D7 Residency VISA | All you need to know when moving to Portugal

[@nicwilliams00]

Great video. We have a family holiday this October and are aiming to move out their next year. Also looking around the North of Portugal. Subscribed and will watch all your videos to gain knowledge.

[@antoniodasilva1230]

Remember we in Portugal want good people coming that are able to sustain themselves and contribute to our country with time and patience things workout for the better

[@jsilvamaintenance]

Mesmo isso tesos temos muitos !

[@garrett7101]

Understood, but these expectations are hard to meet. I am financially independent and never broken a law in my life, but they make this too hard. I mean renting a place for 12 months months before you get there?

[@nowornever8473]

Great info 😃 We did the same and emailed the Consulate in Manchester as so much conflicting info on the internet. They can be a bit slow replying but it was definitely the best way. We both had our appointment at the same time but as not married we submitted separate applications but with some info in joint names eg bank account . Simons visa came through 2 weeks before mine so I was on tenterhooks waiting for mine. We did spend 3 mths in Portugal before the appointment so we were able to buy a house and get the bank account in person. We got in contact with a lawyer before that visit and she got the NIF for us and she also did our house purchase. We started another house purchase but due to coming back to the U.K. ( used up Schengen days) to await consulate appointment we gave the lawyer Power of attorney. Best advice always use a lawyer with Purchases. We are due back to Portugal in 2 days with Visas 🥳🥳 then await the SEF appointment in August. Have you had your SEF appointment yet?

[@ScottAndJen]

Hi guys sounds like a very similar experience to ours apart from ours was a joint application. We have not found a suitable property yet and actually quite like the place we are renting so are going to sit it out for a while and view prospective properties once they come up. We have also got our second half D7 in August so will be keeping our channel updated with that. Getting the residence permit and SNS registration has been the next stumbling block as it turns out you need someone to vouch for you. Luckily some friendly neighbours helped us out and bridged the language barrier at the local council. So hoping to get those documents back soon. Please put any tips here for other watchers as like we said it's different for everyone. Hope you are both well

[@noonoo3000]

Thanks for sharing! Which lawyer did you use?

[@hallieshouse13]

Yes, I went into the local “town hall” and got mine in minutes for €10. This was before 2020 though

[@catherineshaw3197]

Thank you for this video. It was explained really well.

[@bingguo6083]

Thank you for your detail explanation.

[@katecarter6728]

Thanks for this video help with clearing up a lot for me

[@bodyevolvefamilywellness689]

Thanks so much for your video. We are a family of 5 moving to Portugal. How long did you have to wait for an appointment in Manchester at the consulate? We’ll be applying there too. Happy new life to you both!

[@DIYtalk]

Fantastic information ℹ️

[@michaelmcgeehan717]

Thanks for info

[@phantira29]

Thank you guys so much for the video. It was clearly explained and I will try to apply for this visa too. May I ask you how many years of tax return documents you used to support your application? TIA

[@agl5132]

Thanks for this great information. I've been getting so many mixed signals. I'm in Scotland but all my retirement (monthly income) comes from the US. I earn more than enough for the monthly Portuguese requirement but do not have thousands of dollars in savings. I've heard my monthly income would be sufficient and then other sources say I'd need a few thousand in the bank as well. Maybe Manchester would be helpful.

[@ScottAndJen]

Hi as far as we are aware you must have the minimum amount in the bank for one year as described on this video and also be able to prove that you have passive income or can work remotely.

[@nowornever8473]

I’ve been to the council ( Camera) couple of times already. 1st time was to sort out getting water connected. Luckily they found someone that spoke English and she helped and I mentioned the next thing for me to do was sort out electric, she was great and took me to the local CCT and translated for me. 2nd time was to arrange for rubbish from house to be collected and again couldn’t fault them in the admin office even tho not much English but with the help of google translate we got there 😂 Google translate not the greatest tho as it’s more Brazilian Portuguese. We do have great neighbours in our village which happen to be the old owners but they only speak Portuguese and French so we are getting by with our school French crossed with Portuguese 😂 I’ll let you know how we get on and anything else we come across that may make things easier.

[@ScottAndJen]

Sound like you got lucky. Very little English spoke out here where we are currently. We are learning using the practice portugese app. It's about £12 per month but a great resource and the translate tool on there is better and more accurate. Good luck

[@2crazykidswithadream]

Thanks for sharing guys. Which Travel insurance company did you use?

[@ScottAndJen]

Staysure

[@antoniodasilva1230]

Good times ahead

[@DavidPaulNewtonScott]

My lawyer a British Portuguese does not respond to my emails he set up my house purchase and I paid him 250 euros for the D7 process but that was the last I heard of him. I am going to have to physically track him down.

[@rebeccabithell4061]

Thank you for sharing this video. It has been really helpful for us in clarifying some of the stages. In terms of a passive income, have you any recommendations on ideas please? I've read alot about online work but are getting lost in trying to find something that can be done abroad that doesn't require lots of experience in something. Many thanks in advance and look forward to watching your journey 😊

[@ScottAndJen]

Hi Rebecca. We both have online teaching certificates and has passive income from investments. We are not familiar with other opportunities I'm afraid. You can pass an online teaching cert quite easy and get work with palfish, however their pay has recently become very poor. Maybe it is a way to get the D7 and then you can move onto different avenues at a later date. Good luck

[@rebeccabithell4061]

@@ScottAndJen thanks so.much for the reply. I will definitely look into that option. All the best

[@sharonfisher7277]

@@ScottAndJen hi, thanks firstly for your video which is very informative 😊 what online company did you do please for the teaching course? We do have a rental property here which covers the monthly requirements for one plus a little extra. Thanks in advance for your reply.

[@ScottAndJen]

@@sharonfisher7277 Hi Sharon, just seen this. We used international open academy but honestly I would just keep and eye on the likes of groupon etc for deals as they usually have them.

[@tlmiam1]

This visa process is very discouraging. It’s like you have to have a lot of money, or they’re not interested. I might change my decision to move here from the US. Thanks for the information.

[@ScottAndJen]

Hi Tracy, it can seem that way and more money will obviously help but as long as you have a job in which you can support yourself and the minimum amount needed in the bank, then its just a case of getting the application done correctly. Good luck

[@tlmiam1]

@@ScottAndJen thanks, but I think I’ll just visit, for now. With the NHR the amount of taxes I would have to pay is just makes it prohibitive for me.

[@mattgrant402]

Thanks you 2 🙂👍🏻

[@SirLignon]

Hi guys, thanks for this really straightforward video. It answers nearly all my questions, as someone who's considering applying before the end of the year. Just a couple of things 1: How did you actually sort out the rental agreement without going? I don't think you explicitly said? Unless I missed it. 2: Did you actually apply through the Portuguese consulate in Manchester? Or through the agency VFS? I was under the impression it can only be done through VFS.

[@ScottAndJen]

Hi Leighton glad the video helped. You are right we didn't really say but the rental contract is a private matter and we sorted it by private messaging prospective landlords on idealista.pt. It's a very good website although sometimes it can not be completely up to date. When we received replies we discussed terms to try and get a satisfactory offer for both parties. We took our rental on pictures alone and never actually viewed the property or area. As it turns out the property and area are both very beautiful. Hope that clears up your query. Good luck!

[@charliemontholon]

Hello Scott, could you provide a link with the company you got your travel insurance it seems to be very reasonable.

[@ScottAndJen]

@@charliemontholon Staysure

[@radiantheartyoga7269]

Thanks 😊

[@radiantheartyoga7269]

Great video I've listened to lots on this subject and by far the best. How did you get an email for the Portuguese Consulate in Manchester? I've been on their site and everything is in Portuguese and could only get in contact with VFS.

[@ScottAndJen]

Yes alot has changed since we made the video. They are not accepting direct contact and only ask you to book your own appt with VFS now so unfortunately you need to make sure you have all the documentation in order before you do that.

[@martinaston1715]

Hi starting the process your channel has been a real help On subject of Lawyer cost you indicated this was approx £300 euro seems cheap are there extra costs which you have not shared ? I ask as I am trying to de-stress the process and spend wisely ! Many thanks 🙏

[@ScottAndJen]

Hi Martin that cost was for getting a fiscal number here in Portugal. There were no added costs that we discussed no. Good luck

[@ElectiveAmputation]

This has been extremely;y helpful. We are just beginning the process from the United States. One thing I'm not clear on in my research is if you can work after you have obtained the resident permit? According to an official-looking website from Portugal, you can use the public school system, healthcare system and work once you have stayed the 4 months on the D7 and obtained the residency permit. Can you touch on this please?

[@ScottAndJen]

Hi we have already signed up for medical registration you can find that on another of our videos. As far as school I cant say for sure but I would imagine it is much the same however it sound like that would be (4 month) ie after your second appointment here in Portugal has been confirmed. Our is in August (4 months) from the date of of UK side of the application was accepted. RE work you can work remotely and there is nothing stopping you at anytime as remote worker receive tax exemptions (please check into this for your individual circumstance) if you mean working within the country and getting employment here I would suggest that this would only be reliant on you receiving a contract offer and you would not need to wait 4 month. However you will need a NIF (Portugese tax number) which you will need for your D7 application anyway. Hope this cleared up your query. Good Luck with the move.

[@ElectiveAmputation]

@@ScottAndJen thank you so much!

[@Mr.S65]

Great information. I’m applying for the D7 but I don’t see any box where I can put my spouse’s name. As a matter of fact, we’re filling out two applications, one for each one of us. The whole thing seems utterly strange though. Was it the same for you?

[@ScottAndJen]

You fill out two separate applications and one person is the main applicant.

[@zolfodor4835]

Hi both,i retire next year at 55,& am going to look into the D7 visa for myself & my partner,will start looking into this very soon,which lawyer did you use ?? She sounds superb, P.S. you sound like your both from the north east 👍👍

[@ScottAndJen]

Hi there. Her details are in the description. Yes we are both from that region. Good luck with the move

[@benharrison4513]

Hi, thanks for the informative video. I was told by a lawyer that you didn’t need the lump sum for the year, just a permanent job equating to the minimum requirement. Is this what you were told also or did your lawyer say you must show the full amount? Thanks.

[@ScottAndJen]

The portugese embassy advised us that you need the lump sum however information seems very conflicting so I can't say for sure. You are better off contact the embassy but we think that having the lump sum also may be the case. Good luck

[@bigwolfmarketing]

Hi, Great video thank you. one question, we are waiting for our visa back, but have moved out our old address, do they send everything back via royal mail or a courier service? I was told DHL but yours looks like royal mail?

[@ScottAndJen]

We had to give them a pre paid envelope at the consulate in Manchester to send it back to us.

[@bigwolfmarketing]

@@ScottAndJen ah okay thank you, I recall having to write our details on an envelope but we used VFS (which wasn't the best) Fingers crossed. Thanks for your reply, great content.

[@charliemontholon]

Good informative video, for US people some of the requirements are quite the same. Do you know where we can a see sample or mock-up of how the supporting letter should be formatted and presented, it seems that this is the key document for everything.

[@ScottAndJen]

Hi Charlie im afraid not there is no correct or incorrect format you basically have to sell yourself and we would suggest that you put some information in there "bigging up" Portugal as we did. Good Luck

[@charliemontholon]

@@ScottAndJen thank you

[@AG-so4gl]

Pay an agent. EI. There are others of course

[@ScottAndJen]

If you pay an agent the process ends up being very costly but that is an option. I've heard upto €2k per person. If you are already in Portugal then this is a way of not having to return home but to save yourself that amount of money I think I would prefer to do the application myself

[@valeriehogan-cosmas8215]

Situation: Family of four from US vacationing in Portugal. As head of household id like to get a D7 visa. Do you i have to travel back to the states in order to apply for it? If so, must my wife and children come with me and/or can they stay in Portugal?

[@gerardclement3095]

Thanks from Canada (Québec) for this very pragmatic video. I made 3 trips to Portugal (Porto, Lisbon and Portimao (Algarve)) but I have not decided yet where I want to move. Different options are available. I would like to rent a place were there is expats. B ased on my experience in Florida (USA) a good spot for this is RV parks. I don't know if this is a possibility in Portugal and if I was able rent for 12 months, could this rental agreement be considered acceptable under the D7. Many thank

[@ScottAndJen]

Hi Gerard I would suggest that it would not be accepted no. We had our campervan when we arrived here and thought about the same thing. However they will not look upto that well and think you would be better to get a cheap rental and maybe leave or cancel after a number of months being here. Good luck

[@charliemontholon]

Hi, it seems you have s good consultant / lawyer on your side, the right advice is very critical in these preparations. Is there a web site to go and ask for their services? Thanks

[@ScottAndJen]

See description

[@gocanada9749]

I see different D7 in PT requirements here and there One says you only need to stay 7 days after getting there but only need 60 days the 1st 2 years others say you need to stay 12 months the first time ? Second time after renewing year 3 you need 180 days total Then apparently you can get a perm visa or citizenship but then can't be OUT of PT for more than 2 years So, what gives ?

[@sikram74]

Hi Both, Thank you so much for this lovely video. I know this might seem like a silly question but I really need some clarity, if you can help? So, if I was to deposit money into the Portuguese bank account, is it safe? I mean if my application was (God forbid) to be rejected, can I get that deposit back by easily transferring the money back into my home country's bank account? It would not be getting lost or fraudulently taken by the bank? Also, unless I missed it, I read somewhere that the applicant also needs a EU-wide health insurance coverage (Applicant must be covered for a minimum of € 30,000). This is not the same as travel insurance with medical cover, is it?

[@ScottAndJen]

Hi Saba. You would have no problem transferring from the bank although the exchange rates for deposits and withdrawals tend to be pretty expensive for a good sum of money so you many loose a little if the application was rejected but there is no other way around that problem. As far as the medical insurance I was not aware of the €30k coverage. It depends where you have read the info and like we advised if you are looking to get an appt you can clarify that when you get in touch with the consulate. Good luck

[@sikram74]

@@ScottAndJen thanks for your response!

[@lorrainebrummer5866]

Thanks for a very informative video. If I may ask, could you please explain how you eventually found the long term accommodation. I have 5 cats, is it going to be a problem?

[@ScottAndJen]

We found it via private messaging prospective landlords. Mainly on Idealista.pt

[@simmyxie7919]

@@ScottAndJen Thanks ! Jen , thanks! Scott, Great information! May I ask if I need to have all documents translated into Portuguese? Thank you very much!

[@dudududuFthetories]

Hi guys, do you know how many months of health insurance you need to sign up for for the application. And do you know if there are there any problems with registering with the SNS if you have a pre existing health condition? Unfortunately I take medication for gout (the medication very inexpensive though), I can't find any info as to if that's going to be a stumbling block. Also on top of the 12x700 euros, are they also looking for another 700 euros per month passive income evidence?

[@ScottAndJen]

Hi Oli. When we signed for SNS we were advised that the doctors were taking no appointments for new clients. The health service here really is quite broken as it is becoming in our home country also. We were told it would be emergency only appts. I imagine you would eventually be able to get an appt to get your prescription but it may not be too straight forward. We will eventually be getting fall back insurance that drastically reduces costs for private appt for we believe around €80 to €25. You can get this through most banks but one we were recommended was Credit Agricole. Good Luck. If you gain any further info please comment bank to update

[@docosi965]

Hi guys thanks for the great detailed explanation I wonder if it is at all possible to give me the contact of your lawyer she seems to be reliable and you are satisfied with her service

[@ScottAndJen]

See description

[@bhaskar1303]

Thank a lot for such an informative video. I heard that now you can not open a bank account without a residency card or temporary residence card. I have only have NIF number . Can you kindly clarify.

[@ScottAndJen]

We did not need said cards to open a bank account. We used Novobanco so many give them a try. If you received NIF through lawyer maybe they can help. Good luck

[@zoranash5403]

Hi Scott and Jen , with Insurance ,you say just get the basic, But all the basic travel insurances only cover you for 30 days abroad. Could you elaborate on this please.

[@ScottAndJen]

Basic cover for 6 or 12 month is available with certain companies. We got ours for 1 year it was cheap and worked out fine at the consulate.

[@zoranash5403]

@@ScottAndJen thank you, I found one, which will refund if your application is not successful.

[@simplemen3620]

Awesome video guys. How do I establish contact with the consulate? Thanks

[@ScottAndJen]

Email addresses and phone numbers are available online just search portugese consulate for your area

[@dovygoodguy1296]

@ScottAndJen Please see my other question on this subject.​

[@annafearnley2306]

Thank you for this informative video. I have some mundane questions! That I have not seen covered in any posts of forums! Paperwork/Documentation is this to be submitted in Portuguese of English or Both? Did you complete in pen/handwritten or were the documents digitally typed? Which of the documents did you need to have notarised? And do they only accept a notary in Portugal Like a lawyer or did you use one in the UK? We tend to accept here a bank signature for example? The advise about e mailing can you confirm the e mail address, was this on thd Vfs Global website? Many thanks in anticipation. Anna I am adding retired brother who is recently a widower, sadly. I think it is more worrying doing this for someone else! I am told hd has to do the appointment by himself, no hand holding! I will add that I achieved residency under the terms of the withdrawal agreement. We bought a house in Portugal in 2016. I’d like to say that those that purchase a property have the NIF and bank account opened by their lawyer as a matter of the house purchase process. I think this is useful to know. Also if has become difficult to book an appointment at VFS or so it seems but I found out appointment slots are only allocated on Mondays for the UK. and around 9.30/9.45. So this Monday there were around 30 slots with varying times. And the earliest was three weeks away.

[@ScottAndJen]

Hello Anna. The documents were hand written in English however some of the documents like parts of the application and the form to allow the Portuguese authorities to do a criminal check on you are in Portuguese. [e-mail] I contacted João recently to start the process for my parents and he advised to book through VFS so things have obviously changed since we completed ours.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

How can you have proof of a rental lease if you aren't yet in Portugal to find something, especially furnished? It doesn't make sense.

[@ScottAndJen]

Like we explained. We took a rental contract on pictures alone and managed to agree with the landlord that if our application was not accepted then we would pay a severance for not going ahead with the lease. Yes, it is a backward system but the Portuguese authorities will not budge on it. It is a massive pain to get sorted. Some will travel here and visit rentals before moving here and secure a contract but this usually means you are paying for rent for months whilst you are not actually living here. This isn't really financially viable for many. We contacted, lots of places and many were not even prepared to reply or consider offering a rental contract without meeting the potential tenant.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

@@ScottAndJen And the Portuguese government doesn't realize how ridiculous this is?? Do landlords agree to video meetings with the potential tenant?

[@jaym5925]

Hi, I was just wondering if you know the answer to this question - On the VFS website, do you know what is the appointment category for a D7 and then the subcategory from the dropdown menus? They don't actually list D7 as an obvious option and it's not too clear what to select. Any help is appreciated! Thanks!

[@ScottAndJen]

National visa I beleive but if you can list the options I would have a better idea

[@garrett7101]

This seems like a real nightmare.

[@balakumarbagavatsingham5377]

hello i am from CANADA . I GOT ALL MY DOCUMENTS BUT TRAVEL INSURANCE IS MISSING CAN YOU PLEASE TRAVEL INSURANCE PROVIDER PLEASE?

[@ScottAndJen]

Hi we used staysure

[@spacegreycoralred]

With the D7 do you renew year to year until 5 years or is it like Spain where the second year you renew for 2 years and need twice as much money in your account?

[@ScottAndJen]

Once you have completed your 2nd appt in Portugal if all goes well and the application is accepted you are good for 2 years. I believe you then have to return for a second appt which is a formality check up to see what you change in circumstances are. Ie a house purchase, new job, to make sure you are still getting sufficient income. The portugese process doesn't sound like it resembles the Spanish process and as far as I'm aware you don't need double the savings in your bank at future appointments.

[@anurawijayasekera5308]

do we have to deposit euro705 monthly or total at once.?

[@ScottAndJen]

As explained you need the initial deposit the amount on the video. Before the 2nd appt you need to be depositing the 700 and something into the bank each month

[@majers_abroad]

Did you get your pre approval for your mortgage though your UK 🇬🇧 bank or the new Portugal 🇵🇹 bank ?

[@ScottAndJen]

Neither. Was a totally different bank through a mortgage advisor in PT

[@bobwa399]

Do we have to show that we have Euro 8460 in our bank account or we have to show that we are getting 705 every month ?

[@sarahkirby5636]

Thanks. That was so helpful. Did you need to submit an apostille/ translated/ recent version of your marriage certificate at the consulate interview, or was a copy of your original sufficient?

[@ScottAndJen]

Hi Sarah. We took the original and they photocopied

[@jmaustinbook127]

I wonder if someone signed a one year lease, then got rejected by the immigration，can you cancel the lease ?thx

[@ScottAndJen]

That's is for you to discuss with the potential landlord. That was why we had such difficulty finding somewhere. First we were not viewing in person and second we were not guaranteed to be accepted. Best to be upfront with landlords and try to come to a happy medium. Maybe where they are not left empty handed if you are rejected but then also you not being returned 2-3 months upfront deposit. Good luck

[@dovygoodguy1296]

Is a person who lives in a city without a consulate supposed to travel just for the short interview for the D7 4 month visa? Can't they do a video interview? It seems ridiculous.

[@ScottAndJen]

You will quickly learn that the Portuguese do ridiculous quite well. My parents have their interviews this March and although they have a joint application, their interviews are half an hour apart in separate consulates that are over two hours away from each other. One is Braga and one in Braganca. It has made for quite the organising and run around.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

@@ScottAndJen I don't understand. If a person has to go to a consulate outside Portugal, why would they go to two different places inside Portugal?

[@stanlyc7]

I had 2 qs. Did you have to prove a passive monthly income that you are earning? second did you apply as a single applicant or family ?

[@ScottAndJen]

Yes we did. We applied as a couple with one person as the main applicant.

[@ouardlebouardleb6234]

Hey. Can we use savings if we don't have a passive income please?

[@ScottAndJen]

I believe there will be a threshold as to when you have enough money to not need passive income. How much is open to debate so I can't answer your question you are better contacting the SEF direct

[@made4dev594]

Hi Thanks for the informations I would like to ask you some questions I am developer who generates revenues from google Ads Am I eligible for this visa? PS: I don't have business license I work as individual and in my home country i am not taxed on this type of earnings + If I got accepted Will I have to switch receiving money to my new portuguese bank account or is it ok to receive in my abroad bank account? + about taxes will I get taxed on the money I receive in my abroad bank account?

[@ScottAndJen]

No and no

[@rahultunde8158]

Hi! is it true that the SEF IS closed and they are not processing D7 visa?

[@ScottAndJen]

I have not heard of such things Rahul. If you have a source please share. We have our second appointment booked at the SEF in August

[@michaelmcgeehan717]

Is there a website to download forms

[@ScottAndJen]

Hi Michael. Look for VFS Global. You will find the forms there. The process is changing a little all the time so it may be a little different to when we did it. Good luck.

[@gregnicholl4836]

Who was your lawyer

[@gedjames5402]

Hi Scott and Jen, many thanks for the information, we took your advice and reached out to the embassy and a lovely gentleman called Joao got straight back to us with the list of things he needs us to provide so fantastic stuff there. We preempted the move to Portugal and got our NIF numbers in 2019 (pre- brexit). Just need to rent a place and open our banks and we’ll be ready for the off. I do have one quick question for you both though, you mentioned you got a mortgage pre approval that helped support your application and your intention to invest in property there which I think is a great idea. How did you go about that? Did your bank in Portugal give you that or was it a brokerage? Many thanks, Ged and Gaynor.

[@ScottAndJen]

He Ged. It was Joao that we were emailing too. Our appointment turned out not to be with him but he was very helpful. RE The mortgage pre approval we contacted a gentleman via email which we received from our fiscal representative. If you PM us on Instagram I will dig it out for you. Cheers

[@meireheard36]

Hi guys, your videos are very informative, I am applying for the D7 remote work, but when I go to the VFS app to find the type of visa l don’t know which one to use???? Today I went to VFS London, Portuguese embassy and I couldn’t get the information. If you can please help me 🙏🏻🙏🏻thanks

[@ScottAndJen]

Hi Meire it's the national visa you need. Good luck

[@meireheard36]

Thank you so much, I got it now…. Can’t wait to get all sorted 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🇵🇹🇵🇹

[@biplobsikder3242]

I am Bangladeshi i interestd d7visa go to Portugal but incurrence. Hotiel bookin.air tikit manaz is very dificult plese plese help me go to Portugal

[@ScottAndJen]

Hi there. We are not quite sure what you asking. If you want to apply for the D7 you will need to contact the Portugese embassy in your own country. After that follow the steps in this video. Good luck