Congratulations!! I am another person on the west coast of the U.S. drinking my (second) morning coffee as I read your post. Well done, Nancy! And well done, Portugal! PS And, I have not at all gotten the impression that you are not a “nitty gritty details” kind of gal. On the contrary, I have been struck by how detail oriented you are. How you research, investigate, weigh, and come to thoughtful , well researched decisions time after time, and always with a positive attitude and generally with a sense of humor. What did I miss?
Good luck on Monday, I’m sure it will go quickly and easily.
Just a little more detail about us.... Eric and I were astounded that our recent SEF meetings 10 days ago (separately 3 days apart) took just 20 minutes (as Nancy mentioned). We were very apprehensive and startled that despite the compendium of documents we took they only wanted to see 1) USA Passport 2) SEF application (from their website), 3) NIF document, 4) Atestado da Residencia (we own a house). Our officer requested one by one in that order, scanned them in at her desk and returned them. They then took our photos, digital index fingerprints and electronic signatures by way of a very sophisticated machine located to the left of the booth. We paid the Euros161 via credit card, were asked to check the info on that certificate, sign, returned it and told us that the actual card would arrive in the mail in 1-2 months.
We are USA citizens and we believe (just our opinion) that they did not ask for additional health/financial/birth/marriage certificate et al because all that info. was put into “the system” back at the Portuguese Consulate in Boston at the time of our D7 Residence Visa application. When we received the D7 visas 6 weeks later in Boston we had our SEF appointment dates confirmed and given urls to the SEF website that confirmed those meetings which would take place 2.5 months after our arrival in Portugal.
Perhaps SEF could also see also that our “Carte de Utente” was there in “the system ?
If we had to go through the SEF appointments again today, we would still take a compendium of all “original” documents and MORE, you never know from person to person, country to country.
Nancy, firstly, a big congratulations on tackling the myriad of paperwork and having the persistence of getting it done. These tidbits of info you and Lucille provide give aspiring new immigrants of the joys we look ahead to. Your struggles and persistence leave me with smiles knowing we too can become residents.👏👏👏👏👏
The process was very simple. I waited outside the building until called, exactly on time. I was only asked for a few of the documents that I had prepared (passport, SEF application, NIF, and lease). Photo taken, index fingerprints, and signature on the machine. Paid the fee of €156,20 and off I went in just 14minutes with paper in hand. Will receive the card in 3-8 weeks that is good for two years. After that renew online for three-year increments.
Congratulations 🍾🎈🎉
Ha! No doubt you are back home by now! Success? I should read your Horoscope for today.
Congratulations!! I am another person on the west coast of the U.S. drinking my (second) morning coffee as I read your post. Well done, Nancy! And well done, Portugal! PS And, I have not at all gotten the impression that you are not a “nitty gritty details” kind of gal. On the contrary, I have been struck by how detail oriented you are. How you research, investigate, weigh, and come to thoughtful , well researched decisions time after time, and always with a positive attitude and generally with a sense of humor. What did I miss?
Really it is true. I will force myself to do it but i prefer to fly at 35,000 feet
I am on the West coast and drinking my coffee.....good luck to you today and Denise on Monday!!!!
Good luck!!
Best of luck with the government 😂😂
You got this! Just another little blink of an eye in a lifetime of adventure!
You've got this!🤞
Good luck on Monday, I’m sure it will go quickly and easily.
Just a little more detail about us.... Eric and I were astounded that our recent SEF meetings 10 days ago (separately 3 days apart) took just 20 minutes (as Nancy mentioned). We were very apprehensive and startled that despite the compendium of documents we took they only wanted to see 1) USA Passport 2) SEF application (from their website), 3) NIF document, 4) Atestado da Residencia (we own a house). Our officer requested one by one in that order, scanned them in at her desk and returned them. They then took our photos, digital index fingerprints and electronic signatures by way of a very sophisticated machine located to the left of the booth. We paid the Euros161 via credit card, were asked to check the info on that certificate, sign, returned it and told us that the actual card would arrive in the mail in 1-2 months.
We are USA citizens and we believe (just our opinion) that they did not ask for additional health/financial/birth/marriage certificate et al because all that info. was put into “the system” back at the Portuguese Consulate in Boston at the time of our D7 Residence Visa application. When we received the D7 visas 6 weeks later in Boston we had our SEF appointment dates confirmed and given urls to the SEF website that confirmed those meetings which would take place 2.5 months after our arrival in Portugal.
Perhaps SEF could also see also that our “Carte de Utente” was there in “the system ?
If we had to go through the SEF appointments again today, we would still take a compendium of all “original” documents and MORE, you never know from person to person, country to country.
Hope this is helpful to your blog readers!
Crossing all fingers and toes for a short and speedy one. I've got a similarly prepared stack of documents--our appts are next week!
It is going to be okay. 🤞
It was.
Great. Congratulations 🍾
thanks!
Good luck for a short and successful visit
thank you!
Ecstatic for you
Wohoo! We love that you love Portugal. So happy for you and Denise. Thanks for the tips and sharing. Enjoy the adventure!
Good luck, I hope it goes smoothly!
It did...
Nancy, firstly, a big congratulations on tackling the myriad of paperwork and having the persistence of getting it done. These tidbits of info you and Lucille provide give aspiring new immigrants of the joys we look ahead to. Your struggles and persistence leave me with smiles knowing we too can become residents.👏👏👏👏👏
The process was very simple. I waited outside the building until called, exactly on time. I was only asked for a few of the documents that I had prepared (passport, SEF application, NIF, and lease). Photo taken, index fingerprints, and signature on the machine. Paid the fee of €156,20 and off I went in just 14minutes with paper in hand. Will receive the card in 3-8 weeks that is good for two years. After that renew online for three-year increments.