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I was in that boat after using an attorney in Lisbon to acquire bank account, fiscal number etc and was informed I could extend my stay as long as I had an application submitted.

@bobinportugal22

The problem is getting an appointment!

@bobinportugal22

Can you recommend your attorney? Thank you!

If you happen to be anywhere near Albufeira, my advice would be to contact CLAIM, a government agency, who may be able to advise or even communicate with SEF (or their latest incarnation) upon your behalf.

I had the same issue attempting to extend my partner's Schengen Visa, a lawyer having ripped me off by informing me that SEF would accept an application if I could offer specific evidence (a Visa that was still valid, health insurance, financial securities), even though I already had a meeting with SEF at which they didn't ask for all this very evidence, all of which I already had available in my folder during the SEF meeting! I was lucky to escape with only a 400Euro bill from lawyer.

CLAIM commented that the lawyers are only interested in money - and that was interesting when considering that SEF Albufeira were very arrogant and unhelpful...simply advising me that we need to go contact a lawyer. I wonder why ???

Ca-Ching!

@slugsurmamates

Thank you!!!!!!

@Rick,

It's difficult to make contact by phone, but they are improving their service. Try these new contacts:

Hi all,

I have recieved my visa. However, I am unable to travel until at least end of feb. the expiry date is start of April. will this be okay? i will still have a month till it expires? my main concern is they say to travel as soon as possible.

@RICK_E

      I paid the law firm a flat 1500eu fee and they handled all the paperwork and even provided me with an attorney once I finally got an appointment with SEF after returning to Portugal. I was in PT for 8 months before having to return to the US for an interview with VFS and waiting for the PT consulate to stamp my passport so I could return to Portugal. The law firm is Ana Bruno & Associates and communication was plentiful and accurate throughout. Highly recommend!

@JohnnyPT

Thank you so much! I've been looking for a good email address for them. I've asked to make an appointment, hopefully they will reply.

I've read that if you have an appointment letter, that's enough to allow you to remain in the country. Does anyone know if this is true?

@Emily523t

You are supposed to travel within 60 days of the visa start date, some embassies would say 90 days.