How Long Does the Process Take? A Realistic Timeline
A realistic timeline for the D7 Visa process, from document preparation to receiving your residence card.
Preparation: 1-2 Months
Getting your NIF, opening a bank account, gathering income documents, and securing accommodation typically takes 4-8 weeks, depending on how ready your documents already are.
Waiting for a Consulate Appointment: Variable
Depending on how busy the consulate in your country is, the wait for an appointment can range from a few weeks to a few months. We recommend starting this step as early as possible.
Consulate Review: 30-90 Days
Once your application is submitted, consulate review typically takes 1-3 months.
AIMA Appointment and Residence Card: Within 120 Days
After entering Portugal, you have 120 days to attend your AIMA appointment; the physical card itself can take a further few weeks to a few months to arrive after that.
What to Expect Overall
The entire process, from preparation to holding your residence card, realistically takes 6-9 months. Early, thorough preparation is the most effective way to keep this timeline predictable.