First things first

Pragmatically -  get over here for a month or two and experince different areas, towns, landscapes, lifestyles, weather, food, property etc. before possibly wasting your and others time with vague dreams.

@BOONDOCK-SAINT, Hi.

Some help here. Please read some experience sharing from other US Expats here:

Experience sharing about Visas to Portugal (D7 & others)

https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=971460

(US - post 4)

Some info about visas, such as D7:

https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=908742

Regards

Thanks JohnnyPT,

I've read a number of your posts and hoped you might chime in.

I don't need a permanent housing situation, I plan to go there and travel, just need an initial landing spot. A 3 month rental etc would give me more time to explore etc.

Plus I shouldn't have to GO THERE in order to have some basic questions answered, that's allegedly what this forum is for, no? If anyone actually feels like I might be wasting their time, I implore you to not bother yourself with a reply, there are no refunds.

You can drop by any time you want, and stay for 3 months, on the no-questions-asked EU tourist visa.  The only problem with this is that you have to stay away for another 3 months.  Short term rentals will add up, but they're an opportunity to get a more extensive idea of what different areas are like.  (If this comment is unsatisfactory, feel free to be defensive.)

If you're going for a D7 then at least try for basics of NIF, bank account and accommodation beforehand.   As you may have read on this site accomodation is quite an problem for visa applicants (and everone else)  if you are in a Forign country and not here to activly look at/for places then it;s even more of an issue-  so is popping into your local Portugese Tax office to get tax code (NIF) and along to the nearest  Portugese Bank to get an account.

Thanks Strontium,

That's really good boot-on-the-ground info. I have no intention of paying for airfare etc to go and visit, then go BACK to the US and mull around for a while.

There are a number of folks / agencies that can assist with securing housing, NIF, banking, etc. I'll gladly spend the $ in order to simply the processes. I'm interested in knowing about how others went about things, what they would do differently etc.

I re read the D7 visa requirements and find that I have more than enough funds to satisfy that requirement, even if I don't do a digital nomad visa.

I still have questions about finding a QUIET and safe place, an appointment at an Embassy, whether it's practical to ship boxes of household stuff or just re buy in PT. I won't need cell service, but I really do need rock solid internet.

I'm S/W/M 60, financially secure, moving alone with no pets or baggage (except 2 suitcase) I'll be open to hearing about quiet housing and communities. I spend 95% of my time alone, but open to volunteering at community centers, hospital, retirement homes etc if that's a thing there.

Thanks to everyone for various replies and PM etc.