Moving to Portugal

Hi all, Could anyone recommend a company that managers the end to end move to Portugal including D7 visa, mortgage, lawyer, tax advice etc. ?Alternatively, any advice on how best to coordinate all the activity that required? - @stnfarrowj

Hi under Welcome.

Unlikely that anyone would recommended anything if you can't be bothered to explain where you are moving from etc etc.

We are not allowed to post names & contacts of businesses here. I've sent you a Private Message, check your box.

Hi all, Could anyone recommend a company that managers the end to end move to Portugal including D7 visa, mortgage, lawyer, tax advice etc. ?Alternatively, any advice on how best to coordinate all the activity that required? - @stnfarrowj
Hi under Welcome.
Unlikely that anyone would recommended anything if you can't be bothered to explain where you are moving from etc etc. - @Strontium

But, there will definitely be somebody trying to make some money from this situation. 😂

Sorry I forgot.

That'll be 26 Dinar for that advice, the usual one Dinar per word.

Alternatively, any advice on how best to coordinate all the activity that's required? - @stnfarrowj

My most important advice is to be aware that there are many scams & tricks going on in Portugal, whereby new arrivals get scammed and lose money. Sometimes a lot of money...

There are many folks (both portuguese and expats that are already living here) trying to make a few bucks. Be very aware of this at all times!

The agency I've recommended you by PM, are portuguese professionals and experienced in relocations, they are registered as a business and are accountable & traceable. Many are not.

They are not free but they won't exploit you either. And you'll know beforehand how much their services will cost. You can use as much or as little of their services as you wish. Using them might actually save you some money & time & headaches. They have all the services you need at hand (lawyers, property buyers agents, etc.) and they can put you in touch with specialist accountants, mortgage providers etc. Their specialism is relocations, including relocations from the USA.

If you have the time and inclination, you can do it all yourself, step by step. In this case you'll need to do a bit of research and compile a lot of information to make sure you know what you are doing, but you'll get there. Any specific questions you may have can be put in online forums like this one.

Please note that I don't work for the agency I've recommended, they don't even know me. I just find them to be the one I'd trust if I needed their services. But there will be others.

All the best 💒🇵🇹

D7 visa, mortgage, lawyer, tax advice etc. ?Any advice on how best to coordinate all the activity that's required? - @stnfarrowj

For the D7 visa you need to prepare the following docs:

1. get a NIF number and with it open a bank account in Portugal (best done in person in Portugal free of charge)
2. transfer funds to your account, minimum 12000 Euros for 1 person, plus 6000 for spouse
3. get an address in Portugal, either by buying a home or renting a home (12 month rental contract minimum)
4. apply for D7 visa in your country through VFS Global website, and book an appointment at their nearest office
5. go to your VFS appointment with all your docs (passport, current address, new address, NIF, bank account statement, proof of passive income, latest annual tax statement, criminal record disclosure, etc.)
6. pay visa fee
7. wait maximum of 60 days in your country for reply: visa approved
8. go to the portuguese consulate in person to get the entry visa stamped on your passport, as directed
9. go to Portugal and attend immigration appointement with AIMA to get your biometric residency card and residency visa valid for 2 or 3 years
10. repeat everything at renewal due date (by then you'll already have most docs, just need to add latest proof of income & taxes paid in Portugal)

Please note there will be long wait to get VFS appointment in your country, plus wait for visa, plus wait for AIMA appointment in Portugal. It all could take 6 months or more...

To avoid any delays, get all docs together early and read all instructions on VFS Global website (they are the visa agency that processes applications on behalf of portuguese immigration). If possible provide them with more docs then the bare minimum, such as last 6 months or 1 year of income instead of just 3 months. Same for tax paid, double bank account funds, etc.

Now the mortgage is another long story... best left for another day.