Amovate representatives attended a recent seminar in Lagos, which was billed as a Residence Seminar.  In attendance were – British Consulate Portimão, Administration Regional de Saude, & SEF (Servico de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras).

We were told it was not as fully informative as expected, and most information would already be known to people who have lived in Portugal for a few years.  Here are some of the points raised:

• Firstly, it was reported that it is compulsory for foreigners who live in Portugal permanently to become a Resident after 3 months of residing here. (Although it is unknown how this is policed and monitored)

If you have Residencia, and allow this to lapse, and then apply again, there will be a fine to pay.
Residencia is obtained in Portimão at SEF. **(see below for details on how to renew your Residencia in Portimão)

 

• With regards to Healthcare – EVERYONE who lives in Portugal is entitled to be registered, and is entitled to receive healthcare on the equivalent of the Portuguese National Health.

Those in receipt of a State Pension (and who have lodged a Form S1) will receive treatment at a minimal cost. Those who are living here, and are below State pensionable age, and are not employed, fall into a “Grey Area” which is a slight  anomaly and it was stated that although they will still be treated, they will have to contribute more to the costs of Doctors Appointments etc.  When asked if there was a table available showing these costs, the speakers were unable to confirm the costs involved.  However, it is understood that these costs can be obtained from the health Website.

Here below are some of the links to the public services:

Administration Regional de Saude:

 http://www.arsalgarve.min-saude.pt

European Site: http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catld=559langld=en

SEF (Servico de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras):

http://www.sef.pt

The British Consulate indicated that he is more than happy to come up to the Aljezur area, and it is hoped that this  will be arranged in the near future.

** How to renew your Residencia at SEF in Portimão

You need to make an appointment at SEF by telephoning 808 202 653.

Wait until they finish speaking and then you need to press the telephone key (1)

You wait again and you press the key (4) and again you wait and then you press the key (4) again

Then you will speak to someone to make the appointment.

The best time to make the phone call is early in the morning around 8:30 (that is when they start working).  For the appointment you will need your full names and birth dates.  They will inform you about the documents you need to take to Portimão, or you can find it on this web site:

http://www.sef.pt/portal/V10/EN/aspx/apoioCliente/detalheApoio.aspx?fromIndex=0&id_Linha=4351#CReg_Permanente_EN

look for the paragraph:

CERTIFICATE OF PERMANENT RESIDENCE
FOR EU/EEA/SWITZERLAND CITIZENS

You can go onto the website, and print out the forms to complete in advance, to save time when you go for your appointment. Please Note: SEF will not photocopy any documents for you, so be prepared and take copies with you.

 

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