Certificate de Bagagem

Hi Sam,

Will the promissory note be accepted for proof of residence in Portugal?

A promissory note (Contrato Promessa de Compra e Venda or CPCV) is legally binding in Portugal, but consulates generally view it as a prospective address rather than established proof of residence until the final deed (Escritura) is executed.

However, because you already have a valid rental lease for mainland Portugal—the document linked to your D7 visa application—you meet the strict requirement for proof of an established Portuguese address.

The Certificate de Bagagem takes time to process and I need to get it going now. My concern is the goods will end up in mainland Portugal instead of at the correct address. Would it be prudent to send both documents for the Certificate de Bagagem?

1. Provide Both Documents. Submit your active mainland rental lease (which legally satisfies the consulate's proof of accommodation) alongside a copy of the signed CPCV for your new home in the Azores.

1. Add a signed cover letter / explanatory letter declaring that your destination address for the container delivery is the Azorean address specified in the CPCV. Explicitly state the date you intend to complete the sale and move into the home in the Azores.

1. The Certificado de Bagagem process requires a detailed inventory list (lista de bens). Ensure the destination address written at the top of your inventory list is your Azores address, not the mainland address.

Preventing Shipment to the Mainland

To guarantee your goods land in the Azores:

1. Inform Your Shipping Company: Your international movers control the physical routing, bill of lading, and port of entry. Ensure your contract specifies delivery to the specific port in the Azores (e.g., Ponta Delgada or Angra do Heroísmo), rather than Lisbon or Leixões.

1. Customs Clearance Port: Customs clearance occurs at the port of arrival. If the container arrives at an Azorean port, local customs officials will clear it using your Certificado de Bagagem.

Submitting both documents gives the consulate the official legal proof of residence they require while establishing clear intent for your ultimate destination in the Azores.

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1. Later, at your AIMA Appointment (In Portugal):

1. Take your original promissory note (CPCV), proof of your down payment, and any utility/deed documents to your AIMA appointment.

1. Inform the AIMA officer during your interview that your primary residence is now in the Azores. They will register the Azores address directly in the system so your physical residence card (Título de Residência) is mailed to your new home in the Azores.

2. Updating Finanças (NIF Address)

1. Your tax address (morada fiscal) with the Portuguese Tax Authority (Finanças) must also reflect your actual residence.

1. Once you complete the final deed of purchase or obtain a local address registration (Atestado de Residência) from the local Junta de Freguesia in the Azores, log into the Portal das Finanças / update online or visit a local Serviço de Finanças in the Azores. Upload your deed (Escritura) or Junta de Freguesia certificate to update your NIF address.

3. If your AIMA appointment was booked under your old mainland address and you need to notify them before or after your appointment, you can update your details through AIMA's digital channels:  Access the official AIMA Contact Form:

Info here:

https://portal-renovacoes.aima.gov.pt/o … pr/pr-home

Update address here:

https://contactenos.aima.gov.pt/contact-form

Selecting:

Tipo de assunto: Portal das Renovações

Subtipo de assunto: comunicar/retificar morada