wordsmith555
American looking for information about Portugal
Forum posts
47
About me
American
Registration: 09 May 2024
Has Anyone Gotten a Response to Any Email Sent to AIMA? by wordsmith555
I have posted before, asking if anyone has been successful in getting an AIMA appointment by emailing AIMA.My question now is: Has anyone gotten an email response from AIMA about ANY question/issue whatsoever?
@JohnnyP The people who got appointments on different days were only requesting appointments for themselves, not additional family members. One person was given appointments (for only himself) in Porto and Aveiro on the same day, but at different ... Read More
Has Anyone Gotten a Response to Any Email Sent to AIMA? by wordsmith555
I have posted before, asking if anyone has been successful in getting an AIMA appointment by emailing AIMA.My question now is: Has anyone gotten an email response from AIMA about ANY question/issue whatsoever?
@JohnnyPT I don't know her method, but she delivered. And my appt is only an hour from home.Several people have reported that they have gotten TWO appts, for different dates, cities, and times. How can that even happen? Two different people can ... Read More
Has Anyone Gotten a Response to Any Email Sent to AIMA? by wordsmith555
I have posted before, asking if anyone has been successful in getting an AIMA appointment by emailing AIMA.My question now is: Has anyone gotten an email response from AIMA about ANY question/issue whatsoever?
So I finally got an AIMA appt for my initial residency visa after almost 6 months of emailing AIMA. But my friend and I finally got appts NOT because we emailed (she in fact had only arrived early November and had never emailed or called AIMA), but ... Read More
Has Anyone Gotten a Response to Any Email Sent to AIMA? by wordsmith555
I have posted before, asking if anyone has been successful in getting an AIMA appointment by emailing AIMA.My question now is: Has anyone gotten an email response from AIMA about ANY question/issue whatsoever?
What exactly is happening in the new additional AIMA offices that are set up, or are being set up, throughout PT? Is this additional space for newly hired additional AIMA personnel to conduct in-person residence interviews and advise about other ... Read More
Has Anyone Gotten a Response to Any Email Sent to AIMA? by wordsmith555
I have posted before, asking if anyone has been successful in getting an AIMA appointment by emailing AIMA.My question now is: Has anyone gotten an email response from AIMA about ANY question/issue whatsoever?
Bom dia, I have been encouraged by several recent FB postings that emails to AIMA have resulted in residence permit appointments. The most recent successful applicant got an appointment after 9 months of trying. Applicants have been contacted via ... Read More
AIMA Residency Appointment by Emailing AIMA? by wordsmith555
I am seeing more and more expat groups advising applicants to email AIMA for residency appointments. I would like to hear from anyone who has gotten a residency appointment by emailing AIMA, particularly people who have gotten an appointment that ...
@Johnny PT,People are getting AIMA appointments for February 2025 in their travel visas being issued now, in October 2024. I called AIMA today and the recorded message was that there are no appointments.Very discouraging. What kind of system is this? Read More
Has Anyone Gotten a Response to Any Email Sent to AIMA?
I have posted before, asking if anyone has been successful in getting an AIMA appointment by emailing AIMA.My question now is: Has anyone gotten an email response from AIMA about ANY question/issue whatsoever? Read More
Is the NISS Now Required for the D7 Retirement Visa? by wordsmith555
Expats have been reporting that the NISS is now required for the AIMA meeting. I am in Portugal trying to get my AIMA appointment. I thought a NISS is needed only if you intend to work?
@Johnny PT You also need a NISS to enroll in a government-subsidized Portuguese language course. Even if you manage to enroll without the NISS, you can't be issued your certificate of course completion, which satisfies the Portuguese language ... Read More
AIMA Residency Appointment by Emailing AIMA? by wordsmith555
I am seeing more and more expat groups advising applicants to email AIMA for residency appointments. I would like to hear from anyone who has gotten a residency appointment by emailing AIMA, particularly people who have gotten an appointment that ...
@tdudgeon, Thank you so much for sharing your findings. This is what I've heard from others, both individuals and attorneys. Why don't they allow walk-ins with their docs at these 30 new centers they are establishing? Read More
AIMA Residency Appointment by Emailing AIMA? by wordsmith555
I am seeing more and more expat groups advising applicants to email AIMA for residency appointments. I would like to hear from anyone who has gotten a residency appointment by emailing AIMA, particularly people who have gotten an appointment that ...
@cai莽ara, I'm confused. You say it's your understanding you have to see AIMA in the first 4 days after arrival in Portugal? Who told you that? And you don't have an appointment? If you didn't get an appointment in your travel visa when it was ... Read More
AIMA Residency Appointment by Emailing AIMA?
I am seeing more and more expat groups advising applicants to email AIMA for residency appointments. I would like to hear from anyone who has gotten a residency appointment by emailing AIMA, particularly people who have gotten an appointment that ... Read More
VFS - can't register/open account by northernlites
Good afternoonWell, my latest brick wall is again on the VFS site. If I'm not mistaken, in order to book the appointment you first have to open an account with VFS. I fill in all the details - but the last button to click to register simply refuses ...
@northernlitesI would keep trying to create the account because the start of a month is when you have the best chance of booking the VFS appointment. I finally created the account after several failed attempts. I didn't do anything different when I ... Read More
Is It Really True? by JimJ
I keep reading glowing articles claiming that Portugal is "the cheapest country in Europe for retirees to live in". I've visited several times, and it didn't appear to me - as a tourist - to be particularly cheap. Ignoring the "whole of Europe" ...
@JimJ sorry, I didn't see that you were from Bulgaria. Read More
Is It Really True? by JimJ
I keep reading glowing articles claiming that Portugal is "the cheapest country in Europe for retirees to live in". I've visited several times, and it didn't appear to me - as a tourist - to be particularly cheap. Ignoring the "whole of Europe" ...
@JimJ Where would you be moving from? Read More
VFS - can't register/open account by northernlites
Good afternoonWell, my latest brick wall is again on the VFS site. If I'm not mistaken, in order to book the appointment you first have to open an account with VFS. I fill in all the details - but the last button to click to register simply refuses ...
@northernlites I had the same experience when I tried to open my account with Miami VFS. I provided my email address, created a password, and checked the "I am not a robot" box. The message was "You have not provided the info required for all the ... Read More
AIMA interview - Health insurance advice by JMGan
Hi all - got an interview on Sep 5.I'm 31 and going on the D7 Visa. Which health insurance did you all get for the AIMA interview? And the coverage - for how long?Also, would I need to get an NISS number? I see many posts specifying that.Will I need ...
@JMGan Hello, congratulations on having an AIMA appointment! I have been here since the beginning of July and am still trying. I'm jealous!You did not say if you are a US passport holder.Regardless, your list of docs looks fine to me. I was also ... Read More
VFS/D7 Visa Application and the "2D bar code' by northernlites
GreetingsI have been unable to find anything on this in the forum so apologies if I am repeating.In the instructions for what to take to the meeting is says quite clearly to bring 2 copies of the paper with the 2d bar code. We had no idea what this ...
@northernlites The Miami VFS site stated that the applicant had to print out two copies of the 2D bar code "separator" sheets. I think there were about 12 of them. You have to hunt around on the site to find out where they are and print them out. I ... Read More
Is the NISS Now Required for the D7 Retirement Visa?
Expats have been reporting that the NISS is now required for the AIMA meeting. I am in Portugal trying to get my AIMA appointment. I thought a NISS is needed only if you intend to work? 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 ...
@fotheringhamdiane thank you for the update! Reassuring to hear a "smooth sailing" story!! My challenge is getting the appointment! 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 ...
@daphnelavern Someone recently commented in another forum that they got a lease for a different property after they arrived in Portugal. They didn't contact AIMA before their meeting with the change of address. They brought the new lease to the AIMA ... Read More
Getting Through to AIMA by Phone for Residency Visa by wordsmith555
Bom dia. I have been trying to call the 2 AIMA numbers to schedule the second stage of the D7 visa. My call goes immediately to a recorded message, first in Portuguese, then in English, giving the AIMA website details. Then the message begins anew, ...
I have a basic question about the automated response system on the AIMA site. On any given day, if you get thru to the point where the recorded message is that there are no appointments available, is that true for the entire day? In other words, if ... Read More
FBI Report by reynbod2003
Hi! I know that when you get the mailed FBI report, you don鈥檛 open but take it sealed. My question is: Does VSF in Washington open it or is it sent to Portugal and opened there. Just curious if I鈥檓 asked any questions about it. Thanks!
@JellyB6684 My attorney and VFS Miami told me the FBI report should be apostilled. "Not opening it" was not an advisable option. And any document that was in English or Portuguese didn't require translation. My attorney made the point that anything ... Read More
Changing Rental Agreement after Getting D7 Travel Visa
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 ... 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 ...
@Satishprabhu71 I only applied for myself. Read More
Getting Through to AIMA by Phone for Residency Visa by wordsmith555
Bom dia. I have been trying to call the 2 AIMA numbers to schedule the second stage of the D7 visa. My call goes immediately to a recorded message, first in Portuguese, then in English, giving the AIMA website details. Then the message begins anew, ...
@Andrew Finnie thank you very much. I appreciate the help. Read More
Getting Through to AIMA by Phone for Residency Visa by wordsmith555
Bom dia. I have been trying to call the 2 AIMA numbers to schedule the second stage of the D7 visa. My call goes immediately to a recorded message, first in Portuguese, then in English, giving the AIMA website details. Then the message begins anew, ...
@Andrew Finnie So where exactly did you go to when you say you "went into Faro and got a certified document" to get into the system? Was it a CLAIM office? Read More
Getting Through to AIMA by Phone for Residency Visa
Bom dia. I have been trying to call the 2 AIMA numbers to schedule the second stage of the D7 visa. My call goes immediately to a recorded message, first in Portuguese, then in English, giving the AIMA website details. Then the message begins anew, ... 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 ...
@Fear7474 I was simply reading through forums and accounts from people who had attended AIMA. Many mentioned they were asked for the attestado, but I guess those applicants were EU citizens. Basically, I was going to get the attestado because many ... 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 ...
@JohnnyPT Well, I already have lease with proof landlord paid the stamp duty, so you're confirming I don't need the attestado. I'm a US citizen. Thanks for the clarification. I didn't see anything anywhere about the attestado being only for EU ... Read More
Health Insurance for D7 Visa by UKMark
Hi, I'm looking around for the Health Insurance required for the D7 application. Does anyone have any recommendations or advice? A rough idea of the cost would be appreciated too. I am in early 50s and my wife in her late 40s would ideally like ...
@JohnnyPT When (miraculously, it seems) you are at your AIMA appt, what happens if you are missing a document your official asks for? Say I don't have an attestado and the official asks for it. Am I given a grace period to supply the missing ... 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 I fortunately am going to my junta this week with my landlords for the attestado. The real estate agent I am working with also offered me the names of 2 friends who could accompany me. If you don't know 2 witnesses who could accompany you, ... Read More
AIMA Appointment: Any Strategy? by wordsmith555
Bom dia. I received my D7 travel visa without an AIMA appt in it and with a separate letter stating that I had to make the appt with AIMA myself. Following the suggestion of a successful applicant, I have been sending an email reqesting an ...
@JohnnyPT Thank you for the list of AIMA shops!! Read More
AIMA Appointment: Any Strategy? by wordsmith555
Bom dia. I received my D7 travel visa without an AIMA appt in it and with a separate letter stating that I had to make the appt with AIMA myself. Following the suggestion of a successful applicant, I have been sending an email reqesting an ...
@Andrew Finnie So going to an AIMA shop will result in paperwork that puts me into the system and I eventually get notified with an appointment? You have done this? Do they review all your documents at that time or do you just show them ID and ... Read More
AIMA Appointment: Any Strategy? by wordsmith555
Bom dia. I received my D7 travel visa without an AIMA appt in it and with a separate letter stating that I had to make the appt with AIMA myself. Following the suggestion of a successful applicant, I have been sending an email reqesting an ...
@JohnnyPT I should have asked how do I find the closest AIMA shop? Read More
AIMA Appointment: Any Strategy? by wordsmith555
Bom dia. I received my D7 travel visa without an AIMA appt in it and with a separate letter stating that I had to make the appt with AIMA myself. Following the suggestion of a successful applicant, I have been sending an email reqesting an ...
@Johnny PT how do I find the closest AIMA office? I am in Leca da Palmeira,. Read More
AIMA Appointment: Any Strategy? by wordsmith555
Bom dia. I received my D7 travel visa without an AIMA appt in it and with a separate letter stating that I had to make the appt with AIMA myself. Following the suggestion of a successful applicant, I have been sending an email reqesting an ...
Thank you. Today when I called I got a message that the 965 903 700 number is not in service. The other number only recites the website details in English and Portuguese, I haven't got any further. Will try during off peak hours. Read More
AIMA Appointment: Any Strategy?
Bom dia. I received my D7 travel visa without an AIMA appt in it and with a separate letter stating that I had to make the appt with AIMA myself. Following the suggestion of a successful applicant, I have been sending an email reqesting an ... Read More
AIMA D7 appointment for 2nd stage by Jac g
Help have tried for months to get appointments for hubby and I with no joy, anyone managed to secure one and if so how ? Thanks
@JRTRUEMA What does "visiting the local AIMA shop daily" mean? Read More
AIMA D7 appointment for 2nd stage by Jac g
Help have tried for months to get appointments for hubby and I with no joy, anyone managed to secure one and if so how ? Thanks
@jac g I am arriving in Porto tomorrow. I did not get an AIMA appt in my visa. Seems Miami VFS/Portuguese Embassy stopped giving appt in the visa in March. Any advice on how to get an AIMA appt? I have emailed AIMA every day for a week and I am ... Read More
Health Insurance for D7 Visa by UKMark
Hi, I'm looking around for the Health Insurance required for the D7 application. Does anyone have any recommendations or advice? A rough idea of the cost would be appreciated too. I am in early 50s and my wife in her late 40s would ideally like ...
@donn25 and @JohnnyPT,You've broadened my thinking on this. So once I get the AIMA appt, I can buy a policy with the provisions you listed.Thanks to you both! Read More
Health Insurance for D7 Visa by UKMark
Hi, I'm looking around for the Health Insurance required for the D7 application. Does anyone have any recommendations or advice? A rough idea of the cost would be appreciated too. I am in early 50s and my wife in her late 40s would ideally like ...
@JohnnyPT,First, thank you for all of your help thus far. I really feel reassured when you share information.Buying yet another insurance will be a significant cost. Someone (somewhere, not on this site though) mentioned he had a quote for private ... Read More
Health Insurance for D7 Visa by UKMark
Hi, I'm looking around for the Health Insurance required for the D7 application. Does anyone have any recommendations or advice? A rough idea of the cost would be appreciated too. I am in early 50s and my wife in her late 40s would ideally like ...
@JohnnyPT Now I'm really confused. Am I misunderstanding what you wrote in Post #9? "If initial application is approved in your country of origin (interview at the Portuguese Consulate), a four-month visa for Portugal will then be issued 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 ...
I just applied for my D7 in Miami at the VFS office this week. Miami does NOT take walk-ins. Booking the appointment was a nightmare. In late February, while still waiting for my apostilled background check (already in week 8 of waiting) I started ... Read More