is there a checklist out there to follow to get started?

1POSTS

3 years ago

@Julien

Good day all! I am Alison, and I currently live in Florida, USA. I am renting, and my lease is up 3/31/24. I have been to and researched The Algarves as a relocation destination, and am targeting the Vilamoura area.

With that said, WOW there is a lot of information on the what/how to obtain visas, process length, difficulties...

Question: is there a checklist out there to follow to get started? Honestly, I have read so much the process is confusing. Basically. I am looking to move to The Algarves and purchase a modest priced apartment.

Can anyone help with a step-by-step checklist on what to do, where and when? Ex. Apply for D7 Visa in the USA, yes? I there anything I need to do in person in Portugal as I do paperwork in USA? Goal: move to The Algarves, obtain. D7 into a newly purchased apartment and become a resident. Sounds simple enough, but I want to make sure to the proper steps in the right order.

Any help is most appreciated!

Alison

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JohnnyPT Portugal Expert

5427POSTS

3 years ago

Hi @Alison, Welcome.

There is a lot of information about the D7 visa on the internet and on this forum.

Some help here:

https://washingtondc.embaixadaportugal. … nformation

D7 visa Checklist VFSglobal:

https://visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/po … cklist.pdf

If you have any questions you can create a new thread, or contact by private message any expat member who did the US - Portugal route. I suggest you read this experience sharing about visas. Most of them did everything by themselves:

Experience sharing about Visas to Portugal (D7 & others)

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

This applies not only to the UK but to all countries where a residence visa is required:

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

And remember, NO VISA IS NECESSARY if you are a U.S. citizen and will be traveling to Portugal for up to 90 days. However, you will need a valid U.S. passport for at least 3 months from the date of planned return or other travel document recognized by member States of the Schengen Agreement.

So you can use that trip to prepare some of the visa requirements, without using a third party or doing things online, such as applying for the NIF or getting a rental contract. You don't need to purchase nothing, you can have a 12-month lease.

Best Regards