Why Use a Rental Scouting Service for Your D7 Visa in Portugal
Finding a long-term rental in Portugal that meets visa requirements can be one of the hardest and most expensive parts of the move. Many people underestimate how different the process is here — listings aren’t always up to date, agents don’t always reply, and properties often go before you can even view them.
That’s why using a rental scouting service can save you weeks of frustration, wasted flights, and costly mistakes — especially if you’re applying for the D7 visa or any residency visa where proof of accommodation is required.
Why It’s So Difficult to Find a Rental from Abroad
Portugal doesn’t have one big national listing site like Zillow or Rightmove. Instead, there are hundreds of small local agents, Facebook groups, and private landlord listings — many of which are only in Portuguese.
And here’s the catch: landlords often prefer tenants who are already in Portugal, so if you’re trying to secure a property from abroad, you’re already at a disadvantage. Even if you spot the perfect home online, it’s not unusual for it to be gone by the time you land.
How a Rental Scouting Service Works
At Your Casa Key, we act as your local eyes and ears on the ground. You tell us what you’re looking for — area, budget, pet policy, access to transport, proximity to international schools, or D7 visa compliance — and we do the legwork for you.
Our team searches across all platforms (including those only in Portuguese), speaks directly to agents and landlords, and arranges viewings on your behalf. We record detailed video tours so you can experience each property virtually before committing.
Once you’ve chosen your favourite, we help with:
Reviewing lease terms to ensure they meet D7 visa requirements (12-month contract in your name).
Liaising with the landlord or agent to confirm documents and utilities.
Handling key collection and even being there for the handover if you’re not yet in Portugal.
on a rental search in Ericeira and showing the client a local viewpoint near the apartment
The Hidden Cost of Doing It Yourself
Many people think they’ll save money by doing it alone — but the truth is, mistakes at this stage can cost you far more.
Flights to view properties can easily cost €400–€800, and if you arrive to find the “perfect apartment” is already rented or not as described, that’s money wasted. Not to mention the stress of trying to sign a lease remotely in a foreign language or accidentally committing to a property that doesn’t meet visa requirements.
Our clients often tell us they saved both time and money by using our service, as we helped them avoid rushed decisions, hidden fees, and scams.
Why It Matters for the D7 Visa
For the D7 visa, you’ll need to show proof of accommodation covering at least 12 months. The lease must be:
In your name (not a short-term or Airbnb rental).
Registered with the Portuguese tax authority (Finanças).
Suitable for residency (not a holiday home).
If your lease doesn’t meet these standards, your visa may be delayed or rejected. We know exactly what the consulates and SEF/AIMA look for — and we make sure every rental we source is compliant.
The Real Value: Peace of Mind
A rental scouting service isn’t just about finding a property — it’s about confidence. You’ll have a professional checking every detail, ensuring your documents are correct, and saving you from making a rushed choice just to meet visa deadlines.
We work exclusively for you — not for landlords or estate agents — which means your best interests come first.
What It Costs
Our Rental Search Package starts from €850, which covers your entire search, video tours, and lease coordination. Optional extras like utilities setup (€225) and key handover (€225) mean you can arrive in Portugal with everything ready to go.
When you add up what you’d spend on travel, temporary accommodation, and wasted time, it’s one of the smartest investments you can make for a smooth relocation.
Ready to Start Your Search?
If you’re applying for the D7 or digital nomad visa and need a compliant rental, we can help you find it — without the headaches.
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