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Online temporary residency renewal

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mfitch5998
  11/14/2020 09:17 EST

It is time for me to renew my 2 year temporary residence. I am a little confused after going to the SEF site. Can I submit a full renewal application, or can I only schedule an appointment online?

If you can apply online, does anyone have the exact link for me to start the process?

TIA

Aleo
  12/11/2020 06:36 EST

@mfitch5998:

I am in a similar situation (but I need to renew my first, 1-year permit).

Here is what I heard from a SEF clerk on the phone: you are supposed to go to the "Private Area" on the SEF website https://www.sef.pt/en/mysef/ (you'll need to register if you have not registered yet), and select "Automatic Renewals" menu item.

It does not work for me - the website shows the message "Your application does not fulfil the legal requirements for the “automatic renewal”. ". According to the SEF person on the phone, the web site is broken and they are fixing it. The website is displaying this message for at least two months, so I am not sure if I believe this person. I'll try to call SEF again and ask someone else.

My "titulo de residencia" has "Art. 75 da lei N 23/2007" written on the front side - from what I understand, depending on the type of the residence permit you may or may not be able to renew automatically.

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garyret2017
  12/11/2020 07:19 EST

Both the wife and I renewed our one years residency on line and paid our 156 Euros each. That was six weeks ago and have not received new ones in the mail and our initial one year has now expired?

mfitch5998
  12/11/2020 15:48 EST

@aleo,
That is the same process that I used and I received the same message. My residence visa says “art 78”. I would not be at all surprised if the site has been broken for months,,, thanks for the info.

craigandmicki
  12/12/2020 06:15 EST

You might be at the correct spot: https://www.sef.pt/pt/Pages/pre-marcacao-online.aspx; but some people find it only works with a Chrome browser. Others find they need to try a few dozen times; to ensure they have the correct style of password; etc. There are many systems glitches. It's almost impossible to get a SEF appointment, also.

Aleo
  12/14/2020 13:48 EST

An update, just in case it would help someone...

I called SEF again and they told me that I cannot use the online automatic renewal feature and that I'll need to schedule a visit to SEF. Currently they are overbooked and only schedule appointments for the residencias that expire this year. The person on the phone suggested that I should call them back on Dec 30th or Jan 4th to schedule my appointment.

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MidMO
  12/15/2020 10:39 EST

You mean you talked with a live person? Everytime I call, I get a recording that says "Website" and the Website says use these two phone numbers! Which magic number have you been using that is answered by a live person. And then what other magic number will get you an appointment.

Aleo
  12/15/2020 11:17 EST

No magic, just loads of patience :)

I used the number that is listed on the website: 808 962 690. Quite often, the call is dropped immediately, but sometimes you are put on hold to listen to a looped recording. Just keep waiting, and in 15 minutes or so, the phone will be answered by a person. They can even transfer you to an English speaking person.

craigandmicki
  12/16/2020 05:41 EST

Residence Permit renewals are so easy now! You use the online renewal; you will be asked to pay a fee (Multibanco payment) and in a week or a month either be asked to provide more info, such as an updated lease or bank statement, or you will receive your new card. 99% of the time you never have to go in to the SEF office, you don't need to provide more info. Log-in problems do arise, so try using a different browser; make certain your password has symbols and numbers and letters.

microbrain
  12/16/2020 06:18 EST

Currently this problem does not work for family members who obtained their visa through family reunification with the primary visa holder (spouse, parent, etc.). There is some talk this will change, but right now those of us in this situation still need to make an (impossible to get) appointment.

MidMO
  12/16/2020 08:47 EST

I just got off the phone with an SEF representative. I used the 808962690 number as per the website. I was tossed off the first three calls, finally got the loop, happy voices and cool music. I decided to wait...and wait did. Finally, a nice lady came on and asked me to wait. Since I was well practiced in this behavior...I continued to...wait. Finally, finally she was back and explained that the website for automatic renewals was locked...until....next year. So something to look forward to in 2021!

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

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AnchorLess provides services to help you settle into your new life in Portugal. you are guaranteed to have access to a convenient, quick and reliable service, with a team always ready to answer all of your questions about your new adventure.
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Aleo
  1/3/2021 12:04 EST

Just an update...

Good news! Today I logged into the "Private Area" of the SEF website and I was able to submit my Automatic Renewal request!

They emailed me an invoice with the amount to pay and the reference number (I must pay within 48 hours). I tried paying through my bank, but the payment fails complaining about "Non-existing document" or something similar. I hope it is a temporary issue with data still being propagated through various computer systems, so I'll try later today or tomorrow. I am trying to pay through Pagamentos>Estado>Impostos - do you know if this is the right way?

microbrain
  1/3/2021 12:11 EST

Indeed, you have to wait 24-48 hours for your bill to be available for payment through the banking system. Mine took about 24 hours. It sounds like you are in the right place to pay—you just have to wait a little longer.

Aleo
  1/22/2021 07:44 EST

Just an update... Two and a half weeks after 'automatic renewal' and paying online, I received my replacement titulo de residencia card in the mail. It has my new address on it, and I didn't have to provide any proof. Nice.

By the way, the card is valid for 3 years (I expected 2, so it is a nice surprise).

Amazing. I never expected it to go that smoothly!

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Turn relocation stress into success with AnchorLess. From obtaining your NIF to a complete VISA support, we will be your guide through Portuguese administrative.
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Turn relocation stress into success with AnchorLess. From obtaining your NIF to a complete VISA support, we will be your guide through Portuguese administrative.
Learn More

AnchorLessAnchorLess

Turn relocation stress into success with AnchorLess. From obtaining your NIF to a complete VISA support, we will be your guide through Portuguese administrative.
Learn More

Contribute to Portugal Network Contribute
Help others in Portugal by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Portugal.

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