
SEF appointments in Portugal
SEF has implemented a pre-booking system for scheduling appointments at its customer service bureaus. Customers can book appointments either by phone through the SEF Call Centre or online through the SEF website. The appointment can be scheduled at any SEF directorate or regional delegation, regardless of the foreign national’s area of residence. After the appointment is scheduled, the customer will receive a confirmation email with the date, place, and time of the appointment. The day before the appointment, the customer will also receive a text alert with the same information. The pre-booking system eliminates lines and reduces wait times.
Phone scheduling is mandatory for appointments at SEF bureaus and can be done through the SEF Call Centre. Lawyers and solicitors cannot schedule appointments for their clients and the foreign national must schedule their own appointment even when accompanied by their legal representative.
Online scheduling is available for applicants with a valid residence permit, residence card, short stay visa, or temporary stay visa who wish to renew their permit, card, or extend their stay. Applicants can manage their bookings, reschedule, or cancel appointments through their personal area on the SEF website. Citizens who entered the country without a visa requirement must schedule appointments through the SEF Call Centre.