D7 Roadmap
- Step 1 — Is the D7 Visa Right for You?
- Step 2 — Get Organised
- Step 3 — Obtain Your NIF & Open a Portuguese Bank Account
- Step 4 — Visit Portugal (Scouting Trip)
- Step 5 — Finding Accommodation
- ... more steps added as each page is rewritten
Visit Portugal (Scouting Trip)
A scouting trip isn't essential, but it's one of the best things you can do before applying — it turns Portugal from an idea into somewhere real. Go with a plan, not just a holiday itinerary: the aim is to imagine everyday life here, not to sightsee.
Why This Matters
Photos and forums can only tell you so much. Walking a neighbourhood at 8am on a weekday, checking whether the local supermarket has what you need, working out how you'd actually get around — this is the kind of thing you only really learn by being there. It also means the decisions you make later (where to live, which bank, which area) are based on something real, not guesswork.
What You Need
Housing research. Visit a few different neighbourhoods to get a feel for lifestyle, safety, and budget — whether you're planning to rent or buy. The Idealista app is worth downloading before you go; it's the main property portal in Portugal and a good way to get a realistic sense of local prices.
Local logistics. Try out public transport in the area you're considering, and check whether Uber or Bolt actually operate there — coverage can be patchy in more rural areas. Plenty of people in our community get by entirely on Uber, so it's genuinely worth checking before assuming you'll need to drive at all.
If you do plan to drive, the licence rules are more conditional than they first appear. Since August 2022, licences from OECD/CPLP countries (including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia) don't need to be exchanged for a Portuguese one — but only if you're under 60, and your licence was issued or renewed within the last 15 years. If either of those doesn't apply, you'll likely still need to go through the standard exchange process, which can mean an IMT appointment wait of several months. Given how many of us are moving later in life, don't assume the exemption applies to you — check your own situation directly with IMT. South African licence holders aren't covered by this exemption at all, regardless of age.
Healthcare. The D7 requires private health insurance, so it's worth locating private hospitals or clinics in the area you're considering while you're there.
Banking. If you haven't already sorted your NIF and bank account (see Step 3), a scouting trip is a good opportunity to visit a branch in person, which some banks still require for non-residents.
Cost of living. Get a real feel for everyday prices — groceries, transport, eating out — so your budget is based on reality rather than an average you read online.
Everyday amenities. Visit supermarkets, pharmacies, and other essentials near where you're considering living, so you know what's actually nearby.
Schools and family needs, if relevant. Visit schools or childcare options in person if you're moving with children, and look into bilingual or international schools if language is a concern.
Meet people. Ask in the Facebook group whether anyone local is happy to meet up or share advice — firsthand insight from someone already living there is hard to beat.
Portuguese Terms Explained
AIMA — the Portuguese immigration agency responsible for residency applications and appointments. It's worth understanding the basics of the AIMA process while you're here, even though your own AIMA appointment comes later (see Step 12).
Community Intelligence
[Reserved — as members share their own scouting trip experiences, a summarised, anonymised example will go here.]
Practical Tip
Take notes and photos as you go — of neighbourhoods, prices, anything that stood out. It's easy to forget details once you're back home, and those notes make it much easier to make a confident decision later rather than relying on memory.
Common Mistakes
- Treating the trip like a holiday rather than research — it's easy to fall in love with a touristy area that wouldn't actually suit everyday life.
- Not checking Uber/Bolt coverage or public transport in more rural areas before assuming you won't need a car.
- Assuming the driving licence rules are simple — they depend on your age and how recently your licence was issued, so check your own specific situation rather than going on general advice (including this page).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a scouting trip actually necessary?
No — plenty of people apply without one. But it significantly reduces
the risk of moving somewhere that doesn't suit you, and it makes
several later steps (accommodation, banking, healthcare) easier to
navigate with confidence.
Do I need to speak Portuguese for the trip?
No, though learning a few basic phrases beforehand goes a long way and
is a good way to start building confidence ahead of the move itself.
