Every key date, counted back from the day you move

Undated

1. Date depends on your move dateGather proof of incomeMilestoneNo date yetTwelve months of statements, pension letters or contracts, in your name.
2. Date depends on your move dateGet your NIFMilestoneNo date yetThe Portuguese tax number that every later step depends on.
3. Date depends on your move dateOpen a Portuguese bank accountMilestoneNo date yetFund it with the amount you intend to show as available means.
4. Date depends on your move dateRequest criminal record certificatesMilestoneNo date yetThey expire, so time this to your appointment, not to today.
5. Date depends on your move dateApostille and translate documentsMilestoneNo date yetApostille first, translate after, never the other way round.
6. Date depends on your move dateArrange accommodation evidenceMilestoneNo date yetA lease, promise of lease or hosting declaration for the application.
7. Date depends on your move dateTake out health insuranceMilestoneNo date yetTravel and health cover valid for the first months of residence.
8. Date depends on your move dateBook the consular appointmentMilestoneNo date yetSlots are the bottleneck — book as soon as the file is close to complete.
9. Date depends on your move dateSubmit the visa applicationMilestoneNo date yetOriginals plus copies, with every certificate still inside its validity.
10. Date depends on your move dateBook flights and shippingMilestoneNo date yetOnly once the visa is issued, unless the tickets are refundable.
11. Date depends on your move dateMove to PortugalMilestoneNo date yetEntry within the visa validity window.
12. Date depends on your move dateRegister with the parish councilMilestoneNo date yetAtestado de residência, plus your NISS if you will work.
13. Date depends on your move dateAIMA residence permit appointmentMilestoneNo date yetThe visa is the entry; the permit is the residence.
14. Date depends on your move dateIn hand: Passport valid for the whole stayDocumentNo date yetDocument to have ready by this date.
15. Date depends on your move dateIn hand: Two recent passport photographsDocumentNo date yetDocument to have ready by this date.
16. Date depends on your move dateIn hand: Completed visa application formDocumentNo date yetDocument to have ready by this date.
17. Date depends on your move dateIn hand: Portuguese NIF (tax number)DocumentNo date yetDocument to have ready by this date.
18. Date depends on your move dateIn hand: Portuguese bank accountDocumentNo date yetDocument to have ready by this date.
19. Date depends on your move dateIn hand: Proof of recurring passive incomeDocumentNo date yetDocument to have ready by this date.
20. Date depends on your move dateIn hand: Six to twelve months of bank statementsDocumentNo date yetDocument to have ready by this date.
21. Date depends on your move dateIn hand: Evidence of savingsDocumentNo date yetDocument to have ready by this date.
22. Date depends on your move dateIn hand: Proof of accommodation in PortugalDocumentNo date yetDocument to have ready by this date.
23. Date depends on your move dateIn hand: Travel and health insuranceDocumentNo date yetDocument to have ready by this date.
24. Date depends on your move dateIn hand: Criminal record certificateDocumentNo date yetValid about 90 days, so do not request it earlier.
25. Date depends on your move dateIn hand: Signed consent for a Portuguese criminal record checkDocumentNo date yetValid about 90 days, so do not request it earlier.
26. Date depends on your move dateIn hand: Cover letter explaining your planDocumentNo date yetDocument to have ready by this date.