New Yorker in Portugal

First Time Entering On My Visa

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The timeline

• Applied for my Visa

• VFS / Consulate Appointment

• Received my passport with Visa attached

• -> My first entry into Portugal using my recently received visa

Some Background

The visa does not come with instructions. Do you know what to do next? Do you know how it works? I didn’t. I mean, I have traveled before so I just assumed that meant I stand in a line at passport control and when it is my turn, I give my passport with the visa to the person in the booth, they look at it…then they look at me… and then the look at it again…stamp it and that is all.

What Happens After I get My Visa

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Some Background

Well, I am not a fan of community based groups. I mean, sometimes they can help to make you feel better… but, have you ever asked for advice or input? I am certain there are valid reasons for all the variations and all the personal stories, but you just want an answer… and there should be only one correct answer, right? Right?

So, let me just tell you about me and my experience. It helps to have someone who knows… and for me, it was my NSM Lawyers. I am too new to the process to know if I have been lucky… or blessed… but so far, and fingers crossed, I would have to say that you should have people around you who know the process and can answer the questions for you!

I Finally Received My Visa

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Process So Far (an overview)

contacted Outbound Migration Consultancy
- decided to apply for my visa
- contacted Calvin at Outbound Migration Consultancy
contracted with Outbound Migration Consultancy AND NSM Lawyers in Lisbon
- this started the process
- provide information for filling out the visa application
  - drivers license
  - passport
  - proof of address (utility bill)
- signed ageement and provided payment
prepared for the Portuguese Consulate / VSF appointment
- see preparing for vfs appointment
- vfs-consulate-prep.md
- the VFS consulate appointment
the VFS appointment
It was at this point that I had to surrender my passport to them in order to have the visa attached. Later, the passport would be returned with the visa attached

Resources and References

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Resources & References

NSM Lawyers

Contact Information:
Phone: +351 215 847 264
Email: geral@nsmadvogados.pt
Visit: www.nsmadvogados.pt
Address: Av. Fontes Pereira de Melo, 21, 2º 1050 116 Lisboa

Outbound Migration Consultancy

Contact Information:
click here to request free 30 minute consult
Email: planb@outboundmigration.com
Visit: outboundmigration.com

USA
Phone: +1 424 404 9399
Address: 8383 Wilshire Blvd. Ste 800 Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Canada
Phone: +1 604 200 3560
Address: 230-1290 Howe St Vancouver, BC V6Z0C2

VFS Consulate Interview

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Process Up to This Point

I said that I would post my experiences and information collected from this experience. I will do it, but will add it all in another post. For the sake of this post.. just make sure you have it with you!

Here is the checklist of items to bring with you for your D7 Passive Income Visa visit at VFS Global: what to bring for VFS consulate visit - D7 Passive Income

What to bring: VFS Consulate Visit

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Below are the requirements, what you need to bring with you when you finally get to go to the VFS Global Portugal Visit. These requirements are for the D7 Passive Income Visa. If you have or want to create a check list of documentation for other types of visas, shoot me an email with the list and I will add it!

Passive Income Visa Checklist

VFS Global for Portugal - New York City

Personal Documentation

Getting Ready For Consulate Visa Interview

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Visa Interview

Sometimes you have to make an appointment and wait a very long time… or so I have been told. This was definitely not the case for me. Perhaps good lawyers in Portugal working for you is the key?

If you do not come prepared for the visit, you will be forced to start the process over again. This is not mental preparation, rather it is having all your required materials, documents and forms. I will try to go through this and list out all that I had, what I brought with me, what I was not able to bring with me, etc.

I Decided I Wanted to Live in Portugal

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

I Was Thinking About Making a Move

I had taken many trips to Europe and I loved it
Vacations are not a reason to move, even if you think they are
Several visits to different parts of Portugal
I took extended trips (more than one month)
Made a list of things to consider
- cost of living
- meeting the residency requirement
- speaking Portuguese
- …and many many more

I Decided to Make the Move - Now What?

I attended a few seminars. One that I attended in New York City, I visited the booth for Plan B Outbound Mirgration Consultancy. He was, seriously, the first human with whom I spoke who took the time to answer all my question (and I had many!) What options were available to me, how much would it cost just to subject myself to the process, what is passive income, can I work at all, could I start by applying for one visa and change my mind and pursue another, how long does the process take…

The Great Vodafone eSim Fail Just When I needed it the Most

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

just an example here

Portugal - Vodafone Fail, Thanks for Nothing!

I have a huge issue with Vodafone. At least with Vodafone in Portugal.
I can speculate that the problem is not just with Vodafone in Portugal but perhaps with all of Vodafone.

My biggest issue is that there is no help, that there is no assistance… no one with whom you can speak And most of all, there is basically NO help in English!! Anyone who knows me can attest to the fact that I am overly apologetic for my inability to speak with local people in their local language and that unlike many people I know… I do not expect people to have to speak with me in english if I am in YOUR country!

Welcome to My Portuguese Adventure

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

From NYC to Portugal

After years of dreaming about it, I finally made the move from New York City to Portugal. This blog will chronicle my adventures, mishaps, discoveries, and everything in between.

Why This Blog?

I wanted to create a space to:

Describe the process and what it took to get here
Document my journey for friends and family back home
Share practical tips for other aspiring expats
Celebrate the beauty and culture of Portugal
Connect with fellow Americans and expats in Portugal

What to Expect

You’ll find posts about:

About

Sun, 29 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

About New Yorker in Portugal

Hi! I’m a New Yorker who made the leap across the Atlantic to call Portugal home.

This blog is my digital journal documenting:

🏙️ Life in Portugal - From navigating bureaucracy to discovering local traditions
🍷 Food & Wine - Portuguese cuisine, restaurants, and culinary adventures
✈️ Travel - Exploring Portugal and beyond
💭 Expat Life - The joys, challenges, and insights of living abroad
🗣️ Language Learning - My journey with Portuguese

Why Portugal?

[Your story here - why you moved, what drew you to Portugal, etc.]

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Resources & References

Contact Information:
Phone: +351 215 847 264
Email: geral@nsmadvogados.pt
Visit: www.nsmadvogados.pt
Address: Av. Fontes Pereira de Melo, 21, 2º 1050 116 Lisboa

Contact Information:
click here to request free 30 minute consult
Email: planb@outboundmigration.com
Visit: outboundmigration.com

USA
Phone: +1 424 404 9399
Address: 8383 Wilshire Blvd. Ste 800 Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Canada
Phone: +1 604 200 3560
Address: 230-1290 Howe St Vancouver, BC V6Z0C2

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

D7 Visa Checklist

Passport
Bank statements
Medical insurance
etc.

Search

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000