You need a 12-month rental contract to apply for D8 visa, but landlords won't rent without a visa. We solve this catch-22 with visa-friendly landlords offering flexible arrangements.
What Portugal requires: A registered 12-month rental contract as proof of accommodation when you submit your D8 visa application.
The problem: Most Portuguese landlords won't sign a lease with you until you have a visa and NIF (tax number). But you can't get those without the rental contract first.
The financial risk: Even if you find a landlord who will rent to you, you must sign a legally binding 12-month lease, pay deposit + first month's rent (often ā¬2,000-4,000), all with ZERO guarantee your visa will be approved.
What happens if denied? You're stuck paying for a year-long lease in Portugal while living in the US, or fighting to get your deposit back.
Portuguese consulates reject Airbnb bookings, hotel reservations, or short-term rental agreements. They require a proper registered 12-month lease.
Some applicants try to create fake contracts with friends/family. This is fraud and will result in permanent visa ban if discovered.
Standard rental market landlords require NIF, proof of income in Portugal, Portuguese bank account, and references - all impossible without a visa.
Even if you find a landlord, signing a standard 12-month lease means you're legally and financially committed even if your visa gets denied.
We've built relationships with landlords across Portugal who understand the D8 visa process and are willing to work with pre-visa applicants.
Our landlord partners offer lease structures that reduce your financial risk if visa is denied.
All rental contracts meet Portuguese consulate requirements for D8 visa applications.
View and select properties from the US before committing.
City preference, budget, bedrooms, move-in date, any special requirements (pet-friendly, furnished, etc.)
Within 3-5 days, receive 3-7 properties matching your criteria. All are visa-friendly with flexible terms.
Schedule video tours, ask questions, and select your top choice. We negotiate terms on your behalf.
Sign the lease agreement, receive registered contract for your visa application. Reduced risk with flexible terms.
One-time fee - we find and coordinate your visa-ready accommodation
Full accommodation service + move-in coordination
Note: Our service fee is separate from rent, deposits, and landlord fees.
Typical Portugal costs: ā¬800-ā¬3,000/month rent + 1-2 months deposit (varies by property and city)
These are examples from our network. Actual availability varies. We'll match you with current options when you start.
Most landlords in our network offer conditional leases that become void if your visa is denied (with official rejection documentation). This protects you from being stuck with a year-long lease. Specific terms vary by landlord - we'll clearly explain the exit clauses before you sign.
Typically, you'll pay a reduced deposit (1 month) to secure the property and sign the contract for visa purposes. First month's rent is usually due upon arrival or visa approval, not upfront. Exact terms depend on the landlord, but we negotiate payment terms that minimize your risk.
If you're already in Portugal, yes - we can arrange in-person viewings. Most D8 applicants are in the US during application, so we offer detailed virtual tours via video call. Our premium package includes in-person inspection by our Portugal team on your behalf.
Our network covers Lisbon, Porto, Algarve (Lagos, Faro), Cascais, Braga, and Coimbra. If you need a different location, contact us - we may be able to expand our search.
Yes - all contracts in our network are properly formatted 12-month leases that meet Portuguese consulate requirements. They're registered with local authorities and reviewed by immigration lawyers to ensure they satisfy D8 documentation standards.
No - we connect you with our network of vetted, visa-friendly landlords. We don't own properties ourselves. We coordinate the search, tours, negotiation, and contract process, but the lease is directly between you and the landlord.
Typically 2-3 weeks from starting the service: 3-5 days to send matches, 1 week for tours and selection, 1 week for contract preparation and registration. Expedited options available if you have a tight deadline.
Get a visa-ready rental contract without the financial risk
Free consultation ā¢ Flexible payment terms ā¢ Risk protection included