When applying for either a residency visa or an investor visa, you will need to schedule your biometrics appointment with the immigration authorities in Portugal. During this appointment, your photo, fingerprints, and signature will be collected to create your residency card. A biometric appointment is a scheduled session where an individual provides their biometric data to an official agency. This data typically includes:. This information is used to verify identity and create official documents, such as residence permits, visas, and passports.
In the context of immigration to Portugal, a biometric appointment is necessary for the issuance of a residence document. A biometrics appointment in Portugal typically lasts between 15 to 30 minutes. During this time, the immigration authorities will collect your photo, fingerprints, and signature to create your residency card.
This process is essential for verifying your identity and ensuring that your residency documents are accurately prepared. It is recommended to arrive a few minutes early to your appointment and have all necessary documents ready to ensure the process goes smoothly and efficiently.
The specific location for your appointment will be provided when you schedule your appointment and receive your appointment confirmation. Due to the current backlog of visa applications, your appointment might not be scheduled in the main cities or near your residential area in the case of a residency visa. Therefore, you should be prepared to travel to a further SEF office.
After you have attended the biometrics appointment, the Portuguese immigration authorities should take around 90 working days to approve your residency card. The initial residency card is typically valid for two years. Depending on your permit type, such as the Golden Visa, it can be renewed for an additional two years, or for three years in the case of a standard residency visa. Yes, you can reschedule your biometrics appointment. However, scheduling an appointment is not always within your control and may take some time to find an available slot at AIMA Portuguese Immigration Authorities.
