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Anyone Apply for Residency Card while in Portugal?

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kctrani156
  11/11/2014 06:58 EST

We are currently in Lisbon for 2.5 months and have decided that we want to apply for the Residency Permit/Card so that we can stay here longer than 6 months. We have communicated with the Portuguese Consulate in NJ and know the docs required for submission to them, only to be sent to SEF for approval.

Has anyone applied while here in Portugal? Is it possible? Any tips for us?

We did go to SEF, but since the agent spoke poor English and we don't have a good command of Portuguese yet, they encouraged us to just apply for the 90 day extension in Jan.

All suggestions are appreciated. Our plan is to live in Praia do Luz as of mid-December.

craigandmicki
  11/11/2014 07:22 EST

Yes, we did! We sent all our documents into the US consulate that has jurisdiction over our US state of residence; we returned to the US as required, before our temporary extension expired, to submit our passports to the US consulate for the Resident Visa page to be affixed (ook 2 weeks); then we came back to PT and went to the nearest SEF (have a few months to do this, we went the first week we were back) where we completed the process for the Resident Permit.

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kctrani156
  11/11/2014 09:02 EST

Thanks, CraigandMicki! Another confusing point however. An agent at the Portuguese Consulate in NJ said we had to submit docs to them, not to the US Consulate. So please clarify which government consulate you gave your application, FBI "rap sheet" etc to.

Still a bit confused!

craigandmicki
  11/11/2014 10:55 EST

Yes...some updated info I recently received confirms that you will be processed thru the Consulate General at: THE LEGAL CENTER
1 RIVERFRONT PLAZA, SUITE 40 NEWARK, NJ 07102-5401
TEL. (973) 643-4200/2156/58
FAX (973) 643-3900
[email protected]
I also have a draft article with updates about the application process...perhaps you could review it for me and comment on its accuracy based on your upcoming experience? Can not emphasize enuf how important the 'financial means' aspect has become; the FBI changed its IT system in September and still has a 12 week back-log; and the people in NJ can add any requirements that they want, but I think I've mentioned all of them in my new article. If you don't mind reviewing a messy draft, I could email it to you. I am at: [email protected]

kctrani156
  11/11/2014 11:35 EST

Yes, I am happy to review your article. CraigandMickie...what do I call you?

From my research so far, there are FBI approved Channelers that can do the "live electronic" scan, rather than ink. & they promise a turnaround of less than 7 days. We'll see!

I look forward to receiving your article.

Your hotmail account is not working...bounced back as undeliverable.

Kathy Trani

Charliegirl7
  11/12/2014 14:22 EST

I for one, cannot wait to view your revised and updated article on applying for residency Micki, although I know our situation is a little different in that we're applying while still in the US. I emailed Dina (and crossed my fingers) so I hope to hear from someone at the consulate as well. I basically told her that I'm relying on your great article for this application process. Hopefully, she'll want to give me their official instructions too. I'll keep you informed when/if I hear anything back from her as well!

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Portugal Residency Advisors is a full-service consulting firm dedicated to providing personalized services to individuals and families seeking to relocate to Portugal. With a team of experienced professionals and strategic partnerships, we are well-positioned to assist clients with all aspects of the relocation process.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Portugal Residency AdvisorsPortugal Residency Advisors

Portugal Residency Advisors is a full-service consulting firm dedicated to providing personalized services to individuals and families seeking to relocate to Portugal. With a team of experienced professionals and strategic partnerships, we are well-positioned to assist clients with all aspects of the relocation process.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

kctrani156
  11/12/2014 14:33 EST

Charliegirl7, we have learned from the Portuguese Consulate in NJ that you must apply for residency from the US! Can't be in Portugal & apply. So we are gathering the required docs, including FBI rap sheet which may take 3 months to secure, due to IT upgrades. Tomorrow we meet with the US Consulate here in Lisboa to inquire about the Schengen visa & it's process because we want to travel freely throughout Europe while here!

It will happen!

FelixKrull
  11/12/2014 14:43 EST

I have permanent residency in Portugal and I did it here in Lisbon, and I did not have an FBI criminal record. So, it is possible as I am living proof.

ProfBren
  11/12/2014 15:22 EST

Kathy, we used a chandler out of San francisco and had very good luck with the .

craigandmicki
  11/12/2014 17:04 EST

Felix...just to clarify: based on earlier postings from you, I recall that you got your Permanent Resident permit because you were in Portugal for 5 years; and when you applied for the Permanent Resident permit you didn't need an FBI check? If both of these points are 'yes', that makes sense--the Portuguese government conducts a Portuguese criminal record check at the point of granting a Permanent Resident permit, as they only require the FBI record check once, at first application for the Temporary Resident Permit (if the record check is clear). I really appreciate your help on these two points! Thanks in advance.

ProfBren
  11/12/2014 17:11 EST

Felix, I also would be interested in what year you were able to do this? Thanks

Portugal Residency AdvisorsPortugal Residency Advisors
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Portugal Residency Advisors is a full-service consulting firm dedicated to providing personalized services to individuals and families seeking to relocate to Portugal. With a team of experienced professionals and strategic partnerships, we are well-positioned to assist clients with all aspects of the relocation process.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Portugal Residency AdvisorsPortugal Residency Advisors

Portugal Residency Advisors is a full-service consulting firm dedicated to providing personalized services to individuals and families seeking to relocate to Portugal. With a team of experienced professionals and strategic partnerships, we are well-positioned to assist clients with all aspects of the relocation process.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

FelixKrull
  11/12/2014 20:24 EST

It's a bit a late at night now so I can explain better later, but briefly I had a residency (temporary residency?) which lasted for 5 years, and now a permanent residency which will need to be renewed in 10 years (though, I'll be a citizen well before that). In none of the these three instances, did I need a criminal background check. Furthermore, I had been here illegally prior to the 1st residency card. So, I had to go back to the US but only to re-enter the country legally. I happened to get a student visa in Newark at that time, so perhaps that's why I did not need to return to the US for the residency...?

In any case, even for my citizenship, I was able to apply without the FBI rap sheet. They say you need it, but you don't. In fact there is a form you fill out to be excluded from it. You do need to provide two witnesses who can attest to your lack of criminal record, but they can be anyone (literally anyone).

ProfBren
  11/13/2014 05:01 EST

Thanks for the clarification Felix. what year did you go back to the US to renter legally?

ProfBren
  11/13/2014 05:08 EST

Craig and Micki, I sent this to you as a reply from your private message, but it was returned. So I will try to post it here.

Well wonderful spell check changed the spelling. It was $50 I believe. First we waited 8 to 10 weeks and still had no response after sending our finger prints to Washington. When we called customer service they had no idea where we were in the processing line. Once we used the channeler we had to get new finger print cards again. My husband received his approval within seven days. Mine was rejected because they said they were not clear. New finger prints again, rejected again. channeler said get two sets they cut and pasted them finally got approved. After this a few weeks later our reports came back from our first submission. Husband passed mine were rejected. By that time I believe it was about 16 weeks from time of first submission.
We would never have been approved in time for our relocation if we had not used a service to help us.

FelixKrull
  11/13/2014 06:26 EST

I had overstayed my visa, so I went back in 2006 just to leave the Schengen zone and then returned in 2007 with a fresh stamp on my passport.

kctrani156
  11/13/2014 10:39 EST

OK, friends, another question for you! When the Portuguese Consulate grants you your probationary 6 month residence card/visa, & SEF does there thing, are you able to travel outside of Portugal during that first 6 month probationary period? Even for short trips, such as back to the US?

kctrani156
  11/13/2014 11:04 EST

After talking with someone at the American Consulate here, it was recommended that we ask some of these questions with an immigration attorney? Anyone done that? Have a recommendation in Lisbon or the Algarve...we plan to be in Praia da Luz.

craigandmicki
  11/13/2014 11:12 EST

A few of us have worked with Rita,an attorney in the Cascais/Lisbon area...and, altho you're heading to the Algarve, she can help you...info is:
Rita Avelar
(961) 614-883
ritaquintinoavelar.advogada
Pc Dr Francisco Sá Carneiro, Lt A - 9353, 1º Dto.CascaisPortugal

kctrani156
  11/14/2014 14:38 EST

Very important question for us & really want to hear from you! When you get your residency card..the first 6 month probationary one, are you/we able to leave Portugal to visit family in US or to go to Italy or another EU country for a short visit?

We look forward to learning from your experience! Many thanks in advance!

Charliegirl7
  11/14/2014 14:41 EST

I got a call back from Dina yesterday! I explained everything that my husband and I are trying to do and that I just wanted to start the process early. She told me that everything that I had been following in Micki's article was accurate, but because we aren't officially relocating to Portugal until mid/late 2015, I should wait to start the process until I'm about 3 months out. Her reasons were because the Schengen visa application asks where we will be staying (once we are living in Portugal) and that's one question that I can't answer yet. I asked if I could just list a town and she said I could but then I'd encounter potential problems once I arrived if that information changed. She said the process is currently taking about 12 weeks to process and it can be filled out in English (although I will probably still fill it out in Portuguese where I can). The financial requirement is 55,000 euros too. She explained the declaration page as a short statement describing why we're retiring there, and that it should be kept simple. Micki was right on the mark about the process though, including number of copies needed and attachments that are necessary as well. So for now, I have printed out my required number of applications, have gotten our fingerprints/FBI background checks submitted and I will wait until early spring to mail everything in. I just wanted to follow up regarding my call from Dina.

kctrani156
  11/16/2014 15:15 EST

Why do you need a Schengen Visa? Especially if you have a Resident Visa or Permit?

kctrani156
  12/29/2014 07:38 EST

Thanks for all of your great info, Bren & Micki! We decided to apply for a visa extension, which allows us to stay in Portugal only---no travel outside PT--for another 3 months. Then we will travel back to US to visit family.

The great news is that when we return, it will be on our US passport & can travel freely. The 3 months here in PT meets the 90 day requirement, because our travel is restricted. That is perfect for us!

By the end of May, we will know if we want Portugal to be our home away from home, and will apply for the resident visa while back in the US for the summer.

Again, thanks for everyone's info! Happy New Year to all!

Expatlisbon
  3/30/2015 07:01 EST

I am set to get my first tourist visa extension from SEF a few days before it expires due to a backlog in SEF appointments. I'm told I can get another 90 day extension, but it seems there is a way to apply for a residency permit online from within Portugal after six months in Portugal.

Because I lived in the UK on a 3 yr visa which expired last year, I have no residence in the US to go back to for the purpose of getting a residency visa from a Portuguese consulate there. I also have no living family or close friends who could provide an address, so I'm forced to try to negotiate the residency permit while in Portugal.

I have proof of funds, a rented apt, Portuguese police clearance, a NIF,and a PT bank account. I am considering enrolling in a PHD program in Lisbon.

Any thoughts? I'm trying to make an appointment with a Portuguese immigration atty but not getting calls returned.

probstslp
  3/30/2015 11:18 EST

We are in the process of doing just that. We are working with a former atty. in Lisbon who heads a company designed to help with immigration and emigration. Her name is Ines Salvo, and her company is Eimigrante. Her phone number is 351+217960436. Her email is [email protected]. Her assistant, Carla, is lovely to speak with on the phone. Ines does her homework and follows through, unlike another atty. who has been recommended to us and others regularly on expatexchange.pt. Good luck!

ofilha
  3/30/2015 12:55 EST

You can do that yourself, if you can either speak portuguese or know someone who does, it is pretty straight forward. You may need a fiscal id number also, if you are going to purchase a home there or do other business. I would suggest speaking to a portuguese consulate or embassy in your area; they can help you with this.
Also in Portugal there is a web site that has information, in portuguese and english.

http://www.sef.pt/portal/v10/PT/aspx/apoioCliente/detalheApoio.aspx?fromIndex=0&id_Linha=4771

ofilha
  3/30/2015 12:58 EST

we did it ourselves and did not need an attorney. You just need to fill out a form then go to sef( servicos dos estrangeiros e fronteiras) or find a loja de cidadao in your area. It took my wife about half hour to see the official and have the form filled out then we just waited for a month and she received her permanent residence permit. Attorneys are okay but you really do not need them for this.

Expatlisbon
  3/31/2015 09:23 EST

Thanks, I had a meeting this am and hope to hear back soon after my documents are reviewed. The very impressive Daniel Reis of Eimigrante is assisting me.

Expatlisbon
  4/2/2015 07:36 EST

I'm told it's possible for a US citizen to obtain a residency visa from a Portuguese consulate in a non-Schengen country such as Morocco or the UK. Has anyone done this or heard of such a thing?

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