Ideas for services you want to see đź’ˇ

General đź’ˇ
1

Hey there! :wave:

Do you have any ideas or wishes for new services you’d love to see us offer?

Your input is invaluable to us as we continue to innovate and provide the best possible service. :bulb:

(We’re cooking up a lot for you – be ready!) :fried_egg:

1 Like
3

Hi Maxime,

As a hotel professional at Marriott International’s Four Points by Sheraton in Bulgaria, I’m enthusiastic about the idea of “Relocating to Portugal and Settling Down”there. However, I’ve noticed that there isn’t a “Comprehensive Guide” available on your forum to assist individuals like myself in making this transition.

Considering the outstanding services your company provides and my genuine interest in Portugal, I believe adding such a guide to your forum would be immensely beneficial. Many individuals, including myself, would greatly appreciate having access to a resource that offers guidance and support throughout the relocation process.

Furthermore, I suggest that this “Topic” could also be included in your upcoming YouTube channel. By offering video content on moving and settling down in Portugal, you can provide even more valuable insights and assistance to your audience.

I’m confident that incorporating these features into your forum and YouTube channel would not only enhance “anchorless.” value but also attract a wider audience of individuals seeking to make Portugal their new home.

Thank you for considering my suggestions. I eagerly await the opportunity to utilize your services in the future.

Cheers!
Iranka DM.

1 Like
4

The visa application checklist requires a criminal background check for our country of origin. We are in the United States. Who do we contact to start this process?

5

The FBI is the place to go!

Only you may request to the FBI a copy of your own criminal background check.

There is a processing fee payable to the FBI in the amount of US$18.00. The FBI website, at FBI.gov, provides information on the available options to submit your request to the FBI in the USA, as follows:

Option 1

For requests submitted to the FBI electronically, the current processing time is approximately 15 days upon receipt of the fingerprint cards sent by mail. You need to provide an e-mail address to start the application process. You will receive a response electronically, to the e-mail address provided, with a secure link and personal identification number for accessing all results, both foreign and domestic. Additionally, you have an option to receive a response by First-Class Mail via the U.S. Postal Service.

Option 2

For requests submitted to the FBI via the mail, the current processing time is up to 20 days.

Option 3

You may choose to submit your request through an FBI-Approved Channeler.

After that, you’ll need to apostille your documents. The majority of official government documents need to be apostilled in order to be used for Portuguese visas. This is needed for the FBI background check.

Steps to Prepare Your Document for Apostille:

  1. Print Your Background Check:
  • If you received your background check electronically, you must print a physical copy. The U.S. Department of State requires a paper document for the apostille.
  1. Complete the Application for Apostille:
  • Download and fill out Form DS-4194 from the U.S. Department of State website
  1. Prepare Your Submission Package:
  • Include the following items in your package:
    • The printed FBI background check.
    • The completed DS-4194 form.
    • Make the payment for the apostille fee. (Check the U.S. Department of State’s website for the current fee amount.)
  • Make sure all documents are complete and easy to read.

How to Submit Your Documents:

  1. Mail Your Package:
  • Send your complete package to the U.S. Department of State at the following address:
    U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications
    CA/PPT/S/TO/AUT
    44132 Mercure Circle
    PO Box 1206 Sterling, VA
    20166-1206
  1. Track Your Submission:
  • Use a tracking service when you mail your package so you can monitor its progress. Processing times can take several weeks.

Receiving Your Apostille:

  • After the U.S. Department of State processes your request, they will mail your apostilled FBI background check back to you.

For any question regarding the background check, please contact the FBI Customer Service by phone at 001-304-625-5590 or through the email address identity@fbi.gov.

If you wish to try and apostille your criminal records privately, our clients used this service and this one, as well.

Also, about the fingerprint collection, we highly recommend you try to do it in one of the eletronic points, as some US expats usually complain about how the mail option may delay the process due to the quality of the fingerprints.

Good luck!