I’m so relieved now. One of the important steps in moving to Portugal is getting temporary residency. This is not the same as a visa and can only come after you enter the country on the previously received visa.
Some people get an appointment to submit their documents with that visa and some don’t. We did but the appointments were for the end of November, so I submitted a request to reschedule. Mine was set for today in Portimão and Viv’s is in two weeks in Faro.
We took the opportunity for a little road trip—my first time driving since before we got here!—and came to Portimão yesterday.
We got to the AIMA “store” a couple of hours early this morning but were given a senha (ticket) and got called to the counter in about 15 minutes.
The Facebook group I’m in gave a lot of details about what documents are needed but what is required seems to vary a bit depending on the office and person you get. For instance, I brought proof of private health insurance and Portuguese and US bank statements but they weren’t wanted.
The person who processed me was very nice and spoke enough English that we got done in about 40 minutes despite having to work through one snag.
Portimão is a nice beach town and our hotel, RR Hotel da Rocha, has a friendly staff and is definitely more upscale than expected—a great value at €105/night including a breakfast buffet.
Now we’re just having a late lunch and a little stroll around the beach area. Heading home tomorrow satisfied with the trip.
BillSaysThis 