I'm at home sick instead of exploring the many Christmas markets in and around Portugal. But today, I received the best possible Christmas gift, my residence card. I'm officially a resident of Portugal!
You may recall, I moved here on May 1st on a tourist visa since I didn't receive my temporary visa in time and I already had my ticket.
Ten days later, on May 10th, I finally got the email that my visa was approved. So I headed back to the U.S. to get my passport stamped with the temporary visa in early June. The temporary visa tells you where and when my SEF appointment is in order to get the 2-year residence card.
My SEF appointment happened to be in Coimbra on September 6th. At the time, I was told that it would take about 2 months to receive the card.
When it didn't come around November 6th, I inquired in the Americans & Friends in PF Facebook group if this was normal. Many people posted comments that Coimbra was notoriously slow and to be patient.
At the 3 month mark, December 6th, I sent an email to the SEF Office in Coimbra. It wasn't answered. So I waited and waited.
All I can say it that I'm glad that I'm sick because that means I'm home when the CTT (postal service) showed up at my door needing a signature to receive the card.
Now to get my address changed on my NIF and apply for NHR (non-habitual resident tax regime) status.
Ten days later, on May 10th, I finally got the email that my visa was approved. So I headed back to the U.S. to get my passport stamped with the temporary visa in early June. The temporary visa tells you where and when my SEF appointment is in order to get the 2-year residence card.
My SEF appointment happened to be in Coimbra on September 6th. At the time, I was told that it would take about 2 months to receive the card.
When it didn't come around November 6th, I inquired in the Americans & Friends in PF Facebook group if this was normal. Many people posted comments that Coimbra was notoriously slow and to be patient.
At the 3 month mark, December 6th, I sent an email to the SEF Office in Coimbra. It wasn't answered. So I waited and waited.
All I can say it that I'm glad that I'm sick because that means I'm home when the CTT (postal service) showed up at my door needing a signature to receive the card.
Now to get my address changed on my NIF and apply for NHR (non-habitual resident tax regime) status.
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