Most important: Congratulations. The sooner, the better, and you did it! But 500e for Gail's services? No way, unless you just paid for some consulting time. Otherwise, she charges more than 1500e. But did you ever just follow the guidelines at Americans & Friends in Portugal? Every question you pose is addressed there, plus more, and it's all free. And again, congratulations!
I guess you would call it "consulting" she outlined each step in detail and reviewed everything before we sent it in. We had seen lots of guidelines on lots of forums, and just wanted our hands held. I am sure lots of people can get it done for free. But the handholding and peace of mind was well worth it to us. She was always responsive to WhatsApp texts or calls and provided us contacts that made the process easier for us.
I am also a fan of the hand holding. And appreciate all of this amazing info. I read, read, search, and read more - in the end, my head is swimming and I freeze. Take a break, and think, I’ll look at this later.
I am one who planned to go to Portugal for 3 months - slowly figure out the land (like you were going to do with Prague). We’ve been there often but only for much shorter periods). That happened March 2020 (we came home 2 weeks later (didn’t have my dog with me, person caring for him a ER manager, COVID). Too much!
Anyway! I digress. Our goals for the 3 months included: NIF, bank account and meet someone local who could write our letter (reference?) - we didn’t know anyone!
Did you already know someone who could do this? Or does the relocation specialists assist with this part?
We want to head back - soon (spring 2022) with our dog. It would be gray if we could go for longer than 3 months.
This is weird. I received an email with questions about the D7 process, but am unable to respond. So in hopes that the reader will find my response...I have provided it below.
We utilized a relocation company to assist us throughout the process and they assisted us with the bank process. Since then we have learned there are ways to open a bank account without a local representative. Use online services first to get you NIF and then to open an online bank account.
RE Fl address: No other than a mailing address they did not ask for proof. We did spend time in FL to change voter registration and driver’s license, but it turned out this was not necessary.
We sent in the UNOPENED FBI report. We also sent for it to be apostilled. However, we had our visa back and were in PT by the time that was returned.
There are a few docs that need to be notarized as well. Note in this post will list the items that need to be notarized.
Finally, we have been living in PT for 6 months and requirements change. I’m sorry, but I can only speak to our experience in the fall of 2020. There may be changes we are unaware of.
I don't know why they request a reference letter. Ours was provided by the relocation company we used. If you don't know anyone in Portugal, don't worry. I know many people that were approved without it.
What thorough & detailed information! Can you focus on Californians, especially those hate California- we really want them to move away, Portugal would as good as any! Yeah Tesla! If you do this, voile! It will be done.
Hello Nancy, Love your blog and photos, bravo, always looking forward to the next one. I have a quick question, my husband and I are are still in Boston, USA and waiting to get our D7 visa application appointment (it's been cancelled by the Consulate here 3 times). Can you kindly let me know who you purchased your Traveler's Health insurance through in the USA for D7 visa purposes? My direct email is lucillewymer@mac.com, Thanks!! Lucille
So great to hear back from you both. I'm sure it was not easy to fight through the bureaucracy...we Portugueses love the stamp, the notary and the blue ink signed documents. Anyway, Portugal é lindo and the people amazing. The food is great.
Just please drive careful if you ever decide to drive around the country. Please let us know about the Pkball scene there.
By the way my wife and I had a trip to Portugal in June 2020(canceled of course ) with a group led by Ben Johns and Dekel Barr... most the people from Naples/Ft Myers area. We have it now scheduled for June 2021 but I'm almost sure it will postpone again.
Me avisem como anda o Português de vocês e boa sorte em PORTUGALO!!!
Hi Nancy and Denise, it is wonderful to read about your adventures leading up to your move to Portugal. I am looking forward to vicariously living my life in Portugal through you. Even though I am from another country, I have considered moving to another country to experience a different culture after we retired, but the lady is a bit tepid about the idea. Time will tell. In the meantime, do enjoy yourselves and we will be in touch.
Hi Byron...I do believe I recall one of you being a bit tepid about living in a RV and we know how that worked out. Perhaps, when travel resumes we can encourage a trip to Europe...just a week or two. We would love to see the two or you. Best regards!
Thanks for sharing your experiences. We also have been contemplating a move to Portugal if Trump was relected. I look forward to reading more about your adventure. You might enjoy this episode of Somebody Feed Phil where he visits Lisbon:
Hi Joanne and thanks for joining us on this adventure. We did see Feed Phil right before we traveled to Portugal. Unfortunately, can't visit anything at this time...but they are definitely on our list!
Most important: Congratulations. The sooner, the better, and you did it! But 500e for Gail's services? No way, unless you just paid for some consulting time. Otherwise, she charges more than 1500e. But did you ever just follow the guidelines at Americans & Friends in Portugal? Every question you pose is addressed there, plus more, and it's all free. And again, congratulations!
I guess you would call it "consulting" she outlined each step in detail and reviewed everything before we sent it in. We had seen lots of guidelines on lots of forums, and just wanted our hands held. I am sure lots of people can get it done for free. But the handholding and peace of mind was well worth it to us. She was always responsive to WhatsApp texts or calls and provided us contacts that made the process easier for us.
I am also a fan of the hand holding. And appreciate all of this amazing info. I read, read, search, and read more - in the end, my head is swimming and I freeze. Take a break, and think, I’ll look at this later.
I am one who planned to go to Portugal for 3 months - slowly figure out the land (like you were going to do with Prague). We’ve been there often but only for much shorter periods). That happened March 2020 (we came home 2 weeks later (didn’t have my dog with me, person caring for him a ER manager, COVID). Too much!
Anyway! I digress. Our goals for the 3 months included: NIF, bank account and meet someone local who could write our letter (reference?) - we didn’t know anyone!
Did you already know someone who could do this? Or does the relocation specialists assist with this part?
We want to head back - soon (spring 2022) with our dog. It would be gray if we could go for longer than 3 months.
The relocation company provided the letter and acted as our reference. BTW all the items you reference can be done remotely. Good luck.
That’s fantastic! Thank you
This is weird. I received an email with questions about the D7 process, but am unable to respond. So in hopes that the reader will find my response...I have provided it below.
We utilized a relocation company to assist us throughout the process and they assisted us with the bank process. Since then we have learned there are ways to open a bank account without a local representative. Use online services first to get you NIF and then to open an online bank account.
RE Fl address: No other than a mailing address they did not ask for proof. We did spend time in FL to change voter registration and driver’s license, but it turned out this was not necessary.
We sent in the UNOPENED FBI report. We also sent for it to be apostilled. However, we had our visa back and were in PT by the time that was returned.
There are a few docs that need to be notarized as well. Note in this post will list the items that need to be notarized.
Finally, we have been living in PT for 6 months and requirements change. I’m sorry, but I can only speak to our experience in the fall of 2020. There may be changes we are unaware of.
Great blog post, Nancy. We read that we can get an NIF number online. Is that true? Or still true?
Yes
Hi. Why do they ask for a Reference letter from Portuguese resident? And how did you get around this requirement. Thanks!
I don't know why they request a reference letter. Ours was provided by the relocation company we used. If you don't know anyone in Portugal, don't worry. I know many people that were approved without it.
What thorough & detailed information! Can you focus on Californians, especially those hate California- we really want them to move away, Portugal would as good as any! Yeah Tesla! If you do this, voile! It will be done.
Miss you!🥰
Most of the Cali’s like us liked CÁ but wanted to leave the US…Tesla is a greedy genius. Hope you and the family are well.
Nancy, how would the process go in our case, which I am US citizen but my wife is French. Do you know how I can learn about this? Thx james
If your wife is still a French citizen she is part of the EU. That is good news. See info on this site regarding EU citizens https://www.expatica.com/pt/moving/visas/portugal-immigration-105233/
Hello Nancy, Love your blog and photos, bravo, always looking forward to the next one. I have a quick question, my husband and I are are still in Boston, USA and waiting to get our D7 visa application appointment (it's been cancelled by the Consulate here 3 times). Can you kindly let me know who you purchased your Traveler's Health insurance through in the USA for D7 visa purposes? My direct email is lucillewymer@mac.com, Thanks!! Lucille
I'm gonna have questions at some point 😝 but I wanted to say I like your writing style and this was very helpful. 🙏
Please feel free to contact me at any time
So great to hear back from you both. I'm sure it was not easy to fight through the bureaucracy...we Portugueses love the stamp, the notary and the blue ink signed documents. Anyway, Portugal é lindo and the people amazing. The food is great.
Just please drive careful if you ever decide to drive around the country. Please let us know about the Pkball scene there.
By the way my wife and I had a trip to Portugal in June 2020(canceled of course ) with a group led by Ben Johns and Dekel Barr... most the people from Naples/Ft Myers area. We have it now scheduled for June 2021 but I'm almost sure it will postpone again.
Me avisem como anda o Português de vocês e boa sorte em PORTUGALO!!!
Muito obrigado Norton. Estamos aprendendo Português bem devagar. As pessoas trocam o Inglês quando ouvem lutar.
Hi Nancy and Denise, it is wonderful to read about your adventures leading up to your move to Portugal. I am looking forward to vicariously living my life in Portugal through you. Even though I am from another country, I have considered moving to another country to experience a different culture after we retired, but the lady is a bit tepid about the idea. Time will tell. In the meantime, do enjoy yourselves and we will be in touch.
Hi Byron...I do believe I recall one of you being a bit tepid about living in a RV and we know how that worked out. Perhaps, when travel resumes we can encourage a trip to Europe...just a week or two. We would love to see the two or you. Best regards!
Thanks for sharing your experiences. We also have been contemplating a move to Portugal if Trump was relected. I look forward to reading more about your adventure. You might enjoy this episode of Somebody Feed Phil where he visits Lisbon:
https://trakt.tv/shows/somebody-feed-phil/seasons/1/episodes/4
Here is the list of places he visited:
https://www.portugalist.com/somebody-feed-phil-lisbon/
Hi Joanne and thanks for joining us on this adventure. We did see Feed Phil right before we traveled to Portugal. Unfortunately, can't visit anything at this time...but they are definitely on our list!