I Solved Portugal’s D7 Visa Housing Requirement Without Paying Months of Rent

I found a safer, simpler way to secure proof of accommodation in Portugal before your visa is approved.

Once I decided on Portugal and its D7 Residency Visa option, one of the trickier requirements was providing proof of accommodation before my VFS appointment in San Francisco. With my appointment two months away and the approval process expected to take another two to three months, one question kept lurking in the back of my mind: Was I supposed to pay rent for all that time without even living there? The answer was yes.

Another issue was: What if I don’t like my apartment? Many more “what ifs” made this part of preparing for my VFS meeting a real challenge. It’s hard to get that feel-good feeling from a few small pictures on your laptop, at least for me, a feeling good enough to shell out $2,000 of hard-earned money.

Suspicious Listing - Warning

I had also been warned about scams where landlords kept your money and acted as if they’d never spoken to you. I didn’t have a good feeling about listings made by private individuals either. Idealista at times had posts with warnings that said, “Careful! Suspicious listing, Our quality control team removed this listing,” thankfully they don't show details or give you a chance to contact the landlord. Another red flag to be aware of is when the prices seem too low to be true, that's because it's probably not.

I looked at thousands of listings on Idealista and other websites, and even had an agent searching for me at one point. My top choices were being rented within 24 hours and disappearing from websites so fast I couldn’t believe it. As my deadline approached, and the stress mounted, I stumbled upon a website originally designed for college students but also serves digital nomads and professionals. I thought, Well, I’m a professional, at least when I want to be! So, I decided to qualify myself as a potential renter.

I Found a College Town that’s a Perfect Location

A few things to note: this site lists dorms and studios for rent, along with other options and are often located in or near college towns and universities. Some studios are quite small and may lack the size with the amenities you might prefer. I however was looking for a smaller studio anyway, so this option worked out perfectly for me. They also offer many T1 & T2 (1 & 2 bedroom) apartments that were very nice.

The company is Uniplaces, headquartered in both London, England and in Portugal, with most of its staff and operations based in Lisbon. That gave me a little extra comfort, knowing they were local to my final destination during this stressful time. They also provide a rental receipt, which is required for your VFS appointment. My rental receipt was submitted with my documentation and my visa was approved without issue.

Why I Chose Uniplaces

Some very positive advantages I found:

• Their landlords are vetted, and some even have a Trusted Landlord Accreditation, great for peace of mind.

• The website can translate information into your native language (a real bonus for this silly American).

• Most listings are well-photographed, giving a clear idea of the interiors, exteriors, and a location map to help you make an informed decision.

• Some properties are fully furnished, with furniture, bedding, and kitchen utensils, perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to spend their first few days shopping for basics.

I just wanted to arrive, grab a comfy seat, crack open a cold beer, and celebrate this new phase of my journey.

Another big plus: instead of the typical insane deposit requirements (three months’ rent plus the current month’s rent handed over to a perfect stranger), Uniplaces holds the deposit, usually equal to just one month’s rent, and releases it only after you arrive and approve of the place in person. They also act as a go-between for you and the landlord, helping with any initial questions or issues.

Reserve Apartments that are Actually Available

The real bonus, though, is that Uniplaces shows real-time availability for each property, so you can reserve your rental only for the dates you actually need it. That meant I could align my move-in date with my visa approval and travel schedule, no paying rent for months without living there.

I did end up paying for one extra month before I arrived due to a slight delay on my part, but compared to paying three to five months elsewhere and not even being there, one month was no big deal.

I eventually found a great place that checked all my boxes: furniture, bedding, kitchen utensils, a reasonable price, and a location outside a major city, keeping rent and living costs lower. I settled on Coimbra, a charming college town between Lisbon and Porto, close to the coast (and cooler in the Summer than Portugal’s interior).

Affordability with Lots of Amenities

And did I mention: all utilities were included in the €600 monthly rent. It even has a private balcony and a large window-door opening to the outside, something I really wanted but didn’t need. I jumped on it immediately and haven’t regretted it at all. A great choice that made me one happy renter!

I also viewed this first rental as a temporary landing spot, a place to start my new life in Portugal while exploring other towns for the future. Of course, your search may look different and your priorities may vary. This was simply my experience and how I solved the issues that mattered most to me. Hopefully, it helps answer some of the same questions or concerns you’ve had after reading other posts online.

Please Share Your Journey

There’s a section on my blog where you can ask me questions or share your own journey. Please use it if you need a little help or want to run an idea by me, I’d love to hear your story as well.

By the way, I was just appointed a Uniplaces Ambassador, I can offer you a 25% discount on the Uniplaces service fee. This helps lower your upfront costs when securing your proof of accommodation for the D7 visa. Send me an email, and I can help you find a place and help you book it, no problem. thedrifter@waywarddrifter.com

Happy Drifting, Everyone!