Javi's D8 Visa Experience: From NYC to Portugal

Can you walk us through your D8 visa application experience? What was the timeline from application to approval in February?

Initially, when I was ready to apply, I was very nervous about the process and approval. I started thinking maybe the D2 is the route that I should go. In August, I scheduled a call with Anchorless who had already helped me acquire my NIF earlier in the year. Guillherme explained the difference between the two visas.

I still went back and forth after the call mentally, but ultimately, decided to sign up for the Anchorless+ program. I spent a few months in Lisbon in the fall just to see where I would like to live and get acclimated to the culture. While there I started assembling the application components.

Anchorless helped me get my bank account, my son’s NIF, and there were also resources on the site for securing an apartment. I almost went my own way in the beginning regarding the apartment and came so close to getting scammed.

After that, I completely stopped trying to do it on my own and started consulting Guilherme with any questions or concerns I had. He was always very responsive and super helpful.

In September I got my appointment with VFS for November. Submitted all my paperwork in November. In January, I was notified that I might be declined. I reached out to Guillherme for help with the appeal. I was notified 5 days later that I was approved.

Were there any specific challenges you faced in proving your remote work status or meeting the visa requirements?

Yes, the intention of refusal. Initially, I was stressed and frustrated. Especially because it seemed that they were asking for something that I felt I already submitted.

However, I pulled myself together and remembered I had Anchorless as a resource, so I emailed Guilherme and he reached out to the lawyer on my behalf.

He then connected us and we had a call about how to move forward and what would be needed. I gathered my additional documents while the lawyer crafted my appeal. Let’s say I responded on a Monday and by Friday, I received my approval. I literally shouted in the street when I read the email.

Which region of Portugal did you choose to settle in, and what factors influenced this decision?

I chose to settle in Lisbon. I was originally looking at Cascais for it’s idyllic vibes and backdrop.

However, I realized being a native New Yorker, being more centered in the city would probably feel less isolating to me.

Especially as a remote worker not benefiting from office culture as a springboard to make new friends, I felt it was important to be more accessible to people and social events.

Also, there is a big difference in cost of living between the two. I thought to myself Lisbon is an amazing starting point and I could always move in the future if I feel my life is going that way.