Expat Community > Portugal

Juliya24
Joined 2016
Posts: 57

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.

Cigna Global Health

Get a quote in 2 minutes from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get Quote

Cigna Global Health

Get a quote in 2 minutes from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get Quote

Living in Portugal Guide

Our Living in Portugal Guide is a primer on everything about living in Portugal: best places to live, cost of living, pros and cons, healthcare and insurance, obtaining a driver's license, how to bring your pet with you and more.

Portugal Forum
Join our Portugal forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Portugal.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Portugal.

Best Places to Live in Portugal

If you're thinking about living in Portugal, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Portugal in 2023.

Healthcare in Portugal

Expats in Portugal with a residency visa can participate in the national health care system. Here's what you need to know about the SNS and the combination of public and private services you'll need to manage your health in Portugal.

Cost of Living in Portugal

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Portugal.

Moving to Portugal Guide

Expats moving to Portugal are drawn by a variety of places to live, a rich history and so much more. Here are some tips on what it means to move there, and how to make it happen.

Real Estate in Portugal

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Portugal.

Pros & Cons of Living in Portugal

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Portugal.

Retiring in Portugal

Advice for people retiring in Portugal.

Portugal Visa & Residency Guide

Thanks to Susan Stults Korthase for this helpful overview of current requirements to begin the process of obtaining a Residency Visa when moving from the US to Portugal.

10 Tips for Living in Portugal

If you've recently arrived in Portugal, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Portugal.

Additional Information:

Visit our Portugal Index for a Full List

Cigna Global Health

Get a quote in 2 minutes from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get Quote

Cigna Global Health

Get a quote in 2 minutes from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get Quote

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

Login

Or, Send Login Link

Expat Community > Portugal

My SEF Appointment Experience--Lisbon

Login