D7 Visa Processing Time

Hi @Kumail,

The standard processing time is often cited as 60 days (2 months), but this is frequently extended, especially if additional documents are required.

So make sure you have all the documents required by the consulate, so that your visa can be approved as quickly as possible. Please note that there are documents that require an apostille, such as a criminal record, so be aware of it.

@JohnnyPT

Hi @Johnny,

Thank you so much for your reply and for explaining the timeline. That’s very helpful! I’ll make sure all my documents are complete and apostilled before my appointment so everything goes smoothly.

I also wanted to ask — what would you recommend regarding the 365-day rental contract? Should I sign it now, or is there a better way to handle it while waiting for the visa approval?

Best,

Kumail

If you look at the PDF from the Portuguese embassy in Ankara, it says this:

Proof of accommodation secured for 365 days. This proof can be provided by purchasing property in Portugal or a long-term rental contract.

I can't advise you on this issue, but it seems to me that if you present an apostilled rental contract starting +/- 2 months after you hand in the documentation at the consulate/VFS, there won't be a problem. But it's best to enquire at the embassy about that.

____

PDF:

Fixed residency for retirement purposes (D7 visa), religious purposes or people living out from individual revenues / RESIDENCY VISA FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF RESIDENCE FOR PENSIONERS, RELIGIOUS PURPOSES OR PEOPLE LIVING ON THEIR OWN INCOME

https://ancara.embaixadaportugal.mne.go … nformation

@JohnnyPT

Thank you for sharing this. I saw the embassy note mentioning the need for 365 days of accommodation proof. Since the visa takes around 6–8 weeks, I believe a 12-month rental contract starting 1–2 months after submission should be acceptable. Still, it’s best to confirm this with the embassy or VFS to be sure.

Hi Johnny,

I hope you’re doing well.

I wanted to clarify one point regarding the accommodation requirement for my D7 visa application. Since I’ll be applying as a single applicant, I’m considering renting a single room instead of a full apartment for the 12-month lease.

Could you please confirm whether a formal lease for a single room (in my name, with landlord details and duration clearly stated) would be acceptable for the D7 visa submission? Or does the consulate specifically require a full apartment or studio lease?

I would really appreciate your guidance on this so we can proceed accordingly.

Kind regards,

Kumail Murtaza

Hi @Kumail,

You have to present a tenancy agreement. I don't think it's a problem if it's just a room, as long as the room is just yours. There have been many problems with several immigrants in the same house, at the same address. AIMA is now aware of this and will validate it. AIMA may even ask for the owner's details and contact details in order to check the situation.

@JohnnyPT

Hi Johnny,

Thanks for clarifying. I understand a tenancy for just my room is fine, and AIMA may verify with the owner if needed. I’ll make sure all documents are in order.