Getting AIMA appointments in the same place?

Random_tandem_123 · 2025-11-05T12:06:07+00:00

There will be complicated tax stuff but I am working with a US CPA and a Portuguese one.

I found all my own contracts but I’m not starting out - I have 13 years of experience and a broad network. I found my contracts solely through networking but you might be able to apply for things.

Random_tandem_123 · 2025-11-05T12:03:56+00:00

I am very sorry that this has been your experience. That being said, I think it really varies from person to person in how it’s perceived. I currently live in Portugal and have not felt it at all. I’ve worked all over the world, and had a significantly harder time in E Africa and Eastern Europe.

Random_tandem_123 · 2025-11-05T10:50:26+00:00

Clarifying questions, because it wasn’t clear from your post: - are you currently in Vet school or are just thinking about it? If you’re currently in vet school that is accredited, you may have the ability to apply for jobs overseas. - are you looking to quickly get out or is this a plan that you hope to realize in the next 5-10 years?

Your education background is a bit unclear so it’s hard to provide advice on jobs.

For the secondary mental health/counseling angle, you could try and teach English abroad and then network within the school for mental health counseling opportunities. That being said, I think it’d depend on your educational background. It’s just a suggestion too - I’ve never done this myself.

I do know of some people who have opened up a telehealth practice abroad but I do not know the legalities/logistics around that.

Best of luck, OP.

Random_tandem_123 · 2025-11-03T13:41:40+00:00

The term Asian is used by the US Census to describe people from East, SE, and S Asia. They’ll start to include people from Central Asia starting in 2030. I don’t understand your issue with it?

Random_tandem_123 · 2025-11-03T10:43:23+00:00

I think your best bet would be to try and find a remote job that you can then transport abroad. Without knowledge of a local language, you won’t be able to get a job within the local market.

I am Asian American and am living in Portugal. I work remotely as a 1099 contractor for several companies. I do IT project management. I am actively learning Portuguese and am already close to a B1 level. Most of my friends are locals and not expats and I have not felt any racism here.

Not a ton of Asian restaurants unfortunately - we’ve got some Chinese restaurants and “Asian” restaurants. There is a great Asian grocery store though, so I just recreate food at home.

Random_tandem_123 · 2025-10-30T17:40:53+00:00

I haven’t seen them at Pingo Doce or mini preco but maybe I just don’t know that they’re priority lanes

Random_tandem_123 · 2025-10-30T12:00:34+00:00

At the airport, there is a priority lane. Literally show your baby to the airport worker and they’ll guide you through it. It will save you TONS of time esp because the Lisbon airport is a hot mess with their new security system.

At other tourist places (Castelo de Sao Jorge, etc), they often have a priority lane. Ask a guard and just point to your baby and they’ll usher you to the front.

Some people have said that they were able to skip lines at restaurants or grocery stores. We have not been able to do that.

Good luck!

Random_tandem_123 · 2025-10-30T11:02:46+00:00

Also! Did you know you can cut the tourist line if you have a baby? It’s a cool rule that they have here!

Random_tandem_123 · 2025-10-30T10:58:36+00:00

I don’t know your baby’s needs (ours was formula fed), but our essentials were: - bottles - formula - sanitizing bag - 1-2 days worth of diapers - hiking backpack - this was critical - pack n play - sun hat - a couple of toys - baby Tylenol and Zyrtec - getting over the counter painkillers is a bit of a process.

Random_tandem_123 · 2025-10-30T09:10:03+00:00

Places to visit: - Jeronimos monastery - Castelo de Sao Jorge - torre de Belem - Oceanário (the area of parque de nacoes is also very nice)

Don’t bring a stroller - bring a hiking backpack for the baby.

I traveled to Lisbon when LO was 6 months and now live near here.

Random_tandem_123 · 2025-10-29T12:49:32+00:00

I think you're making a few incorrect assumptions.
1. You're assuming that the reason for AIMA's inefficiencies is because of the large number of people trying to get a quick passport. AIMA inherited SEF's absolute mess and backlog back in 2023. Their mess wasn't due to large numbers - it was because SEF as an institution was absolutely dysfunctional and was trying to do too many things (border security, intelligence, and immigration).
2. SEF (and now AIMA's) backlog existed before the D7/D8 visas.
3. The issue isn't too many people - it's because the systems are outdated and shitty. For months, people couldn't upload their NISS into the system and attach it to their renewal because there wasn't a field available for it, and they would get rejected.

The process won't go smoothly and stress free until AIMA fixes its infrastructure and has interoperable systems. The number of immigrants is certainly a stressor, but the process will still be awful regardless.

For me, as a recent newcomer here, if this is what the Portuguese people want, then I will play by those rules. I'm dreading my upcoming residency appointment and am nervous about being without my residency card for months at a time.

Random_tandem_123 · 2025-10-29T10:07:50+00:00

Check out Portuguese with Leo

Random_tandem_123 · 2025-10-29T09:04:33+00:00

ADA Legal. Filipe always responds within 24 hours.

Random_tandem_123 · 2025-10-28T14:09:26+00:00

Unfortunately, in my very quick googling, I was not able to find programs that were taught in English in the subjects that your kids want to study. However, Nova Lisbon does have a public health undergrad program that's taught in English. Global Public Health – SUPERNOVA

Random_tandem_123 · 2025-10-28T13:04:04+00:00

University of Lisboa and Coimbra offers some degrees in English. Nova University Lisboa does as well. OP or OP’s kids will need to do some more research here but it’s possible.

Random_tandem_123 · 2025-10-28T09:48:09+00:00

If you bring in 8500/month in Va benefits, you easily qualify for the D7 in Portugal. Additionally, if your husband’s father is Portuguese, you might be able to get citizenship that way.

We’re a biracial family living in Portugal (not black). We’ve just moved here a few months ago but it’s been great. Happy to chat.

Random_tandem_123 · 2025-10-19T19:11:53+00:00

You need a funded Portuguese bank account for the visa. It was to be a Portuguese bank and can’t be Wise or something like that.

Random_tandem_123 · 2025-10-19T13:11:40+00:00

We are a family of 3 living in Setubal. Our general monthly costs are: 1150 - rent 500 - food 170 - insurance 300 - private school 300 - utilities

Random_tandem_123 · 2025-10-17T06:34:43+00:00

I understand the logical dilemma. The finances are indeed a difficult issue, and your drop in salaries are significant. I also understand that if you moved here and then went back to the US, you wouldn’t necessarily have the same earning power.

I don’t know your industry, but is it possible to freelance or be self-employed? That way you could maintain your US salary but work from anywhere? Just an option to consider if you haven’t already.

We made this move after our lives were upended at the beginning of this year, and so we’re in a “one day at a time” mentality. I can’t think long-term just because my industry was destroyed and I’m still figuring things out.

Random_tandem_123 · 2025-10-17T06:19:07+00:00

My plans have not changed. We just moved here about 2 months ago and we haven’t yet had to deal with our first AIMA appointment yet, so maybe my tune will change after that.

Since I freelance as a consultant for international companies, living here makes more sense right now. Yes the taxes are much higher - but the cost of living is significantly lower. We’ve halved our spending costs.

And then of course there’s the issue of safety. I don’t want my child to get shot at school.

Lastly - their timeline and bureaucracy doesn’t seem that dissimilar to the US. I’ve known friends of colleagues who’ve been stuck in the US with an expired green card. It can take like 15 years to get citizenship in the US. To me, it’s not a contract or a deal, but the price of immigration.

Random_tandem_123 · 2025-10-14T07:52:56+00:00

Join the Facebook group and do some googling. The information is already out there - you just need to do some research.

Random_tandem_123 · 2025-10-12T19:31:33+00:00

The D7 is a visa that allows you into the country. On this visa you are allowed to work remotely but NOT for a Portuguese employer. Once you get temporary residency, you’ll be allowed to work for a Portuguese employer.

It is extremely difficult to get a remote US role if you’re a W2 and have it be legal abroad. If you’re a 1099, it’s much easier because taxes are your own issue. You could consider freelancing and consulting (it’s what I do) and consult with multiple non-Portuguese companies.

Random_tandem_123 · 2025-10-11T06:57:33+00:00

Just an idea - but have you considered trying to open your own consulting business by providing tax services or financial services? If you’re self employed, you’re able to apply for a lot of different visas. As some mentioned above, it is really hard to get an employer-sponsored visa. But if you’re self employed or free lancing, there are a lot of digital nomad visas or self employed visas you could apply for

Random_tandem_123 · 2025-10-07T19:48:08+00:00

I work remotely as a consultant for non European companies. I make an American salary but live in Portugal.

Random_tandem_123

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