The steps are:
So in my case, I applied Oct 2021, pre-approved Jan 2022, email received Dec 2022, biometrics Feb 2023. And now I wait.
No.
You are preapproved. You may or may not get an email about being pre-approved - I didn’t, but I think my lawyer did.
Then you wait for an email inviting you to schedule a biometrics appointment. These appear to go out about every 3 months to everyone pre-approved since the last invites were sent
Then you make the appointment.
Then you go to the appointment. DO NOT MISS YOUR APPOINTMENT.
Then you wait for final approval.
In my case my status on ARI page changed from “em analyse” to “candidature aciete”. I believe it can count as notification of pre-approval?
Almost a year (!!!) between pre-approval and an invitation for biometrics? They certainly have a specific concept of time 
Well, yes. But I think the December 2021 crowd had a longer period from application to pre-approval, but then a shorter period between pre-approval and the biometrics invite.
For the card itself?
Final approval, payment and card. I’m expecting that by year-end - it seems to be taking around 9-10 months for final approval for the Lisbon office. Other biometrics venues may vary. So all in, it will probably be just over two years from application to first card.
Yes, you are pre-approved now. So you can expect to get invited to book a biometrics appt in the next few months.
Keep an eye out in the various threads here, someone will post about it when they are invited, I’m sure
[/quote]
Which country are you from? (If it is OK to ask). Thanks!
[/quote]
Please disregard the question - have seen a different post by you that has answered the question
Can I ask when did you apply?
November 19th 2021
Hi all,
Is there anyone who does biometry in Coimbra, I wonder how soon it will be approved
17.02.2023 ,we are waiting
Check this thread
5 mo from application to pre approval.
8 mo from pre approval to biometrics.
I have a feeling SEF is going over the applications as a whole, picking up all the missed ones . I just hope they do it quickly 
You know how it is… better make things look good for the new boss…
I did biometrics in Coimbra on 23 Feb 23.
Hi…None of the applications which is done at 2022, processed yet. Right?
I understand they have not yet finished with Dec 2021… But you may wish to contribute to the database and see postings here: 2022 Application Analysis and Discussion.