Residence Rights in Portugal for UK citizens after BREXIT

Official info about 4. Details about Sufficient Funds

Please, read this, need translation:

DRE - Diário da Republica Portuguesa (Electronico) / Portuguese Republic Laws Online Journal
Artigo 2.º Meios de subsistência

https://dre.pt/pesquisa/-/search/628798 … /maximized


... where RMMG 2020 = Retribuição Mínima Mensal Garantida para 2020 = 635 eur

https://www.dgert.gov.pt/atualizacao-do … -para-2020

EU website:

Official info about 3. Details about documentation required

Registering your residence abroad:

https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/r … dex_en.htm


Registering your residence abroad – Portugal:

https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/r … dex_en.htm

Types of authorisation of residence

Residence permits can be temporary or permanent.

- Temporary permits are valid for one year and are renewable for two-year periods. Applications to renew a permit must be sent 30 days before the expiry date

- Permanent residence is available to EU nationals who have lived legally in Portugal for five years. Permanent residence permits should be renewed every five years or whenever the person's personal information changes.


AUTOMATIC RENEWAL of Residence Permit – Frequently asked questions

https://imigrante.sef.pt/en/renovar-res … requentes/


The residence permit takes a few weeks to process. Once issued bears the person's photograph and signature, and it must be carried at all times for possible inspection.

According to the explanation given by the British Embassy, the exchange of the current residence document (EU Citizen Registration Certificate issued by the City Council or EU Citizen Permanent Residence Certificate issued by SEF) will take place through the new Brexit Portal:

https://brexit.sef.pt/en/

The British who apply for the new card on the portal "will be able to download a proof of this application in digital format", which can be used for travel, although the current certificates will be accepted after 31 December, until the new residence permit is issued.
The British will also have a telephone line and e-mail address for questions relating to leaving the UK, including the document exchange process.

Brexit Line | +351 21 711 50 45
Working Days from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
brexit@sef.pt

https://www.dn.pt/mundo/brexit-britanic … 36650.html

Brexit transition

There are new rules for businesses and citizens from 1 January 2021.

The UK government provides this website with all the information you need to know:

https://www.gov.uk/transition

The UK’s deal with the EU affects your business, family, and personal circumstances. Use the Brexit checker to get a personalised list of actions. You can also sign up for emails to get updates for what you need to do 

Moving to Portugal after Brexit

For new residents, after 1 January 2021:

Before Brexit, moving to another EU country from the UK was seen as almost a right. However, this "right" no longer exists, meaning that UK citizens will be treated the same as any other citizen from a 3rd or non-EU country.

It means that now you will need to apply for a Visa, attend an interview with SEF, and obtain permission to live in Portugal. There are a range of different visas available depending on your situation, such as the golden visa for investment, the D7 visa (also known as the “retirement visa”), D2 (or entrepreneur visa) or finally the Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) scheme for those moving to Portugal from outside the EU.

Take note that as a UK citizen, you will still be able to travel to other Schengen area countries, including Portugal, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa for purposes such as tourism, also subject to the latest COVID-19 restrictions. This means that travelling to your holiday home in Portugal after Brexit may not be affected if you only visit for short periods of time.


Best options for UK Citizens to live in Portugal:
- Retired people: D7 Visa, NHR Regime (Pensioners)
- Working: D2 Visa, D3 Visa, Startup Visa, Tech Visa, NHR Regime (Highly qualified activities)
- Investment: Golden Visa
- Other / Families: D7 Visa, Family Visa (Family reunification), ...

If you acquired Portuguese citizenship (available after 5 years of residence in Portugal) then you have the same rights as Portuguese and EU citizens.


_________________

A. ENTRY IN PORTUGAL

Applying for a visa (short stay visa/temporary stay visa/residence permit):

https://imigrante.sef.pt/en/entrada-em-portugal/

Residence permits, for temporary stay or short stay, to UK nationals are issued on the following general conditions:

- Having means of subsistence;
- Having a valid travel document;
- Having a travel insurance.


The application for a visa shall be submitted in the consular post in the usual country of residence or in the consular jurisdiction area of the State of residence.

Eg. If you are a UK citizen living in UK:
      https://portaldascomunidades.mne.gov.pt … eino-unido

      If you are a UK citizen living in other european country:
      https://portaldascomunidades.mne.gov.pt … lar/europa


FAQs:
https://imigrante.sef.pt/wp-content/upl … ras_EN.pdf
(...)



B. APPLYING FOR RESIDENCE IN PORTUGAL

All Residence Permits available to non-EU citizens / Types of Visas for Residence, Professional Activities and Investment in Portugal:

https://imigrante.sef.pt/en/solicitar/https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/en/national-v … pe-of-visa


_________________

Additional Info about options to be considered:

D7 Visa
This Visa is a residence visa for retirees or holders of income who wish to live in Portugal:
     https://imigrante.sef.pt/en/solicitar/residir/art77-1/https://nomadgate.com/d7-vs-golden-visa-portugal/https://www.globalcitizensolutions.com/ … l-d7-visa/

     (...)

What it requires:

- Evidence of adequate accommodation: Documentary evidence of having accommodation in Portugal (property title deed, rental agreement or property loan agreement);

- Evidence of health insurance coverage;

- Documentary evidence of sufficient finances available to the applicant in Portugal. Currently, the simplest way to comply with this requirement is by opening an account in a Portuguese bank with the transfer of these resources.

As this is a discretionary decision by the Portuguese judging authority, naturally the higher the proven earnings, the greater the chances of the applicant to succeed in his application for a D7 Visa.

Minimum Resources: Proof that the applicant has the minimum income provided for by law to enable him to reside in Portugal for a period of not less than 12 months, such as:
      First adult (applicant): 100% of the current minimum wage (665€) = 7,980€/year;

      Second adult (spouse or partner): 50% of the current minimum wage (332,5€) =
      3,990€/year;

      Children and young people under 18 and over-dependent children: 30% of the
      current minimum wage (199,5€) = 2,394€/year.

      (These are current values for 2021)

- Documentary evidence of having a reasonable net regular/stable passive income: Proof of sufficient funds, i.e., bank statements for the last six months

- Income tax returns for the last three years.

______________


Independent professional activity with residence visa (former D2 Visa)
Highly qualified activity (former D3 Visa)
Startup Visa
Tech Visa
Golden Visa

    https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=914843
    (Post #6)

______________


Non-Habitual Tax Resident (NHR)

The NHR is a tax regime that targets non-resident individuals who are likely to establish in Portugal:
- a permanent residence or
- a temporary residence (with minimum of 183 days per year).


The NHR regime establishes, under certain conditions, tax exemptions on foreign source income, as well as a limited 20% taxation of income from employment and independent personal services, in both cases if deriving from high value-added activities. Entrants in the regime that became Portuguese tax resident as from 1 April 2020 are liable to a 10% tax rate on pension income.

https://www.lisbob.net/en/blog/nhr-stat … -tax-guidehttps://www.globalcitizensolutions.com/ … ax-regime/https://www.nonhabitualtaxresident.com/ … ounters4-b

(...)

Evidence that the applicant has adequate accommodation

One of the visa requirements is "Evidence that the applicant has adequate accommodation"

A rental contract, a purchase contract, a short-term-stay confirmation or staying with friends or family — called a "Terms of Responsibility" form — all qualify as proof of accommodations. Proof of n months' coverage is requested and differs by consulate/VFS Global (n=3,4,6,12 months). Check the special requirements noted in your Consulate.

a) a rental contract in your name exactly as it appears on your visa application and other documents; the property address; property owner's name; and the contract period;

b) a paid hotel or short-term-stay (such as Airbnb) confirmation stating name, address and telephone number of the hotel, including confirmation number;

c) a home purchase agreement;

d) a letter from someone with whom you'll stay. Submit an official letter of invitation (Term of Responsibility Form) signed by your host. The host's signature on the form must be notarized in Portugal and a copy of your host's identity card included.

Template letter which covers the sponsorship/invitation for housing requirement / "Carta de Conforto ou Termo de Responsabilidade". Only people with a residence permit or portuguese citizen can make this invitation letter. SEF can call to the host resident in Portugal and confirm the details and information contained in this letter.

SAMPLE A. SEF model

You can use the template provided on the SEF (Serviços de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras de Portugal) website. Print and fill in with the info & signature of your host.

https://www.sef.pt/pt/Documents/TR_Fronteiras.pdf

Or

https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/images/termod … lidade.pdf

The signature must be notarised (by a lawyer or notary in Portugal). And the original document must be presented, not scanned. In other words, your friend must send it to you by post or hand it to you.

(Responsibility, PDF doc)

You can translate PDF into English using a Doctranslator, such as:

https://www.onlinedoctranslator.com

___________

SAMPLE B. Unofficial model

Cidade e data,

Aos cuidados do SEF

Eu (nome de quem vai receber, estado civil, profissão, nacionalidade), portador do Cartão Cidadão/Autorização de residência (número do Cartão Cidadão ou Autorização de residência) e válido até (validade do documento), residente em (morada completa em Portugal com código postal), com contacto pelo telefone (números de contacto), convido:

*** detalhe de informação para cada um dos convidados ***

(nome completo do(s) convidados(as), nacionalidade, profissão), portador do passaporte (número do passaporte), emitido em (data de emissão) e válido até (data validade), residente em (morada completa no país de origem com código postal),

a visitar(em)-me em Portugal no período compreendido entre (início do período) e (fim do período).

Declaro que, durante a sua permanência em território nacional do(s) cidadão(s) acima citado(s), assumo o compromisso de assegurar as despesas com hospedagem, alimentação e outras que se fizerem necessárias.

Assumo também a responsabilidade pelo pagamento de eventuais despesas de viagem de retorno quando tal seja necessário (ou então, que o visitante arcará com todas as despesas necessárias durante a sua viagem de regresso e já possui passagem aérea comprada e paga para o regresso ao seu país de origem, no dia xxxxx).

Atenciosamente,

Assinatura e nome do anfitrião (quem recebe a visita em Portugal)

Evidence that the applicant has travel insurance with health coverage

In order to apply for residence permit in Portugal (eg. D7 visa) in their country of origin (UK in this case), applicants will need to purchase Travel Insurance with Health Coverage for one year. Proof of this cover will be requested along with other documents when applying for the Visa.

If initial application is approved in your country of origin (interview at the portuguese Consulate), a four-month visa for Portugal will then be issued to applicants, who will have to present themselves to SEF in Portugal within this time. As applicants have purchased travel insurance they will be covered by that insurance throughout their time in Portugal until the Residence Permit is formally issued.

Eg. D7 visa
Following a successful appointment with SEF, a visa for 2 years will be granted to the applicant. Once the applicant receives D7, they are entitled to benefit from the National Health Service (portuguese SNS).

Access to the National Health System:
https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=902977

However, remember that it is necessary to register to the NHS/SNS in order to benefit from its services. Those who wish to do so can also purchase a private health insurance if they need extra health support.

Private Healthcare System in Portugal:
https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=914196

Criminal Record Certificates

When applying for a visa, you will need to obtain a copy of your criminal record certificate, both in Portugal (1) and in your country of origin/country you resided for more than a year (2):


(1) Permission for SEF to check your portuguese criminal record (except for under 16 years old)

Please note that if you need to request or renew your residence permit in Portugal, you are no longer required to request a criminal record certificate, as this information is accessed by the Portuguese Immigration Authorities (SEF):

https://www.sef.pt/en/pages/noticia-sef.aspx?nID=187
(in english)

https://www.sef.pt/pt/pages/noticia-sef.aspx?nID=725
(in portuguese)

but only after you’ve given your authorisation at the time of the application or renewal of the residence permit (by filling in & signing this doc):

https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/images/scheng … lta_rc.pdf


(2) Criminal record certificate issued by your country of origin or the country you resided for more than a year

If you are a UK national:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/basic-dbs-checks-guidance

https://www.gov.uk/request-copy-criminal-record


________

Additional info:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati … n-portugal

_________________________________________________________________

One of the requirements for visa approval is:

Old criminal history:

SEF website:

https://imigrante.sef.pt/en/solicitar/residir/art77-1/

The granting of a residence permit shall entail:

- The absence of any fact which, if known to the competent authorities, would preclude the granting of the visa;

- Absence of conviction for a crime which in Portugal is punishable by a custodial sentence of more than one year;

- The applicant is not within a period of prohibition of entry into the national territory, following an expulsion measure from the country;

- No indication in the Schengen Information System;

- No indication in SEF’s Integrated Information System for non-admission purposes, under article 33 of the Aliens Act.

The Motivational Letter / Personal Statement

What is a motivation letter ?

The motivation letter or personal statement is a required document in the process of applying for some visas, explaining why you’re seeking Portuguese residency.

It should be addressed to the Portuguese consulate in your home country, together with all the other documents required in the visa application process.

Not be mixed up the motivation letter with the invitation letter. They are different documents for different purposes. If you want to know more about invitation letter, please read this:

https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 42#5123520
(post #8)


For D2 visas (entrepreneurs), this document is used to describe your business, detail your professional experiences, etc.

For student visas, this letter will also be sent to an educational institution, and letter's writing can be decisive for the granting or not of your visa, or the acceptance or not of your profile for the required school or university.

For D7 visas, the detail is less important, but it should also include the topics described below.



How to write a motivation letter ?

The letter must be formal and grammatically correct. There is not a standard model provided by consulates or universities. However, there are some topics that need to be there: 

1. Your presentation: your name, where you live, your passport number, ...


2. Your academic and professional qualifications

If you are a student: what you have done previously in your life that would allow you to be able to enter the course you are applying for. Talk about your previous studies and your previous work experiences, if any.

If you are an entrepreneur (D2 visa): what experiences make you able to create and manage value with the business you intend to open in Portugal? Also explain what is your academic background, what have been your professional experiences, if you have or have ever had any business in your home country.

Be brief, the idea is not to spell out everything contained in your CV, because your CV will also be requested in these cases, both in the application process by university students and by the consulate of D2 visa applicants.


3. State the reasons for the visa application

For students: it is useful to explain what are your future professional intentions. Talk about how the course you are applying for can boost your career on a personal and professional level. If the university you are applying to is a recognised one, it is also worth highlighting features such as the quality of the teaching and teaching team.

For entrepreneurs: explain what types of products or services your business will provide. Also explain why your business is financially viable in the Portuguese market. This information can be stated in a broad way, as the detail will be given in your business plan.

For both D2 and D7, it is also useful justify your reasons for choosing Portugal. Therefore, it is important to mention personal issues that motivate you to live in the country, such as the quality of life, safety, and other topics, like :

- if you have ties to Portugal (mention any friends or family members who live here);

- if you are really connected to Portuguese culture and really going to integrate here (mention any Portuguese language courses you're taking);

- if you will be an asset to Portugal (D2 & student'visa) (this is where you sell yourself in terms of education and previous career);

- if you have the means to support yourself (mentioning savings, assets, or a remote job)


4. Explain where you will be staying when you arrive in Portugal

You should detail the accommodation in the city you intend to live, whether it is an Airbnb, rented flat or even a letter of invitation to stay in a friend's or relative's house. You must indicate if the accommodation where you are going to stay is permanent or temporary.


5. Make your personal contacts available

Provide your mobile phone and/or your e-mail and make yourself available for any further issues that may be required.



D7 visa' sample motivation letter:

To the Head of Immigration Services 
of the Portuguese Consulate at ....

Dear Sirs,
I, name ..., born in .... , nationality ...., marital status ....., passport nr. ...., living in ......, academic studies ..... , retired / dependent worker / self-employed / ... from the company .... and with an annual income in the last tax year of EUR ...... I declare my interest in residing legally in Portugal by applying to D7 residence visa.

As proof by hotel reservation ...., I will stay in the city of .... at the hotel ......, hotel address ......, for ..... days, this period may be extended until I obtain a settled address, which will depend on the approval of the residence permit by the competent Portuguese Authorities.

Having visited Portugal for the first time in ......, I liked the country and it would be an added value to reside there while I hold the residence permit, and eventually, to apply for Portuguese citizenship, in case I meet the legal timings and procedural requirements for that purpose. At the moment, I am attending a Portuguese language course to ease my integration in the country.

If any further information is required, please contact me by phone ......, or by email ......

I subscribe and look forward to receiving your reply to my visa application.

Your signature

Huge thanks Johnny for this long thread on application materials. It's of course a relatively new procedure since Brexit for Brits to apply for this visa (mainly Australians and Americans posting their advice online from what I can tell) so this has been really helpful.

I've just got my (first part of) D7 approved in Dec 2021 by the Portuguese Consulate so wanted to share my info to help others in the future. I've actually read it takes about 4-6 weeks for approving but fortunately mine was approved within 3 weeks. I can now travel to Portugal and my SEF meeting is booked for the latter stage of gaining a Residence permit.

So you book through VFS Global for the actual application meeting but I would recommend emailing your own Consulate for the full list of documentation required as others have stated. Apparently some of the requirements change per Consulate (which isn't particularly useful) but you can also phone them in advance to check over items. FYI I was applying to Portuguese consulate in London.

Required docs
Application form - Simple to fill out. You can find the different reasons for applying on the Consulate's website. My reason was 'fixed residency for people living out from individual revenues'. I did not have an inviting company but did have an inviting person (partner) so only filled one section which the woman at VFS global said was fine.
Strangely she asked for a date I'm travelling over to Portugal - which is a bit chicken and egg - I'm waiting on the Visa to be approved to travel over but I have to give a date for my Visa application. Anyway I gave a date and that's what got stamped.

Photos - Passport style photos to attach to your application. They also take a photograph there and finger prints.

Passport - You must give them your hard copy and you'll pay a courier fee for it to be sent and returned to your address. This will hopefully be returned with a stamped page for border control.

Declaration - As JohnnyPT mentions in more detail, a personal statement is really good to add and make sure to include reasons for migrating, professional qualifications and education, where you'll live and how you'll support yourself (work, income, retirement etc)

Health insurance - This must be an Annual Multi Trip policy and cover all of Europe, not just Portugal. I think it has to cover the entire period you could potentially stay there (Annual residence permit) not just the 4 months granted. They recommend AXA but you can also use a comparison site, it's not too pricey.
Make sure to take the main policy wording and page with benefits table as they specifically mentioned that page too.

Criminal record - For UK, you can request a basic DBS check which is quite cheap however it's usually for purposes of employment. They recommend getting the more expensive and physical certificate from Acro which is specifically mentioned for applying for VISAs - https://www.acro.police.uk/police_certificates.aspx

FYI I had to give the hardcopy which means you'll likely need another for the meeting with SEF...

Criminal record - For Portugal, I printed and signed this document giving authorization for your record to be checked by authorities in Portugal. https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/images/scheng … lta_rc.pdf

Accommodation - For those who need to rent a place, I can't help but for those with family, a partner or friends to stay with for your initial 4 months, I had my partner sign an Invitation and Responsibility form to say you can stay there and they will take full responsibility for you. We had this form and their ID signed and notarised in Portugal. https://www.sef.pt/pt/Documents/TR_Fronteiras_.pdf

Apparently some Consulates don't accept this and prefer a rental agreement or hotel/Airbnb etc booking for the length of stay. Again, another chicken and egg scenario which doesn't make much sense, or costs a lot!

Sufficient funds available - This is probably the largest section and the more evidence the better here. Of course you'll need to show a Portuguese bank account and relevant balance / accessible funds.

For regular income and showing I can support myself, I showed HMRC tax returns, payslips and bank statements showing income. I also provided my work contract and a letter from my work stating that remote work is fine, my salary and long term contract length.

-----
I really hope this consolidated info helps someone out there as the above comments and information helped me.

A quick FYI on the VFS Global office in London (which I presume applies to the others too) - they have internet access and printers there to print anything you missed out but I'd recommend taking more than you need to be safe. If you do need to print, make sure to have access to the docs via your email or perhaps a USB stick. But beware, there's charges (of course) to use this.

Hi Adam, Welcome

Thank you very much for your personal statement. Awesome post! It will be very useful for many forum members here.

(D7 visa & others) - Minimum Resources

JohnnyPT wrote:

Evidence that the applicant has adequate accommodation

One of the visa requirements is "Evidence that the applicant has adequate accommodation"

A rental contract, a purchase contract, a short-term-stay confirmation or staying with friends or family — called a "Terms of Responsibility" form — all qualify as proof of accommodations. Proof of n months' coverage is requested and differs by consulate/VFS Global (n=3,4,6,12 months). Check the special requirements noted in your Consulate.

a) a rental contract in your name exactly as it appears on your visa application and other documents; the property address; property owner's name; and the contract period;

b) a paid hotel or short-term-stay (such as Airbnb) confirmation stating name, address and telephone number of the hotel, including confirmation number;

c) a home purchase agreement;

d) a letter from someone with whom you'll stay. Submit an official letter of invitation (Term of Responsibility Form) signed by your host. The host's signature on the form must be notarized in Portugal and a copy of your host's identity card included.

Template letter which covers the sponsorship/invitation for housing requirement / "Carta de Conforto ou Termo de Responsabilidade". Only people with a residence permit or portuguese citizen can make this invitation letter. SEF can call to the host resident in Portugal and confirm the details and information contained in this letter.

I understand that  different consulates require different " proof of n months"  but  when you opt for a- rental contract - does this have to be contracto de arrendamento with that being registered with AT( autoridade tributaria e aduaneira)

I see many post where people have obtained rental contracts but these necessarily have not been declared to AT prior to D7 visa issuance.


Thank you.

Any rental contract must always be registered by landlord at the AT. It is mandatory. This is a protection for the tenant himself.

There are only 2 exceptions, please read this (post #10):

Some remarks on Rental/Lease Agreement/Contract
https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 93#5075332
(posts #9, #10, #11 & #12)

JohnnyPT wrote:

Any rental contract must always be registered by landlord at the AT. It is mandatory. This is a protection for the tenant himself.

There are only 2 exceptions, please read this (post #10):

Some remarks on Rental/Lease Agreement/Contract
https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 93#5075332
(posts #9, #10, #11 & #12)

But yet in post 10, you talk about  " The amount spent with rents can be deducted in your tax declaration in Portugal (declaração anual de impostos, IRS),
but this can only happens if there is a legal rental contract and the issuing of rental receipts is made on a monthly basis.
For this reason, you always have to check if the owner will report your contract to the AT."


For lease less than 1 year or more than 1 year,

Do landlords have the option of not registering the lease with AT(in other words,- not a legal contract vs legal contract)? I find the two pieces of information conflicting. I  sincerely offer my apologies in advance if I have overlooked something.

Thank you

Please note:
- don't quote the previous reply. It creates unnecessary junk in the thread.

- this thread is about "Residence Rights in Portugal for UK citizens after BREXIT" and not about rental issues. You should post your questions about renting in the thread about that subject.

___

The answer to your question is about legality. Illegal rental contracts is a way of sustaining the black economy....  I doubt that in the visa examination, the contract is not checked for its legality. Otherwise, the visa applicant could submit any information he wanted, without it being checked by SEF...

There is the possibility of renting for a very short period, one/two months or less, and in this case it can be considered local lodgement, ie. the owner of the house must issue a bill with a receipt to the tenant.

usually they accept it but would be good to have a Portuguese version of the contract.

STOP

This has nothing to do with rental agreements for people from other countries, This thread is all about BREXIT.

Please start your own post with your questions.

Thank you

D7 visa (& others) - Renewals and minimum stay requirements

The minimum stay requirement is that one does not spend more than 6 consecutive or 8 non-consecutive months out of Portugal during the validity of each temporary permit, except under duly justified professional or force majeure circumstances.

The initial permit, called the temporary residence permit, has a 2 year valid period. Subsequent residence permits have 3 year valid periods.



Time Period:

- Years 1 and 2

Minimum Stay in Portugal: 6 consecutive months or 8 non-consecutive months each year.
I.e in these 2 years, you must stay at least 6 months consecutively yeach year,
    OR
    a total of 16 months (= 8 months × 2 years ), if you come and go whenever you want;

Renewal Date: End of Year 2
Available Renewal Option: 3-year Residency Permit



- Years 3, 4 and 5

Minimum Stay in Portugal: 6 consecutive months or 8 non-consecutive months each year.
I.e in these 3 years, you must stay at least 6 months consecutively yeach year,
     OR
     a total of 24 months (= 8 months × 3 years ), if you come and go whenever you want;

Renewal Date: End of Year 5
Available Renewal Option: 3-year Residency Permit, Permanent Residency or Citizenship (but subject to passing a language test of basic Portuguese).

_______

Portuguese Language Test (CIPLE A2) to obtain Portuguese Nationality
https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 97#5022329

(Posts #10 & #11)

Social Security Issues

Social Security Contributions within the EU countries or between EU countries and the UK (before Brexit):

https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/w … dex_en.htm

Select "Working in one country, living in another": Social security contributions - paid only in the country where you work

________

Post Brexit: Social Security Contributions UK - Portugal

As a general rule, Social Security contributions are owed in the place in which professional activity is exercised.

However, in accordance with the European legislation in matters of coordination of Social Security systems of the European Union, EEA and Switzerland, expatriates can maintain their contributions in the country of origin, not having to pay contributions to the Social Security system of their respective host country.

Generally, in situations of postings overseas, employees maintain contributions for the Social Security system in their country of origin (in the cases in which, on a cumulative basis the posting does not exceed 24 months, which may be extended, nor is it intended to replace another posted employee). Additionally, for the posting to take place, the power of management over the employee must remain in the sphere of the entity of origin or else run the risk of distorting the posting and transforming it in a new pure employment relationship.

With Brexit, the UK will no longer be included in the list of countries covered by European legislation in matters of coordination of Social Security systems. As a result, alternatives should be considered in order that the contribution relations between Portugal and the UK are not excluded from any legal coverage with regard to Social Security.

In this regard, Portugal may sign in the future an agreement on Social Security matters, in the same way as happens with other countries. Until that point, the situation may be problematic, given that with the lack of an agreement on the applicable legislation, both states may arrogate to themselves the right to subject the situation to the scope of application of their respective legislation.

However, given that Portugal has legislation that allows the coordination of its own system of Social Security with those of third country or outside of the EEA with which it doesn’t have a bilateral agreement, the situation of UK workers in Portugal will not entail any contributory obligation during a 12 month period, as long as the individual proves that it continues to be subject to the British Social Security system.

In the same way, if the Portuguese worker posted to the UK is able to prove that it is making UK National Insurance contributions, then they won’t be required to make contributions in Portugal.

Source:
https://abreuadvogados.com/en/knowledge … re-brexit/

(9. Social Security Contributions)

________

Portuguese Social Security Website:

Citizens' rights - Coordination of social security systems

https://www.seg-social.pt/noticias/-/as … rom-the-eu

(PDFs in english)

________

https://portaldiplomatico.mne.gov.pt/po … rna/brexit

What to expect at your first portuguese D7 residency Visa appointment in the SEF office

You go to the SEF office where your interview is scheduled.

How to check your Visa Appointment: Below the right hand part of your name in a smaller font are the words Agendamento / Appointment and a web address to SEF/AIMA website, followed by a ten digit number. Use that to schedule your SEF appointment

If you are applying with your family: at the appointment date, you and your family members need to appear in person to submit your biometric data and all your documents at once.

You are asked for your name, date of birth and nationality. Then they give you an application to fill out (which you can print and fill out prior to the appointment). (see SEF standard forms below). You will then be given a number to wait your turn in the waiting area. Remember that you will be seeing by two or three people and it is asked to not to leave after seeing the first.

First Person - Scan your documents

You are asked to provide the following documents:

- Passport

- Portuguese Visa Copy (the one issued to you by the Portuguese Consulate in your home country)

- Completed application form

- Police records from your home countries

- SEF authorization to check your criminal record in Portugal

- Financial statements / Proof of funds (eg. your bank summary page print outs)

- Proof of accommodation (eg. your rental contract)

- NIF (portuguese identification tax number)

- Proof that you have a portuguese bank account/ debit cards for your bank account

- Proof of medical coverage: A valid expat health insurance policy or Private Health Insurance Policy. A travel insurance policy will not be acceptable.

You should bring copies if requested, although all these documents will be scanned by whoever attended you. You cannot be without the originals, especially if you need them in the future (eg. signed rental accommodation contract).

It will probably be explain to you what documents you will need to bring/submit for the next residence permit renewal. If you are not told anything, try to find out more about it.

Then you'll have to wait again.... it's better not to leave the waiting room. Bring a snack to eat while you wait....If it is close to lunch time (12-14pm), remember that this can be delayed because the SEF employees will take lunch alternately, 1h for each of them, which slows down the process in that period. Don't get upset or blame the portuguese bureaucracy about it...

Second Person - Collect your biometric data

It is likely that your documents will be asked once again to be re-scanned. Some of your data will be entered into the computer. Then they will take your biometric data (digital fingerprints, digital signature on few docs, and digital pictures). After that, you will wait again to be called for the treasury.

Third Person - Treasury

They do not take credit cards, so you need to bring cash.

What is the cost of the first Portuguese D7 Residency Visa extension? 

The total price is aprox €170 (2022 values). Here it is broken down by fees:

      84 eur for processing title of residence (2022 fee, for each person)

      72,20 eur for the temporary title of residence (2022 fee, for each person)

      Aprox 10 eur (?) for shipping your title of residence to your home

      (It takes aprox. 2 weeks by mail).

____________________

SEF Fees:

https://imigrante.sef.pt/?media_dl=3009

(PDF doc)

____________________

SEF Standard forms:

(PDF docs)

https://imigrante.sef.pt/en/impressos/

- Extension of Stay/validity and/or duration of the Schengen Visa

https://imigrante.sef.pt/wp-content/upl … o_2018.pdf

___

- Extension of temporary stay visa/residence visa

https://imigrante.sef.pt/wp-content/upl … D_2018.pdf

___

- Application for – and renovation of – Temporary/Permanent Residence Permit; Long-term Residence Status; Residence Permit for Investment; EU Blue Card; and Family Reunification.

https://imigrante.sef.pt/wp-content/upl … R_2018.pdf

___

- Application for the submission of an expression of interest for purposes of obtaining a Residence Permit for employed and self-employed workers

https://imigrante.sef.pt/wp-content/upl … 2_2018.pdf

___

- Request for authorisation to search criminal records by SEF:

https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/images/scheng … lta_rc.pdf

___

You can translate PDF into English using a Doctranslator, such as:

https://www.onlinedoctranslator.com

____________________

How long does it take this D7 residency Visa appointment ?

2 up to 4 hours.

Be aware that:

Different SEF locations can request different paperwork, so please do not use this as a 100% guideline.

You will probably (?)  have to provide certified translations of your documents that are not in portuguese. This will be mandatory if it is not in english.

Fast track entry for UK citizens into Portugal

(April 2022)

Portugal has become the first country in the EU to no longer treat travellers from Briton as “third country” visitors, allowing them to pass through special e-gates and thus avoiding delays due to manual checks when enter the country.

Citizens from New Zealand, Australia, Japan and Singapore will also be able to benefit from this new system.

SEF:

https://www.sef.pt/pt/pages/noticia-sef.aspx?nID=971

____

https://www.theportugalnews.com/news/20 … ugal/66574

https://www.portugalresident.com/portug … -citizens/

https://sicnoticias.pt/pais/britanicos- … os-unicos/

@JohnnyPT perfect thank you so we are all good that side things . Is it the national visa form we need to fill in for vfs London ? Feel free to send me message if easier xx

@JohnnyPT   Does this mean that UK passports don't get stamped on entry?

@JohnnyPT perfect thank you so we are all good that side things . Is it the national visa form we need to fill in for vfs London ? Feel free to send me message if easier xx

- @hivbaby

@JohnnyPT   Does this mean that UK passports don't get stamped on entry?

- @Michelle Spot

Check how to declare personal goods you bring into or take out of the UK

(Gov.uk)

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-how-t … -of-the-uk

Do you have any information of can tell me where to get information on the rules governing how to declare goods from the US when on a D7 visa?

This thread is about UK....

Answering to your question regarding shipping household goods from US (certificado de bagagem):

https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 68#4920416

(Post #2)

(D7 visa & others) - Minimum Resources

UPDATING for 2023 (post #7 & #14):

Minimum Resources: Proof that the applicant has the minimum income provided by law to enable him to reside in Portugal for a period of not less than 12 months, such as:

First adult (applicant):

  100% of the current minimum wage (760€) = 9,120 €/year;

Second adult (spouse or partner):

  50% of the current minimum wage (380€) = 4,560€/year;

Dependant children and young people under 18:

  30% of the current minimum wage (228€) = 2,736€/year.

These amounts are just a baseline. You should not restrict your visa application resources to these minimums, so you can be sure that your visa will not be refused.

I am confused about the Health Insurance requirement.

When applying in Washingo DC at VFS, Travel Coverage was acceptable. When now have our Visa. We are only waiting for our SEF appt.

Are you saying some other Health Insurance is required? None is available for those of us over 75.

Clarification please

Insurance company MGEN:

https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 96#5201649

(Post #14 & others)

Travel insurance with health coverage vs private health insurance

https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 42#5168245

(Post #9)

Portuguese Tax Representation no longer required for non-EU residents

As of July 1st 2022, anyone with a Portuguese tax number (NIF) living outside of the EU, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, were required to hire a fiscal representative, regardless of whether they have tax obligations in Portugal or not. Now, those with no tax obligations within Portugal no longer need a tax representative, despite having a NIF.

Furthermore, those with tax obligations in Portugal (such as owning property, investments, or other assets in the country), can waive their requirement for fiscal representation by registering with the Portuguese Finance Portal’s new electronic notification system.

https://nomadgate.com/portuguese-tax-re … residents/

https://www.theportugalnews.com/news/20 … ugal/67784

@JohnnyPT Hi Johnny, my Husband and I have our VSF appt in a couple of weeks and I am starting to compose my Personal Statement / Motivation Letter.  Its my name only on the property deeds, but his pension income only as proof of finances.  Should I be writing a letter each or separate letters.  If separate letters, is there something else I need to be adding like I am allowing him to live in the house and he will write he will financially support me.

I'm trying to make sure my application is water tight, and I cover every eventuality.

Thanks

Michelle

@shelly14

Hi Michelle.

We immigrated to Portugal last year so have been through the post Brexit process although we were fortunate enough to deal directly with the Consulate in Manchester. Even though many of our documents were identical, the official copied them and made 2 separate bundles so it’s best to do that. We wrote 2 personal statements as it’s my pension and our joint rental income that is supporting us. I’m fairly certain that is what would be required. Boa Sorte!

@RobLane Thank you for the info

@JohnnyPT Johnny, at the SEF appointment is a short-term stay still valid, as it is stated in your post - "b) a paid hotel or short-term-stay (such as Airbnb) confirmation stating name, address and telephone number of the hotel, including confirmation number"? Some say it would cause a problem. We're trying to buy one but I'm afraid we'll not be able to do it by the SEF appointment, so we are seeking a temporary solution. Thank you so much.

I don't know how to answer that. There are contradictory reports over the last few years. Visa requirements & criteria have been changing so far ...