williamstony360
South African looking for information about Portugal
Forum posts
54
Contacts
2
About me
South African
Lives in Tomar, Santar脙漏m
Speaks English, learning Portuguese, and rusty Zulu and Afrikaans.
Registration: 26 August 2021
building contractor by daniyke
Hi all,My name is Daniel.Please does anyone know any good and reliable contractor in Porto? I am starting a new building project in July and would require a reliable contractor to handle and deliver the the project on time. Your suggestions and ...
Daniel, I would love to help, but from my experience these are few and far between. Have completed 2 renovation projects on my property in the last 2 years, (in Ribotejo). Neither on time, and a lot of constant discussion on materials, as their ... Read More
Trying to get help with visa application by Roseann28
Has anyone ever use Atlantic Bridge to help with their visa process and if so how long did it take to get an appointment to interview for a residence visa.
@Roseann28i have not used Atlantic Bridge, so cannot comment on them specifically. However I offer a comment on the process overall, and how trying it is for anyone to get an appointments. i was approved by SEF in early 2020, but covid caused at ... Read More
AIMA Appoinments by AnahitMkh
Is it possible to know roughly when AIMA Portugal will allocate appointment dates?
@AnahitMkh I had my final AIMA appointment on Monday in Lisbon and it was eye-opening. From the (very friendly) discussion I learned that they have a backlog of 300,000 files under process and judging from the queues outside (I would guess 400-500 ... Read More
Health Insurance in Portugal by bloggerblogger
Hey guys,I am in Portugal, having explored many health insurance companies, Medicare seems the cheapest but they are toooo slow at sending me the invoice to just pay for their 330 Euros per year (medium plan). So frustrating.Any reliable health ...
If I may make a suggestion? I am also looking at this at the moment, and faced similar struggles. I don鈥檛 know your bank, but I am with Millennium and my advisor was knowledgeable and bilingual. 30 minutes with him gave me a clear picture of ... Read More
Selling land in Portugal. by Sensiblewit
Hello, I am a Portuguese-born Canadian who wants to sell a few plots of family-owned land in central Portugal. Has anyone had this experience? Or, know a company doing this with an international customer base? Or, is interested in such a purchase? I ...
Absolutely agree! However if it is rural farmland it is notoriously difficult to develop or sub-divide. planning permission is also tedious and lengthly, also requiring an architect (especially if you are trying it remotely). That was my experience ... Read More
Selling land in Portugal. by Sensiblewit
Hello, I am a Portuguese-born Canadian who wants to sell a few plots of family-owned land in central Portugal. Has anyone had this experience? Or, know a company doing this with an international customer base? Or, is interested in such a purchase? I ...
I鈥檓 in central Portugal, near Tomar, Santarem. Having transitioned to my farm over the past 2 years many professionals have assisted me very well. I am happy to share with you, equally if suitable I may be interested. Please let me know. Read More
Sef booking system by stevenanew
Why is it so hard to get an appointment wit Sef, I have been here a month now and on the phone 5 days a week and no one answers. So myself ( British ) and my girlfriend ( Portuguese) went to the Sef office in Santar茅m to see if we could ...
@JohnnyPT Logic and common sense are not in the political vocabulary of Portuguese politicians, although I agree this would go a long way to resolving the SEF issues. I do not blame SEF entirely for this disaster of a system that Portugal has ... Read More
Builders & Contractors in Portugal: Proceeding with caution.
After a recent very bad and costly experience (I purchased a property in the Tomar area of Santarem) I thought I would send an warning note to people contemplating builders and renovations to their home. The reason I do it here was that I was ... Read More
Long weekend in Lisbon by Sduggan77
We are heading back to Portugal in mid-February for a month or so with a view to finding long term rental in the Silver Coast (maybe Figueira da foz) but we want to spend a few days exploring Lisbon on arrival before heading north. We have no ...
@Sduggan77 Lisbon is a fantastic city. My personal preference (as a frequent tourist) is to stay higher up on Av. de Liberdade, as it's a quick taxi ride to the most places, or an easy 30 minute stroll down to the very busy (and tourist areas) ... Read More
To car or not to car. That is the question by Steven Hoffman
I鈥檓 not sure what I should do here. I know I鈥檒l need some form of transportation. Either to go shopping, Take a trip maybe even just to enjoy the country.I have a car here in NJ. But I鈥檓 not sure wether to ship it, or not send it ...
@Steven Hoffman Unless you you really attached to your car, (maybe a special model, make or one that has an intrinsic value, such as being 'near vintage, restored etc.), I would not be taking the time or making the effort. Work out what you'd get to ... Read More
SHIPPING A CAR TO PORTUGAL?? by maxwmitchell1997
Can anyone suggest the best way to ship an SUV from the US to Portugal? We live in Tampa and are relocaing to Caldas da Rainha and plan on shipping our car instead of buying one there. Any help would be greatly appreciated.Thank you,Max & Lana
@maxwmitchell1997 Strontium gives sound advice. A good shipping agent in Portugal would give you the correct advice, and then you get a US-based company to do the actual exportation with the company you trust in PT. Doing it alone - may as well just ... Read More
Sef appointment for d7 visa by Dany Baydoun
Hello, my d7 visa got approved and now i have it printed on my passport. I just realized that the automatic sef appointment was set after my visa gets expired. Expiration date is on November while sef appointment is on December.I am trying to call ...
@gillydegannes I am not 100% sure of the legal position, but just to say that when I enquired about a similar circumstance (for me) my lawyer did say for me to get a visit (tourist) visa just in case. I had an expired visa, and a SEF appointment. ... Read More
REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY IN CALDAS DA RAINHA by maxwmitchell1997
My wife and I are in the process of relocating from Tampa to Caldas da Rainha. We have already purchased an apartment in Caldas but are looking for additional properties.Can anyone recommend an English speaking Real Estate Attorney in the Caldas ...
@maxwmitchell1997 2 years ago I used the services of a property consultant, and they were tireless in what they did for me. They are not an agent, but they will take a brief from you, (and any properties you have traced), and then they will track ... Read More
We are confused about where to stay by sanoberplumber
Hi my husband and I are Kiwis living in Australia and wishing to move to Portugal next year on a D7 visa. We are confused about where to stay....we don't want to be in small rural towns and renting in Lisbon is way too expensive for 2-3 bedrooms. We ...
Hi, I can only reinforce what Strontium has suggested. I live in Tomar, (not NZ or Ozzie, but South African), and attest to the fact that it has excellent infrastructure, several hospitals, a lot of supermarkets and farmers' markets, and the old ... Read More
Silver Coast Retirement by GuestPoster2367
Hi, my name is Jo. I'm looking to move to Portugal from the US in the next 3-4 years. I would like to get some suggestions for places along the Silver Coast good for a single female. Towns large enough for social activity, etc. and close to ...
@lcosta72聽You are going to be a busy guy..... Me three!聽I am in and out of Portugal every month, so maybe on the next visit I can come passed Caldas on my way to Tomar, (where i live part-time).聽 Read More
Experience sharing about Visas to Portugal (D7 & others) by JohnnyPT
Please share here your successful experiences with visa applications (eg. D7), namely check list, timelines and other aspects that you consider to be relevant and that may be useful for those who wish to start this visa application now. We invite ...
@wcg2聽Good on you, and I really wish you the very best of luck - well done, you obviously have a very efficient efficient office in Washington.聽Congratulations.聽 Read More
New members of the Portugal forum, introduce yourselves here - 2022 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Portugal forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
@geoSEAL聽: In general it is quite useful, and if you scroll through the "Info" sections provided there is a lot of useful information. However its greatest use is not what you take from it, but how you assist and contribute to others. By ... Read More
Bank Balance in Bank by ElSteveo
My pension is way way more than the requirement specified for a D7 VISA.I have read and have been told wildly different numbers regarding how much in savings you should have. Some have told me its not required, and some woman on Facebook was ready ...
The D7 Visa is NOT a Golden Visa - GV is an entirely different visa proposition, whereby a substantial investment into certain types of real estate are required.聽I believe there are at least 9 visa types, and they are provided on the basis of ... Read More
Bank Balance in Bank by ElSteveo
My pension is way way more than the requirement specified for a D7 VISA.I have read and have been told wildly different numbers regarding how much in savings you should have. Some have told me its not required, and some woman on Facebook was ready ...
The banks in Europe are extremely reliable, and they are tightly controlled by EU law.聽My bank even recommended I place my transferred money into an investment account, which was very positive and I ended up with significantly more than I put ... Read More
VFS Global site - no appointments available (July 2022) by StansaStark
I have been trying to book an appointment with the Portugal embassy in London for our D7 visa application, but the VFS Global site says there's no appointments available?Anyone else having this issue or have any insight as to how I can book an ...
StanzaStark, (Cool alias BTW),聽Unfortunately Portugal is way behind other EU countries in visa applications. There are reasons for it, (SEF disruption being one), however this is NO excuse and government should be ashamed of this ... Read More
New members of the Portugal forum, introduce yourselves here - 2022 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Portugal forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Angelique,聽I made the move a year ago from Dubai, after 22 years being resident. I cannot say it was stress free, but it does help being organized, and having a competent mover is key.聽The local company should have an equally competent ... Read More
Apply for Electrician and houses painting job
Are you in Portugal, and if so, then where are you offering your services?聽 Read More
Golden Visa by ashme1500
Hello Everyone I am new to this forum, interested in knowing about buying a property merely for golden visa . May be one day move from Australia to Portugal but could be 30 years later . Read John's post about acquiring a real estate wanted to ...
@ashme1500聽Hi, I am still going through the GV process, and it has been a journey made difficult by (1) Covid closures of Immigration and now the fact that GV rules changed; and (2) SEF are undergoing major changes and seem to be in a ... Read More
Online Portuguese Lessons by LorieAnneC
Hi,I am starting Zoom lessons online to learn Portuguese, ad am wondering if anyone else can let me know if they have tried online learning and whether they learned Portuguese.Also, perhaps post links?Obrigada!
@LorieAnneC聽After some research I have tried Duolingo and Babble, spending about 6 months (daily, for at least 30-40 minutes) on Duolingo largely to get a start on vocabulary and basic listening skills to develop an 'ear' for a new ... Read More
New members of the Portugal forum, introduce yourselves here - 2022 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Portugal forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Thanks Johnny,聽Appreciated!聽 Read More
New members of the Portugal forum, introduce yourselves here - 2022 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Portugal forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Does anyone know similar organizations to the one above in the Tomar area?聽This really the only way to be conversational with a new language!聽 Read More
New members of the Portugal forum, introduce yourselves here - 2022 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Portugal forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
@Shirley-anne Cecchini聽I love the area, and move between Tomar and my work in Dubai. It鈥檚 not everyone鈥檚 favorite, because it is quiet compared to more tourist towns, but it has everything that you need.聽It鈥檚 worth ... Read More
Fund investment for Portuguese Golden Visa by alejandraantonianova
Hello, I am studying info on several funds that are eligible for the Portuguese Golden Visa application. Am wondering if there are anyone out there who are taking this route for the Golden Visa? My problem is I don't know any of these ...
Dear All, The GV is a fairly safe investment route, as good as any similar fund, provided it is a recognized company and it is regulated. Whichever you chose make sure it is regulated.聽Personally I would not do this without a lawyer, and here ... Read More
No SEF appointments available by Cristian Toma
Hi everybody, I am a Romanian/Canadian citizen in Portugal, already got my Certificado de Registo, the rest of my family Canadian citizens (wife + 2 daughters). We have a rental contract, all of us have NIFs with Portuguese address, the girls are ...
Dear All,聽It seems many of us are in a similar position!聽I am now delayed by nearly by 18 months, due completely to the SEF appointment system.聽This is compounded by the fat that one needs a Police Clearance within 3 months of the ... Read More
[D7] Can I spend 6 months per year in Portugal? by tcdikkbqthh
AFAIK absence allowance is 8 months for first 24 months. Then 8 months for the next 36 months. That means they want you in the country for almost 9 months a year for 5 years (avg). You can get waivers for personal/professional reasons but they ...
What is AFAIK? Read More
Good expeditor to help with D7 Portugal visa? by hazmog
I read in an old post about the idea of using an "expeditor" instead of a lawyer to assist with obtaining a visa. Frankly, what I have been quoted is too much from lawyers (5000 euros). In ...
I have used Valadascoriel, based in Lisbon, and they have been quite helpful. Read More
Experience sharing about Visas to Portugal (D7 & others) by JohnnyPT
Please share here your successful experiences with visa applications (eg. D7), namely check list, timelines and other aspects that you consider to be relevant and that may be useful for those who wish to start this visa application now. We invite ...
Good point JohnnyPT There are good and bad stories, however "delays" seem to be the common thread in may. VFS, while a good service, seem to be the stumbling block in many processes, (certainly mine in the UAE), largely through poor ... Read More
Fresh start on the horizon by GuestPoster06823
Hi, My name's Maureen Mitchell, a 58 year old Canadian mother of two adult daughters. I am looking for a T1 or T2 for myself with a decent energy efficiency rating and A/C. Preferably furnished, as I don't think it feasible to ship my furnishings. ...
I can only support what was provided by Strontium. Well said, and a very good blend of expat and local residents. I have no doubt you will find something to suit you, and do recommend you like for somewhere to stay for 2-4 weeks, and then make ... Read More
How easy is it to retire to Portugal? by Golden_Light
How easy is it to retire to Portugal, what is the process for a permanent move. I would love to move to Portugal or Spain I have dual Canadian and British citizenships. after immigrating to Canada for 30 years I would love to retire back to ...
There is good information online, however "official" sites are often confusing as sometimes information is missing if it's not in Portuguese. (Most often at Consulates you are working with in your previous country). However, there are ... Read More