚 been a ... Read More
D7 residency card delay by stephoreilly70e
Hi. Just wondered if anyone waiting this long ?Had my biometric appointment January 9th, paid 170 euros, told it was all good and card would be with me in 4 weeks.i have been in the U.K. since May but arrived back last week and still no show ! Got ...
@stephoreilly70eHello - Did you ever receive a response to your inquiry on this? I, too, am here on a D7. I received my temp/paper receipt in Nov 2024. It鈥檚 now Mar 2025 and I have not yet received my card nor any evidence it has been mailed ... Read More
RENEWING US PASSPORT FROM PORTUGAL by maxwmitchell1997
Has anyone renewed their US passport while living in Portugal??
@Perpetual_traveler Thank you! I just paid my fee yesterday, got my photo, completed the application and am headed to CTT tomorrow to get all of the stamps/envelopes/return envelopes, etc. Hope mine goes as smoothly as yours!馃槈 Read More
RENEWING US PASSPORT FROM PORTUGAL by maxwmitchell1997
Has anyone renewed their US passport while living in Portugal??
@James in PortugalThanks, James! I live in Portugal and my U.S. Passport is expiring soon as well, so thanks for the link. Read More
New members of the Portugal forum, introduce yourselves here - 2025 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 ...
@Plumper57 - Hello! Below is a link to a condo that I know about, located in Almeirim, which is a town approximately an hour north of Lisboa. Check it out! Best wishes!! https://www.idealista.pt/imovel/33867782/ Read More
how to obtain a national health service (SNS) user number by Hadas Weiss
I'm eligible for the national health service but I need a user number to obtain their services. At various heath centers, I've been given an email address to which to send my details and forms, but I've been sending and resending them to this email ...
@Hadas Weiss@JohnnyPT is correct. I went to my local here in Santarem a couple of weeks ago and provided passport, residency receipt (haven鈥檛 received card yet), and confirmation of address. The clerk entered my info into the system and in ... Read More
How to keep indoor cats safe when there aren't window screens? by gwalks
The hardest adjustment for us will be the lack of screens on windows. We're used to throwing windows and doors wide open for air because we have screens to keep bugs out and cats in. We have a house now but expect to live in a flat in Portugal, ...
I live on the 4th floor with a wrap around balcony in a smaller town in Portugal. I have an indoor-only cat. Once Spring rolls around, I want her to be able to stroll out onto the balcony at her leisure, so plan to get screens for the windows and ... Read More
Changing Rental Agreement after Getting D7 Travel Visa by wordsmith555
I have a one-year lease (until May 2025) for a room in a house that I used for applying for my D7. The lease was drawn up by an attorney and i have proof the landlord paid the stamp duty. The landlord is a personal friend. I just signed a 6-month ...
Thank you for sharing that comment, @wordsmith555! It's encouraging and I feel more hopeful that the AIMA agent will be reasonable and understand the situation. Read More
Changing Rental Agreement after Getting D7 Travel Visa by wordsmith555
I have a one-year lease (until May 2025) for a room in a house that I used for applying for my D7. The lease was drawn up by an attorney and i have proof the landlord paid the stamp duty. The landlord is a personal friend. I just signed a 6-month ...
@JohnnyPT Thanks for the links, Johnny. I confirmed that my AIMA appt is in late Nov 2024. I guess I missed it in the links discussion, but do I tell AIMA before my Nov appt or can I tell them at my Nov appt that I found another place? I leased ... Read More
Changing Rental Agreement after Getting D7 Travel Visa by wordsmith555
I have a one-year lease (until May 2025) for a room in a house that I used for applying for my D7. The lease was drawn up by an attorney and i have proof the landlord paid the stamp duty. The landlord is a personal friend. I just signed a 6-month ...
@JohnnyPT Thank you, Johnny! I will check out the links. Read More
Changing Rental Agreement after Getting D7 Travel Visa by wordsmith555
I have a one-year lease (until May 2025) for a room in a house that I used for applying for my D7. The lease was drawn up by an attorney and i have proof the landlord paid the stamp duty. The landlord is a personal friend. I just signed a 6-month ...
@reynbod2003 San Francisco Read More
Changing Rental Agreement after Getting D7 Travel Visa by wordsmith555
I have a one-year lease (until May 2025) for a room in a house that I used for applying for my D7. The lease was drawn up by an attorney and i have proof the landlord paid the stamp duty. The landlord is a personal friend. I just signed a 6-month ...
Is there a link where I can read about the address change requirement? I'm in a somewhat similar situation:I leased an apartment for one year, which ends in Jan 2025. In my D7 Visa Application letter, I clearly stated that I would be looking for ... 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, ...
Wasn't asking whether I can request a duplicate/interim passport, nor was I inquiring about processing times.I'm asking whether anyone has an experience to share about requesting a duplicate/interim passport while their Passport was with the ... 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, ...
I know this is an old post, but I have a related question as the original poster...I submitted my D7 application on 26 Feb 2024. I realize that it may take 90-120 days, possibly longer, for approval. When I submitted my application, I also ... Read More
Trying to get help with visa application by Roseann28
Has anyone ever use Atlantic Bridge to help with their visa process and if so how long did it take to get an appointment to interview for a residence visa.
Thanks @williamstony360! I am in wait mode (applied at SF VFS in Feb 2024) and am hoping to get approved to go by Sep 2024, but know that may not be realistic. I am currently decent with Brazilian Portuguese, but agree that it is good advice to ... Read More
VFS appointment - no luck. Any advice? by joemgan
Hi all, writing here from Singapore. Looking to relocate later this year, so I'll be starting the process now.Unfortunately, been checking for a week for D7 appointments, but only the D4 and D6 ones show appointments in early Feb. It's 22 Jan ...
@alexmotiongrapher Sharing my VFS experience here, in case it's helpful/informative.I went to my D7 VFS appointment three days ago (Mon, 2/26) at the San Francisco location. I had an appointment for 2:30p. I got called to bring my paperwork to the ... Read More
D7 visa Portugal by Matiew
I applied to the NY center last May 10 for a passive income visa. It has been over 60 days now and have not heard anything back even after numerous calls, emails and appearing in person at the NY center. No one is able to give me any information on ...
@donn25 Agree about the lease agreement! Having that nailed down in advance of my VFS appointment was my most challenging obstacle. I'm thankful that I was able to find a place - not in the exact village where I planned to live and had to pivot a ... Read More
D7 visa Portugal by Matiew
I applied to the NY center last May 10 for a passive income visa. It has been over 60 days now and have not heard anything back even after numerous calls, emails and appearing in person at the NY center. No one is able to give me any information on ...
@ElleOC - Yeah, leaving my cat would have been a non-starter/deal breaker for me, too, so I'm super happy, as well.I've never gotten a visa before so, unfortunately, I don't know how long the interview will be, etc. Since I live in the SF Bay ... Read More
D7 visa Portugal by Matiew
I applied to the NY center last May 10 for a passive income visa. It has been over 60 days now and have not heard anything back even after numerous calls, emails and appearing in person at the NY center. No one is able to give me any information on ...
@ElleOC I met with my landlady/owner via Zoom Thursday and she is allowing me to bring my cat (with no problem!), so, thank you @JohnnyPT for the confirmation. My D7 visa appointment is in late Feb at the San Francisco Consulate, but I remember when ... Read More
Import duty on personal goods? by Vidanova
My wife and I both came to live in Portugal and took up residency in the 90's and imported our household and personal effects including a car. No import duties were charged on these items. (the car had the usual charges to get it matriculated ...
@jagstype4 I am looking for an answer to this question as well, particularly for my 2018 30K-mile Volkswagen. Quote for shipping with a few home items included is acceptable for my budget. I plan to ship it shortly after I get my 2-yr residency ... Read More
Registration of my lease by pwinternational
Hello, After we have been issued a NIF, can we as tenants register the lease with the Tax/Financial Authority through the appropriate portal. I understand that the owner or landlord is obligated to do so, as is the tenant. I apologize if my ...
@JohnnyPT Thank you so much for the clarification; so glad I found this site; very helpful!! Read More
Registration of my lease by pwinternational
Hello, After we have been issued a NIF, can we as tenants register the lease with the Tax/Financial Authority through the appropriate portal. I understand that the owner or landlord is obligated to do so, as is the tenant. I apologize if my ...
@JohnnyPT Thank you! So, as long as the landlord properly registers the lease, the tenant is not required to do so. Is that correct? Or is the tenant required to register it either way? Read More
Registration of my lease by pwinternational
Hello, After we have been issued a NIF, can we as tenants register the lease with the Tax/Financial Authority through the appropriate portal. I understand that the owner or landlord is obligated to do so, as is the tenant. I apologize if my ...
@pwinternationalThanks for this question. I wasn't aware that the tenant also has to register the lease, so I'll be looking for the answer/response to this as well. Read More
Accommodation Ad Removal?
How do I take down/remove my housing wanted ad? 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 to both @perpetual_traveler and @pwinternational! CONGRATS on your find, @pwinternational!!My goal is to slow it down, so, yes, have been focusing on smaller cities/villages. I've been scouting around for the past couple of years and in Sep ... 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 ...
@Perpetual_traveler And, YES, it is incredibly difficult right now and would, indeed, be a miracle for me to find something. Thanks. 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 ...
@Perpetual_traveler Ok; that makes sense. Thank you! 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 ...
Thank you. Would you please share the name of the firm (so I can explore this option)? 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 ...
I'm in the same situation and am unsure as to how to navigate the 12-month lease requirement for my D7. I'm going to Portugal in early Feb to try AGAIN to find a suitable accommodation. My visa appointment is in late Feb and, although not ideal, am ... Read More