Perpetual_traveler
American looking for information about Portugal
Forum posts
104
Contacts
2
About me
American
Speaks English, Portuguese, Afrikaans, Russian.
Registration: 24 May 2022
Visa renewal online by debsS
Good morning Has anyone tried to successfully submit on the new site? https://contactenos.aima.gov.pt/contact-formI saw it announced today in the news.
@JohnnyPT Unfortunately this option does not work. I try to make my submission with all the information and attachements being correct, but it rejects the submission because it rejects the título number - it wants a visa number, not a ... Read More
Visa renewal online by debsS
Good morning Has anyone tried to successfully submit on the new site? https://contactenos.aima.gov.pt/contact-formI saw it announced today in the news.
@JohnnyPT Thank you! That is great! Read More
Visa renewal online by debsS
Good morning Has anyone tried to successfully submit on the new site? https://contactenos.aima.gov.pt/contact-formI saw it announced today in the news.
@debsS To be honest, I am slightly confused by it. I don't see a clear option for the renewal of a "Titulo de Residência" that has an expired card but is still valid via decree extension until October 15 (such as a D7). Perhaps I am just ... Read More
Taxes for expats in Spain by Cheryl
Hello everyone, When settling in and living in Spain, you will also need to navigate the local tax system. In order to help newcomers and expats ease their tax-related experience, we would like to invite you to share your experience. What are ...
@Julian Global Solutions If only it was this simple. Anyone with an RV (camper van) would be doing this. It's pretty much impossible to legally avoid all taxes. There are loads of articles about this if you Google it. They are unanimous that one ... Read More
Renewal of Residence Card by stefano1966
Anyone have suggestions on how to renew your card. The online renewal is not working and I was told that they are 6 months behind. I have sent email to Aima still waiting .... Does anyone have an email to the IRN to request an appointment,Any ...
@sr_ianbell Once again, huge thanks. Your posts have been invaluable!👊 Read More
Renewal of Residence Card by stefano1966
Anyone have suggestions on how to renew your card. The online renewal is not working and I was told that they are 6 months behind. I have sent email to Aima still waiting .... Does anyone have an email to the IRN to request an appointment,Any ...
@sr_ianbell What are you here on? A D7? Thanks for your update that you got the email appointment. Read More
Enough passive income to support D7? by norm2pt
Hi everyone, I am from the States my SS income is 1095 a month + another 300 dollars. My total monthly income is 1395 I am wondering about the approval rate.
@Mariza.says Respect. I like your philosophy and your method. 👏 Read More
Buying or selling property by Devonlass
I sold my house in July 2024 through the Inland Villas agency in Sax, Alicante, Mr David Fraser, proprietor.This is what I have learnt:Bring your own translator, use your phone. There are apps available that translate conversation and text. In house ...
Somehow, I get the feeling that this is a "hard lessons learned" post? If so, sorry to hear it. Read More
Dental treatment Portugal by solmaz piri
Hi everyone,Could you please advise on paying for dental treatment in Portugal and Lisbon. Would you recommend any insurance or any dentist here?Thank you
It's a simple, pay everything yourself, system. Insurance in my opinion is a complete waste of time. There is no government assistance unless you are under 16 or you are a pregnant woman. Choose a dentist, there are thousands, and get your ... Read More
RENEWING US PASSPORT FROM PORTUGAL by maxwmitchell1997
Has anyone renewed their US passport while living in Portugal??
@daphnelavern No reason it shouldn't Daphne, just follow their instructions exactly. Once you send it, if you don't hear anything back in about 10 days, you can relax and start waiting. It takes about 2 weeks to come up in the actual tracking system ... Read More
RENEWING US PASSPORT FROM PORTUGAL by maxwmitchell1997
Has anyone renewed their US passport while living in Portugal??
Yes, I just did it. From Portugal. Took about six weeks - start (mailing everything to the Embassy) to finish (receipt of new documents in the hand). There were no complications... but you must read the instructions very carefully especially around ... Read More
Immigration lawyers by Hawkology
Any recommendations for an attorney well versed with the D7 visa?
Why do you need a lawyer? There are people on this board such as JohnnyPT who are experts in this area, and can probably answer a question at least as well as any lawyer, and perhaps better, and free! You should avail yourself of the knowledge on ... Read More
Immigration lawyers by Hawkology
Any recommendations for an attorney well versed with the D7 visa?
Why do you need a lawyer? There are people on this board such as JohnnyPT who are experts in this area, and can probably answer a question at least as well as any lawyer, and perhaps better, and free! You should avail yourself of the knowledge on ... Read More
Travel while waiting for new residence card by Paglaom
My Portugal residence card expired on 15th March 2024. I did my AIMA renewal appointment on 1st March 2024. They said the new card will take 90 days to arrive. My question is, can I travel to Spain and back to Portugal with my passport and receipt ...
The decree forms part of the document. It is just another way to issue it. Whether you have a card that has the date stamped on it, or the card and a just-as-valid legal decree of the Portuguese government accompanying it, with a future date of ... Read More
RESIDENCY VISA FOR RETIREMENT PURPOSES (D7 form) by sfaznpinoy
So, I'm looking at the national visa form when I checked out https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/prt/apply-visa (after going through San Francisco consulate page). I'm looking at D7 visa (retirement pension).For accommodation, it says ...
Trying to do this long distance you are inviting problems. You should come to Portugal and set everything up personally. You might find it will save you in money in the long run. I would be very careful of any of these agencies. Many of them are ... Read More
Soon to be Expat living in the north west f Spain by LORSEIW
Hi All,My name is Liam and I am 56 years old. I hope to buy a property in the next 12 to 18 months somewhere in the north west of Spain and use for holidays and then to retire to in the next few years (sooner the better). I don't use the the term ...
Hi Liam... What you will find as regards "touristy" in this area is that is really only in summer, and the vast majority of the tourists are Spanish. Most foreign tourists head south to the beaches of the Med. The rest of the year there are very few ... Read More
D7 Renewal question by Perpetual_traveler
HiHas anyone succeeded in obtaining a renewal for their D7 based on the process outlined on this page:https://justica.gov.pt/Servicos/Renovar-Autorizacao-de-ResidenciaD7 is not listed under the exclusions, but neither do I see it listed under the ...
Perhaps as a follow on question: has anyone reading this thread actually received an unsolicited renewal appointment notification? Read More
D7 Renewal question by Perpetual_traveler
HiHas anyone succeeded in obtaining a renewal for their D7 based on the process outlined on this page:https://justica.gov.pt/Servicos/Renovar-Autorizacao-de-ResidenciaD7 is not listed under the exclusions, but neither do I see it listed under the ...
@JohnnyPT Thanks for that update. Read More
D7 Renewal question
HiHas anyone succeeded in obtaining a renewal for their D7 based on the process outlined on this page:https://justica.gov.pt/Servicos/Renovar-Autorizacao-de-ResidenciaD7 is not listed under the exclusions, but neither do I see it listed under the ... Read More
Inquiries way down
Is it just my imagination or have the level of inquiries dropped way down since the NHR was effectively abolished?This forum used to have many new inquiries daily. Now it doesn't seem so. Perhaps also driven partly by the AIMA fiasco. Read More
Advice to anyone thinking about moving to Portugal by Perpetual_traveler
I personally love living in Portugal. For me it is an amazing country. But, if you are considering coming, there is an extremely interesting article on CNN today, about a couple who moved to France. It is called 'Too much grief and no joy’.I ...
@Strontium 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Read More
Advice to anyone thinking about moving to Portugal by Perpetual_traveler
I personally love living in Portugal. For me it is an amazing country. But, if you are considering coming, there is an extremely interesting article on CNN today, about a couple who moved to France. It is called 'Too much grief and no joy’.I ...
@Mariza.says Very good points and interesting stats! To be honest, now that the NHR is gone, if you don't have it I question the sense of coming to Portugal. Not because it isn't an amazing country - which it is - but aside from that tax ... Read More
Retiring from US by Mbershod
Hello, we are a married lesbian couple in our late 60’s looking to retire in Spain from the US. Visited twice to Madrid, Alicante, Malaga and Estepone. We are from S. Florida so being close to the ocean is a priority. We want to plan another ...
You really shouldn't be thinking of moving huge amounts of stuff. Freight rates are incomprehensible now. You would probably be able to replace the stuff you have, new, without the agony of the shipping, buying locally. But get a quote. Would be ... Read More
Retirement to Malaga buying property by Wendy Clark
Helloi have a two year plan to retire to Malaga any advice wouldbe extremely helpful and welcome! Especially about buying a property
Malaga is another big dirty city. It's brutal in summer. Humidity. Look up in Torre del Mar if you are set on that area. Much cheaper. Very beautiful. An expat community for you to fit in to. Restaurants catering for expats with menus in English etc. Read More
Mulling it over by debbiebolt07
Hi allWe are a couple of 60+ youngsters with a cockapoo and seriously thinking of moving to Portugal.. Portugal is a stunning place it has come to the time I need better weather for my osteoarthritis and for both our mental health. we ...
@Strontium FYI you are 100% allowed to work, open a business, perform any commercial activity you want on a D7. On the card it is written on the back under Observações/ Remarks:"Permite o exercício de actividade profissional"The ... Read More
5 weeks in Barcelona by Andrew50
My wife and I are going to be in Barcelona for 5 weeks starting early January. We'll both be working NYC hours from our apartment in the Arc area. This is a test to see if we can work remotely long term partially to escape the current US political ...
Interested to know why of all the amazing cities in Spain you would choose Barcelona? Having been all over Spain, that part of the country is the least "Spanish-feeling" I have encountered:Very expensive - like REALLY expensive. Over-hyped.Not ... Read More
Advice to anyone thinking about moving to Portugal by Perpetual_traveler
I personally love living in Portugal. For me it is an amazing country. But, if you are considering coming, there is an extremely interesting article on CNN today, about a couple who moved to France. It is called 'Too much grief and no joy’.I ...
@Strontium I agree. I have said it before on this forum about trying to learn Portuguese. It will increase ones quality of life here hugely. When I did my citizenship language test I was amazed at how many people had studied and were taking the ... Read More
Realistic cost of living in Lisbon? by David_NOVA
Hello,I have been planning to retire to Portugal from the US for a few years. I have been doing all the research I can on COL, the D7 visa, getting a NIF, etc. But I have not found an answer to this question specifically.It would be nice to here ...
@David_NOVA Porto has extremely good travel links. Rail, road and air. All very well connected by an amazing metro system. In fact, Porto has a metro system that is very forward looking, it goes many km out in different directions, sometimes through ... Read More
Realistic cost of living in Lisbon? by David_NOVA
Hello,I have been planning to retire to Portugal from the US for a few years. I have been doing all the research I can on COL, the D7 visa, getting a NIF, etc. But I have not found an answer to this question specifically.It would be nice to here ...
My first impression is that you are going to have problems with that level of rent, on that income. Remember, you will be paying taxes in Portugal now, regardless of the type of funds. In addition, you might also be paying some taxes in the source ... Read More
Advice to anyone thinking about moving to Portugal by Perpetual_traveler
I personally love living in Portugal. For me it is an amazing country. But, if you are considering coming, there is an extremely interesting article on CNN today, about a couple who moved to France. It is called 'Too much grief and no joy’.I ...
Thanks for posting that, Johnny! Read More
Advice to anyone thinking about moving to Portugal
I personally love living in Portugal. For me it is an amazing country. But, if you are considering coming, there is an extremely interesting article on CNN today, about a couple who moved to France. It is called 'Too much grief and no joy’.I ... Read More
Preventive care in Portugal by Cheryl
Hello everyone, As an expat in Portugal, taking care of your health would be one of your main priorities. Preventive healthcare plays a crucial role in keeping fit and healthy. We therefore would like to invite you to share your insights on ...
I see no-one has replied so let me be the first one:There is a very large difference between REACTIVE and PREVENTATIVE care in Portugal.My experience with reactive care is absolutely amazing - where you have a problem and suddenly need treatment. I ... Read More
Change of address before residence permit arrives by bloggerblogger
Hey guys,My first AIMA appointment happened in April 2024. Now it's October 2024 and I changed my address as it's the end of my rental contract.How do I communicate this change of address to AIMA before so that hey will print my new address on my ...
@zoeberg More wrong information. "At times, if you have little time left on your card, you’re offered the online change option but it depends from one AIMA agency to another."This is not true. There is NO online address change option anywhere, ... Read More
Change of address before residence permit arrives by bloggerblogger
Hey guys,My first AIMA appointment happened in April 2024. Now it's October 2024 and I changed my address as it's the end of my rental contract.How do I communicate this change of address to AIMA before so that hey will print my new address on my ...
@EstrellaGalicia What you have read is wrong. If you change the address they DO NOT "confiscate" the old card at the address-change appointment. They clip it (punch a hole in it) and return it to you, so in this way it is invalidated but you ... Read More
Change of address :SEF by Newly_arrived35
Hello all, As we all know how chaotic SEF is especially these days as it transitions into the new department. Question that I have is : when a existing residence card holder changes ...
Unfortunately it stays the same. The only thing that will change aside from the address is if for example you have been issued a health system number, and a social security number subsequent to the first appointment. If you didn't have those at the ... Read More
Change of address before residence permit arrives by bloggerblogger
Hey guys,My first AIMA appointment happened in April 2024. Now it's October 2024 and I changed my address as it's the end of my rental contract.How do I communicate this change of address to AIMA before so that hey will print my new address on my ...
That was referring to the card already issued to the OP after his appointment, before he changed his address again.In fact it doesn't even matter if the card is printed already or not. You can't change the address in mid-process. Read More
Change of address before residence permit arrives by bloggerblogger
Hey guys,My first AIMA appointment happened in April 2024. Now it's October 2024 and I changed my address as it's the end of my rental contract.How do I communicate this change of address to AIMA before so that hey will print my new address on my ...
@frescura New address. Once you formally change the address with AIMA and they accept it, the old will not exist for any purpose.The instant you have the new update card, go to all the necessary state departments to change the address you have on ... Read More
Change of address before residence permit arrives by bloggerblogger
Hey guys,My first AIMA appointment happened in April 2024. Now it's October 2024 and I changed my address as it's the end of my rental contract.How do I communicate this change of address to AIMA before so that hey will print my new address on my ...
By making an appointment with them and doing it all again. They will only emit to the approved address after seeing the documentation in person. The card will come to the old address - if you are not there they will return it to AIMA. Read More
NHR status with no rental contract or property ownership by DrCarloRossi
Good evening, I am a retired NHR resident living full time in Portugal.I recently had a very significant rent increase (60%), I would like to change country of residence but I won't be able to organize myself before the beginning of 2025.However, I ...
@JohnnyPTI know a young Portuguese guy in Lisbon. He rented a place in Estoril about 5 years ago. Immediately started Airbnb'ing it. This is totally not allowed in his contract. He doesn't care. In 5 years the landlord has not been able to step foot ... Read More
NHR status with no rental contract or property ownership by DrCarloRossi
Good evening, I am a retired NHR resident living full time in Portugal.I recently had a very significant rent increase (60%), I would like to change country of residence but I won't be able to organize myself before the beginning of 2025.However, I ...
Thanks for clarifying. Overlying everything is that if the landlord tries to do this he runs the risk of provoking the tenant into conflict. This is very ruthless of the landlord and would certainly get a reaction from certain tenants. I do not ... Read More
NHR status with no rental contract or property ownership by DrCarloRossi
Good evening, I am a retired NHR resident living full time in Portugal.I recently had a very significant rent increase (60%), I would like to change country of residence but I won't be able to organize myself before the beginning of 2025.However, I ...
@strontium Perhaps. Most leases are 12 month leases which automatically renew unless either party cancels it. That is the standard terminology of lease contracts in Portugal. Mine says as follows:"O Contrato presente tem o seu início em 01 de ... Read More
NHR status with no rental contract or property ownership by DrCarloRossi
Good evening, I am a retired NHR resident living full time in Portugal.I recently had a very significant rent increase (60%), I would like to change country of residence but I won't be able to organize myself before the beginning of 2025.However, I ...
If this was the landlord attempting to cancel the existing lease, and then get a new, completely new lease, perhaps yes. But, an extension of an existing lease with no changes to the existing terms and conditions, I do not think so. This is one of ... Read More
NHR status with no rental contract or property ownership by DrCarloRossi
Good evening, I am a retired NHR resident living full time in Portugal.I recently had a very significant rent increase (60%), I would like to change country of residence but I won't be able to organize myself before the beginning of 2025.However, I ...
@DrCarloRossiYou might want to check the validity/legality of the rental increase if it is an existing, long-term, correctly-registered with Finanças, contract. They can only increase by the contract by the published government inflation ... Read More
Changing Rental Agreement after Getting D7 Travel Visa by wordsmith555
I have a one-year lease (until May 2025) for a room in a house that I used for applying for my D7. The lease was drawn up by an attorney and i have proof the landlord paid the stamp duty. The landlord is a personal friend. I just signed a 6-month ...
Your plan has possible problems. It is not actually true. So, you run the risk of being exposed and could lose your visa over something so technically trivial as an address change with AIMA. (Yes, I know how hard it is to actually get that address ... Read More
AIMA appointment rescheduled by mayaabouchedid
Hello everyone,If AIMA rescheduled an appointment for the D7 Visa residency (due to system shut down on the day!), would the date of the previous appointment be taken into consideration as the start of the residency or the new date will apply? I ...
@mayaabouchedidThe date on your Título de Residencia card will be the date on which you actually sit down with the AIMA people for your initial interview, show your documents and have your photo taken. Your formal residence starts on that ... Read More
MGEN Advanced Care moving the goal posts by jazchapp
I wonder if anybody has had this issue.After a lot of stress and toing and fro-ing my cataract surgery got pre authorisation but had taken so long the hospital bumped me off the surgeon’s list. Next approval granted as minor surgery, €250 ...
@TGCampoI have said this in a few posts. People don't realize that they might not have much (or anything at all) with these private policies.I would not even consider getting another one now after having cancelled my "required" policy after the ... Read More
MEO vs NOS by Rob DuBoux
We purchased our new apartment in Ferragudo in April. We went to Worten and set up internet and tv bundle with MEO. The MEO technician tried to install the service but couldn’t because the building was new and he needed another box out in the ...
I have NOS. I have never used MEO. Good: My experience is that it is extremely reliable (Fibre box). It is fast. If you move AFTER 6 MONTHS, the move will be free.Not so good: I am locked into a 2 year contract. Like many contracts in Portugal, they ... Read More
Private Health Insurance by maxwmitchell1997
Can anyone recommend a good Private Health Insurance company for someone over 70 years old??
My advice to you would be to read the fine print extremely carefully if you really want to spend money on this option. The fine print will in general be quite eye-opening. For example, you might find large deductibles before you can claim and ... Read More
D7 VISA APPLICATION by ziegelaa2001
HI:If I apply for a D7 visa, and show enough savings for the first year ,does that suffice?I have enough and over and also retirement accounts?Can people work with this visa?ThoughtsSharon
@sarazindarci - you should make absolutely certain before advising like this. You are categorically wrong.@ziegelaa2001 You are 100% allowed to work, start a business or do any other form of commercial activity. The D7 Titulo de Residencia card has ... Read More
Private Health Care by CBW123
Does anyone have experience with MGEN private health insurance in Portugal? Thank you.
I posted on this forum previously about private health care. I never mentioned company names, for the reason that Johnny stated. However, I would personally never ever buy private health insurance on Portugal again (needed it for initial D7 ... Read More
Lease Deposit Return… by spencer2me
My spouse and I were in the process of signing a 2-year long term lease. We gave the representative agent 1200 euros deposit to secure the lease. Within 2-days we discovered issues with our car import to Portugal caused a 6-month delay to our Visa ...
@spencer2meThere are so many of these stories on this Forum. Unless you want to get expensive lawyers (and even then no guarantees) your money is probably gone. If they won't pay it back willingly you will have to fight for it. Read More
What areas in Portugal has cooler weather and LOTS of mountains? by juliet1980
My dream is to live a very simple off grid life like I used to when I lived in Hungary many years ago (I speak fluent Hungarian but zero Portuguese but very willing to learn). I am trying to compare Hungry to Portugal but I have NEVER been to ...
Vila Pouca de Aguiar near Vila Real. Has plenty snow. Read More
Auto Insurance when traveling by bonnieke
Right up front - very sincere thanks to anyone responding to this post. Good information is greatly appreciated.I've currently been living in Portugal for 3 years and renting a car has been difficult when traveling back to the US. I have no need ...
@bonniekeCheck your credit cards, if you have any. Especially American Express - if you rent a car with them, they often include car rental insurance. Read More
Targeting areas with modernization and low tourism by BOONDOCK-SAINT
Hello all,I'm not suggesting I WANT to live on or near beach front areas, but I needed to find a way to show an area on the map with a link. No uploady.Along the course in this map link, and to the East a ways, does anyone know and or live in these ...
What you will find in Portugal is that there are 3 types of properties in Portugal.Ruins - dirt cheap, every second youtube channel shows "I am fixing up a cheap ruin". Many of them get ruined in the process. They are cheap for a reason - ever ... Read More
Tell me a secret by BOONDOCK-SAINT
Hello all,I'm wondering if anyone would be willing to PM me any locations you know where it is very quiet, not high traffic, nothing ghetto etc?Do you know some secret little bungalow places, farm communities, standalone structures where I can eek ...
Check out northern Portugal, a place like Montalegre. The beauty is breathtaking, its completely safe, there is a large hospital in reasonable distance in Chaves. Zero expats. Life as it has been lived for centuries. Old-school Portugal. Read More
Restaurant with British Food Galicia by katethehope
Hi guys,My name is Katie and I used to live in UK for the past 11 years. Now me and my husband are living in Monforte de Lemos, Galicia, where we have our small family pizzeria, which is called "Pizzeria Juntos ".I was wondering and looking for ...
@katethehopeI have spent time in Ourense, and passed through Monforte. I live in northern Portugal. I have come across very few expats in our region. A few tourists though. Read More
Food truck by stevenanew
Looking for advice from anyone who has or knows about food trucks. We have a food truck we have all the correct paperwork from health and hygiene, insurances zero hour licence etc etc. But we have a contract with a private landowner to put our truck ...
@stevenanewAll land in Portugal is private in the sense that it is owned by someone. Restaurants in the center of town are on private land too. To open a restaurant (on wheels or fixed) you need various licences issued by various authorities. If ... Read More
Has anyone changed the address on the residence permit card? by sandraawilliams153
When you get a residence permit card, your address is printed on the card, however, when you move and you have a new address, has anyone tried to change the address on the card?I hope someone can share success stories, thanks.
@sandraawilliams153You are welcome! Read More
Has anyone changed the address on the residence permit card? by sandraawilliams153
When you get a residence permit card, your address is printed on the card, however, when you move and you have a new address, has anyone tried to change the address on the card?I hope someone can share success stories, thanks.
@sandraawilliams153Hi - you need to telephone the SEF AIMA number and make an appointment at a SEF AIMA office, to do this in person. There is no other way. You cannot do this remotely via email or the actual transaction over the phone. You have to ... Read More
SEF INTERVIEW by maxwmitchell1997
My wife and I have received our D7 VISAs. I went on the SEF's website and found that I have an appointment scheduled however, my wife does not have one scheduled. My wife has no income. I have a pension. Even through a person doesn't have ...
@maxwmitchell1997Perseverance is the only solution. Remember thousands of others are in the same position needing appointments. I read that they can only take a couple of thousand calls a day total. If it doesn't go through today, try tomorrow etc. ... Read More
SEF INTERVIEW by maxwmitchell1997
My wife and I have received our D7 VISAs. I went on the SEF's website and found that I have an appointment scheduled however, my wife does not have one scheduled. My wife has no income. I have a pension. Even through a person doesn't have ...
I am sure that this is very stressful for you both. Here is what i would do... You need to make the appointment by telephone. There is a number to call; either Off a landline (+351) 217 115 000 or off a cell phone (+351) 965 903 700. Start calling ... Read More
Digital Nomad Visa - Has anyone received residence card yet ? by nimrod_1976
Hi folks, I had my SEF interview in November for my digital nomad visa and still have not received my temporary residence card has anyone else been in the same situation ?thanks
@nimrod_1976Finanças is not involved. See what the email response is from AIM. I think you are going to have to go in to see them to collect your card. I am surprised that they took a post office box address in the first place - normally they ... Read More
Digital Nomad Visa - Has anyone received residence card yet ? by nimrod_1976
Hi folks, I had my SEF interview in November for my digital nomad visa and still have not received my temporary residence card has anyone else been in the same situation ?thanks
@nimrod_1976I think that is your problem. They will never deliver to postbox, only to registered physical address where you live. Signature is mandatory, in person. Read More
Sending and receiving packages in Portugal by Priscilla
Hello, As an expat, there are inevitably certain items you might want or need from back home, and around the holiday period, many people like to send gift packages. How easy is it to send and receive packages in Portugal? Is the public ...
@chrisschubert21If you bringing goods in commercially you will need an entire system before you can receive those goods. It is extremely complicated importing into the EU. Many registrations to be done with various agencies etc. Read More
Digital Nomad Visa - Has anyone received residence card yet ? by nimrod_1976
Hi folks, I had my SEF interview in November for my digital nomad visa and still have not received my temporary residence card has anyone else been in the same situation ?thanks
Mine arrived in a couple weeks. Maybe try phoning them, emailing them, or even just going to the office and trying to speak to someone when they come in and out. What office were you at; the delays are longer at the really big busy offices like in ... Read More
Health Insurance in Portugal by bloggerblogger
Hey guys,I am in Portugal, having explored many health insurance companies, Medicare seems the cheapest but they are toooo slow at sending me the invoice to just pay for their 330 Euros per year (medium plan). So frustrating.Any reliable health ...
I find it incredible all the money people are paying for these private health plans. My advice, if you absolutely need a plan for SEF interview, is just buy the absolute cheapest plan you can get. You might find, unless you live in Lisbon, Porto or ... Read More
SEF INTERVIEW by maxwmitchell1997
My wife and I have received our D7 VISAs. I went on the SEF's website and found that I have an appointment scheduled however, my wife does not have one scheduled. My wife has no income. I have a pension. Even through a person doesn't have ...
@sfaznpinoyThey are referring to the in-country (Portugal) interview at which residency is granted, or not. The accommodation proof is required before you can start the process of applying for your D7 in your home country. Once you have submitted ... Read More
Change of address :SEF by Newly_arrived35
Hello all, As we all know how chaotic SEF is especially these days as it transitions into the new department. Question that I have is : when a existing residence card holder changes ...
@stowboy123I realized my above reply might need slight further clarification. When you go in to the AIM office to do the address change, the issue of the new Titulo de Residencia Card is not immediate. What they do is confirm the address change is ... Read More
Change of address :SEF by Newly_arrived35
Hello all, As we all know how chaotic SEF is especially these days as it transitions into the new department. Question that I have is : when a existing residence card holder changes ...
@stowboy123Unfortunately they will not accept this to actually do the address change. You have to go into an AIM office and have the appointment - the reason is that they will issue you a new Titulo de Residencia card with the updated address, and ... Read More
Portugal D7 visa - Proof of accommodation – lease agreement by SK EXPAT68
Hi, I am yet to apply for the D7 visa in my home country. They need a proof of accommodation (lease agreement) to support my D7 application. I am not sure how many days or months it will take for the approval of the D7. I should ideally have the ...
@daphnelavernIf you are trying to do this in any major city i can honestly say it is pretty much impossible right now. However, if you are prepared to go completely off the beaten track and look in very small towns or villages, you might get ... Read More
Portugal D7 visa - Proof of accommodation – lease agreement by SK EXPAT68
Hi, I am yet to apply for the D7 visa in my home country. They need a proof of accommodation (lease agreement) to support my D7 application. I am not sure how many days or months it will take for the approval of the D7. I should ideally have the ...
@JohnNAnyaThis is not 100% accurate. You are fully entitled to live in the rental property under certain conditions:If you wanted, you would be able to live in it for 90 out of every 180 days, as a tourist with normal Schengen visitor status, ... Read More
Is it still possible to get NHR even if not able to move this year? by GuestPoster25012
We live in Ireland and we have not yet applied for any Portugal residence visaWe will also not be able to travel to Portugal before the end of this yearWe have more or less abandoned our plan to move to Portugal as getting the NHR was an important ...
There is a long answer, and there is a short answer. The short answer in my opinion is no, unless the new Portuguese government after March 2024 changes the rules again.Someone else may have a longer, different answer. Read More
Portugal visit by Lynda Entzion
Good day. I am planning a 3 month visit to Portugal in the fall of 2024. I am in the process of finding a place to rent during my stay. Does anyone have any suggestions on what they have experienced or recommendations? Also do I need to get a Visa ...
I don't want to pour cold water on your plans but you should prepare yourself for how difficult this is going to be. When you hear people talk about a housing crisis in Portugal, it is real. Here is an example:A 2 bedroom apartment in Lisbon listed ... Read More
Health insurance - Keeping it while living abroad by seamus452
Does anyone know one can keep one's American healthcare plan whilst residing overseas? In tihs particular case, the heatlthcare coverage is provided through a former employer and once given up cannot be reinstated. Any information is helpful.
@seamus452 you are welcome! Read More
Health insurance - Keeping it while living abroad by seamus452
Does anyone know one can keep one's American healthcare plan whilst residing overseas? In tihs particular case, the heatlthcare coverage is provided through a former employer and once given up cannot be reinstated. Any information is helpful.
You should check with them, as most policies have a "significant change of status" clause the obligates you to inform them of any material changes in your situation. Even if you keep paying without telling them, you may find that the company will ... Read More
Tax implications on remote working in Portugal by ceceliamowczan
Hi everyone.My boyfriend and I are planning to live in portugal next year for 6 months. we are UK citizens. we both work for employers in the UK but work remotely.Please can we have advice on any tax implications on living in Portugal? Will we only ...
@ceceliamowczan Remember also you are subject to the 90 days in 180 days limitation, as per Schengen rules. So, regardless what you do online daily as your work, you will need a visa to stay longer than 90 days contiguously. If you are going back ... Read More
D7 Visa Dated Documents - London by gpcollett
Hello everyone. I have read previous posts but can’t see the answer to this one. We are just getting our documents ready for our London D7 appointment. Does anyone know the date on which the documents you provide should be within? Eg. If ...
Well done! I am sure you will have no problem getting the visa! Now you just have to be patient and wait for news. My opinion also is that no agent is needed unless unusual circumstances. Read More
Denouncing my Cdn citizenship a gesture no ramifications by oceanstar343ex
I am Canadian. My mother was born in Spain so I have access to be able to apply for Spanish citizenship.When my application is excepted by the Spanish embassy in Canada I am told I have to put my hand up and swear to the king of Spain and denounce ...
I agree with @Phil722. There is no fake renunciation of citizenship, such as "oh yeah, I did that already" being acceptable. Formal documents are required. Once you do it there is no going back. In my experience the effects are not worth it. If one ... Read More
Low water pressure in country house by Gettravelling
Hi All,We have a country (rustic) house in Spain, the water comes into the house from a shared reservoir (pozo as they call it in Spain).This has been okay in summer, but the water pressure is very low and so now that we are coming into winter we ...
@Gettravelling Hi - yes, 1000L is about the average size. Many houses in Spain have that size. Check with a plumber for the actual location that makes sense for your specific house/pipe setup - only they can tell you that if you have no experience ... Read More
Low water pressure in country house by Gettravelling
Hi All,We have a country (rustic) house in Spain, the water comes into the house from a shared reservoir (pozo as they call it in Spain).This has been okay in summer, but the water pressure is very low and so now that we are coming into winter we ...
@gettravelling I think you are misunderstanding the problem. The main supply is not providing sufficient volume. If you just connect a powerful pump to it, it will just instantly empty out the upstream pipe. The reason he suggested a reservoir/tank ... Read More
NHR - Government launches transitory tax regime by GuestPoster25012
Government launches ‘transitory NHR tax regime’ in 2024; proof that move to Portugal was being planned in 2023 must be presentedThe Portuguese government has announced the launch of a ‘transitory NHR tax regime’ for ...
I think your situation is more complex than casual forum members will be able to advise on. In fact, i think it might be difficult even for a professional (or professionals!) to be able to give quick advice on. There are both immigration and ... Read More
NHR - Government launches transitory tax regime by GuestPoster25012
Government launches ‘transitory NHR tax regime’ in 2024; proof that move to Portugal was being planned in 2023 must be presentedThe Portuguese government has announced the launch of a ‘transitory NHR tax regime’ for ...
These exemptions might help some people who started the process a long time ago. To actually achieve any of these things if you are not well down the path of the application process already, will be quite difficult, based on how difficult these ... Read More
Applying to Spain as a Portuguese D7 holder by Perpetual_traveler
Hi... Interested to know if anyone has done this. Applied to Spain for the Non-Lucrative Visa, from Portugal. Thanks.
@compel thanks so much for replying and providing this information! While it may be from France it is in effect exactly what i was asking about. This is extremely useful and provides a blueprint if i decide to go that route. Wrestling over giving up ... Read More
What areas in Portugal has cooler weather and LOTS of mountains? by juliet1980
My dream is to live a very simple off grid life like I used to when I lived in Hungary many years ago (I speak fluent Hungarian but zero Portuguese but very willing to learn). I am trying to compare Hungry to Portugal but I have NEVER been to ...
Northern Portugal is mountainous like western Switzerland. Not at all like the Alps, but the part where there are valleys and mountains between them. You will very seldom see snow on them but they are extremely strenuous to try to climb. Read More
Applying to Spain as a Portuguese D7 holder by Perpetual_traveler
Hi... Interested to know if anyone has done this. Applied to Spain for the Non-Lucrative Visa, from Portugal. Thanks.
DM'd reply. Rgds! Read More
Applying to Spain as a Portuguese D7 holder by Perpetual_traveler
Hi... Interested to know if anyone has done this. Applied to Spain for the Non-Lucrative Visa, from Portugal. Thanks.
@gwynjThanks for taking the time to reply and the detailed answer!Ok, it's pretty much as i thought from my own research. Just a caution though... It's probably a mistake to assume all Americans on these visas are wealthy 😀. For the Golden ... Read More
Is residence before 31st December 2023 sufficient for NHR? by GuestPoster25012
There are more details today about the end of the NHR regimehttps://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=e68147c7-a787-44d5-9a06-7e0454bf011d They seem to be saying that a person who is resident or tax resident in Portugal at 31st December 2023 ...
@Ricktark1 unfortunately as i read the proposal, your only chance of still getting the NHR would be if you had your in-country SEF appointment and received your Título de Residência card before Dec 31st, 2023. That would allow you to go ... Read More
Applying to Spain as a Portuguese D7 holder
Hi... Interested to know if anyone has done this. Applied to Spain for the Non-Lucrative Visa, from Portugal. Thanks. Read More
Visa D7 App Help by poogies201057
Hi, my wife and myself came to Portugal from UK to finalise the house sale here on 14/09/2023, with the intention of staying in Portugal. We are trying to apply for a D7 Visa, we have everything required for the application however the issue we have ...
Unfortunately, to my knowledge, that is not an option. You effectively have not even formally started the application process. You are effectively just here on holiday. To even start, you have to go home and begin the process from scratch, there. ... Read More
Goodbye, Golden Visa by donn25
I imagine this will not come as a shock to anyone, but I see in the news this morning that the legislature approved a "Mais Habitação" act a week ago that puts an end to the Golden Visa program.It also puts a moratorium on new short ...
I think what will have an much bigger impact, on for example D7 visa numbers, will be the abolishment of the NHR (Non Habitual Tax Resident) program for all new applications starting next year. This will have a massive tax impact on many passive ... Read More
SEF APPOINTMENT by michaeleb
I have a question regarding the SEF appointment. If the appointment is for the purpose of confirming financial record documents, health insurance documents, proof of income documents, NIF registration, and residency location documents, what is the ...
It totally depends on the backlog at which office you had your interview. If you go to a smaller regional office it will be very quick. Mine took 14 days.The date is the appointment date. The initial validity is 2 years.Renewal is 3 years. Read More
Where to live in Portugal with dogs and for horserding by SammetVall
Hi all, I am a Swede (53 years) living in Barcelona with my 12 years old daughter and 2 dogs. We want to leave Spain mainly due to the hot climate in summer, the high houseprices and overcrowded areas. We are looking for a cheaper place to live in ...
Have a look at Chaves. You get Spain (Galicia) as well, because its only 10km from the border. Much much cheaper than many places in Portugal. Very beautiful. Very cheap, accomodations for you, stabling for your horses etc. Dogs a big part of life. ... Read More
👉 The Portugal Expat Lounge 👈 by Mickael
Hello everyone and hope you are well. I would like to introduce to you our new free expression thread: The Portugal Expat Lounge.Here you can talk about everything you want. Talk about your passion (sport, movies, arts, dancing, etc…), what ...
@nz7521137 Excellent points Read More
👉 The Portugal Expat Lounge 👈 by Mickael
Hello everyone and hope you are well. I would like to introduce to you our new free expression thread: The Portugal Expat Lounge.Here you can talk about everything you want. Talk about your passion (sport, movies, arts, dancing, etc…), what ...
@SimCityAT nice. You had a big advantage... Years of experience in France and a completely different set up in Austria. My comment was more for the vast majority of people coming to Portugal, who have never even visited the country before making the ... Read More
👉 The Portugal Expat Lounge 👈 by Mickael
Hello everyone and hope you are well. I would like to introduce to you our new free expression thread: The Portugal Expat Lounge.Here you can talk about everything you want. Talk about your passion (sport, movies, arts, dancing, etc…), what ...
I don't understand why anyone coming to Portugal buys property straight off. I think this is a big mistake. Rent to begin with. Go to where the rents etc are lower. Once you rent for a bit you will start to understand how things work. Learn to speak ... Read More
Drivers license exchange timeline by sponger
For those who succesfully exchanged their foreign drivers licenses for a Portguese licence, I'm curious how long it took for you to recieve your new PT license? And in which IMT office?i moved to Lisbon in January '22 and had my appointment at IMT ...
@sponger hi, please explain what you mean by "aren't required to do an exchange anymore...". Thanks Read More
How much does it cost to live a modest life in Portugal? by Guest8967
Hi everybody,How much money would I need to live with my wife a modest life in Portugal (rent and food). I get 2200 euro pension salary with full health care insurance, is that enough to live in Lisbon for example?Many thanks
Having spent time in Lisbon, and quite a few smaller cities in Portugal, I think you would feel more comfortable in a smaller city with that amount of money; in Lisbon you will be paying out between one third and half of your gross income in rent. ... Read More
Sef appointment for d7 visa by Dany Baydoun
Hello, my d7 visa got approved and now i have it printed on my passport. I just realized that the automatic sef appointment was set after my visa gets expired. Expiration date is on November while sef appointment is on December.I am trying to call ...
You are probably going to have complications. The reason is that that first in-country appointment is not changeable in the system. I know because I have one. The system states it cannot be changed. When I received my passport from the Consulate ... Read More
Success rate of D7 Visa applications? by hazmog
Hey everyone, thanks for all of your advice so far, this has been so useful. So, my family and I are leaving the UK to live in Portugal and looking to get a D7 Visa. We have a NIF, bank account and fulfil all of the requirements for passive income ...
@sanders1406 I went through Newark New Jersey which is direct, without VFS, and that took approximately 2.5months. Their estimate originally was 30 days. Got the visa in August. Read More
Experience sharing about Visas to Portugal (D7 & others) by JohnnyPT
Please share here your successful experiences with visa applications (eg. D7), namely check list, timelines and other aspects that you consider to be relevant and that may be useful for those who wish to start this visa application now. We invite ...
My application via Newark New Jersey took almost 2.5months. They had the passport the entire time. Read More