The last posts on the thread Awaiting Biometrics (Stage 3) provide information on timing between pre-approval and a SEF appointment. So far, calendars for SEF appointments have opened up for pre-approvals prior to May 2021.
For biometrics appointments and getting the residence card, there is another thread: Awaiting Final Approval (Stage 4).
The 5 years begins from the date specified on the first card.
Since mid-December 2021, SEF has kept to its commitment to process applications in chronological order, despite delays (no budget approved yet/election Jan 2022/new government taking office end March 2022).
Since the Russian invasion, SEF personnel have been largely occupied processing temporary residence visas for the ~10,000 Ukrainian refugees who have reached Portugal - slowing down their progress on other applications.
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