What’s needed for Residency? My wife a British citizen and is a Resident of Portugal, and with Brexit, she had to apply for a Residency certificate. This allowed the family to apply for re-unification. A lengthy process but it’s done.
In order to achieve residency the documents you need all have to be Apostilled & recognised by The Hague Convention.
If you in South Africa, know that this is not only costly but takes loads of time. Basic requirements are for girls (Home affairs confirming that they are not married) Police clearance certificates, un-abridged birth certificates, un-abridged marriage certificate of parents (this was a very tough document to get), proof of a residence / lease in Portugal, – and a VERY GOOD ATTORNEY.
And of coarse lots of PATIENCE,
Each step takes time, we used a company in South Africa, called Immigration Boutique to get all the original documents as trying to do this yourself if you busy is a nightmare as most of the required documents are from Home-Affairs.
Once you gave all the documents your attorney sets the date with SEF, and you need to attend this meeting in person.
Saying good-bye is never easy to the country you love and the special friends you have made but what we know for sure is nothing in life is forever and circumstances change.
Our initial appointment with SEF was the 8th March and due to Covid and other circumstances the appointment moved to the 20th July, that’s 4 months later. So prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
With residency comes (free medical) a massive benefit when one considers the cost of medical in South Africa. This got us our vaccinations, thanks to a ‘Good Samaritan’ and new wonderful friend Jose’ who facilitated our appointment.
Free schooling, where the education is excellent!
and with some sense of permanence, we have made some new friends,
We chose Porto, and what a great choice, its beautiful. Lots to explore and lots to learn.
Bruce Mac from Porto ‘the City of Angels’
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