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My SEF Appointment Experience--Lisbon

8 years ago
Hi All,
Just wanted to share my SEF appointment experience in Lisbon since so many people on this blog are seeking info.

I arrived July 5 in Lisbon and called the next day to schedule my appointment with the SEF. My date was Sept. 26 (almost 3 months out). My location was in Odivelas, at the Loja do Cidadão de Odivelas located in the Strada Outlet. If you have an appointment there, I recommend you take a taxi. It's a pain in the ass to get to.

There is a line to check in. They take your name and give you an application to fill out (which you can print and fill out prior to the appointment). You sit and wait for your name to be called. When my name was called they collected my documents/paperwork. Here is a list of things requested at this location:

• Application
• Passport
• Passport Copy
• Portuguese Visa Copy (the one issued to me by the Portuguese Consulate in US)
• 2 Passport Photos
• Rental Contract
• Proof of Medical Coverage (I signed up for Medis through Millenium Bank)
• Proof of Funds (I provided my US bank summary page print outs)

Some things I didn’t expect to be requested (but I was able to submit my paperwork without them)
• Debit cards for the bank accounts I provided as Proof of Funds
• Proof that I have Millenium bank account/card

All the docs/paperwork was taken and I was told to sit and wait for my name to be called again.

I got called by a different person this time that entered all the info into the computer, took my fingerprints, requested my signature on 2 docs and collected a payment of 158.70 Euros.

I was told I would have my visa for a year (starting today) in 2 weeks by mail.

I spent about 2 hours total. I know different SEF locations request different paperwork, so please do not use this as your guideline. Just wanted to share my experience.

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William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

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

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