As I prepared and attended my SEF appointment back in October, I was quite anxious. Not a surprise as this appointment was the last step in securing my D7 Visa. Had it not gone to plan, I could’ve faced an uncertain future in Portugal. All was good and I secured my Visa.
Now my Visa has been finalised, I have three more tasks to undertake. Register for NHR (non-habitual resident) which will ensure I am not double taxed on any income from the UK, register for my SNS (Servico Nacional de Saúde) the equivalent of the NHS in the UK, and matriculate my car.
None of them phases me, but at the same time, they are all going to take time and more planning and preparation.
IMT Inspection
Reflecting back on my anxiety before my SEF appointment, I can honestly say that I was more concerned about the IMT Inspection on the car.
The IMT Inspection, the equivalent of the MOT in the UK, is undertaken by the Instituto de Mobilidade e Transportes at a Centro de Inspenção Técnicas. These are designated testing centres in Portugal.
My concerns were two-fold.
Firstly, my car is ten years old. That is nothing compared to cars in Portugal as I anticipate most of the cars (and pick-ups) are double that age. But for me, it is the oldest car I’ve owned for a long time and I guess I’ve just become “comfortable” with trouble-free motoring.
Secondly, I know that I have an issue with one of the lights. As the temperature dropped, condensation developed on the inside of the light unit and began discolouring the lens. Not great.
Outside of this, I had all my paperwork in order and the car had been checked for the adjustments that needed to be made from UK to EU specifications.
Because the car is being imported, there is one final piece of evidence required. Validation that the engine number is the same as the documentation. Despite identifying where on the engine this number should be stamped, could it be found? No. More than an hour later it was elusive. Finally, after removing air intake pipes and various covers, it was found – exactly where it should be.
Once I’d arrived at the inspection centre, the first task was to sort the paperwork. All is in order and the paperwork is completed. I was instructed to go to lane three.
I parked up by lane three and waited. And waited. And waited some more. I began to think that they had forgotten me. Finally, I was instructed to drive into the testing lane. Ten minutes later, it was all completed. It passed, although the headlight needs attention.
After a further wait of twenty minutes, the information was uploaded to the central IMT system and I received the pass certificate.
The next step is to complete the Declaracao Aduaneira de Veiculos on the Financas portal. This, along with the ISV exemption certificate I received from the Consulate of Portugal, exempts me from having to pay importation tax. Job done.
Now all the paperwork on the car, along with the IMT inspection certificate, needs to be sent to the Instituto de Mobilidade e Transportes. That is all done and once the IMT process the paperwork I can obtain the Documento Unico Automovel [Single Vehicle Document].
Still, there are a few steps to go, but I’m well on the way to getting the car matriculated.
To read more on the process of importing a car to Portugal, I recommend you take a look at this article – Importing a Car to Portugal – Portugal.com.
SNS (Servico Nacional de Saúde)
This should be relatively straightforward to register now I have my residency card. In addition to my card, I need proof of address in the form of the Atestado de Residencia [Certificate of Residence], my NIF certificate, passport and my phone number.
With all my documents in hand, I went to the Centro de Saúde. Found the reception and managed to communicate with the receptionist that I wanted to register for my SNS.
A couple of minutes later, I presented all of my documentation but it transpires I was short of a particular form. An S1 NHS form. I had never heard of it. And I was a little flummoxed. So a little more preparation is required.
Now I’ve researched the S1 Form, I recall reading about it although I am not eligible to receive this form as I am not a retiree nor am I a frontier worker.
So I need to revisit the Centro de Saúde again to register for my SNS, without the S1 Form.
NHR – Non-habitual resident
I’m endeavouring to research and prepare to apply for my NHR. That is code for “amanhã”.
I’ve a little time to prepare and apply (my deadline is 31 March 2023), but it does feel like it’s one thing I am procrastinating on.
Farm, Football and Films
Work on the quinta continues with an almost daily harvest. Currently, I’ve an abundance of dióspiro [persimmon] which will become geleia de dióspiro [persimmon jam].
But I’ve also been a little distracted watching football and maybe a few too many films. I’m just ensuring plenty of relaxation, and avoiding some of the rain showers!
As always, thank you for taking the time to read my blog and, if you’ve got this far, thank you for joining me on my adventure. It is much appreciated, and I am grateful for your interest!
Melhores cumprimentos. Até logo.