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The steps for the initial application are
as follows:
- Obtain a Portuguese fiscal
number (NIF) and open a local bank account.
- Decide on your investment type (and
make sure to consult a local independent lawyer before finalizing anything)
- Gather all required
documentation from your country of origin (at most three months before
submitting your application as it goes out of date).
- Have all documentation legalized
and translated into Portuguese.
- Gather necessary documentation
in Portugal (your lawyer can help with this)
- Instruct your lawyer to fill
out and submit the application.
- Pay the processing fee.
- Wait until you hear back from
SEF with a preliminary approval.
- Request a visitor visa for your
first visit
- Pick a date, time, and place
where you will meet in person for your interview.
- Bring along the originals of
the documentation that was submitted with the application to your personal
interview.
- Wait for final approval.
- Get your residence card.
- Repeat a substantial portion of
the same process at the end of year 1 and again at end of year 3.