Bringing Family Members to Portugal
If you hold a valid Portuguese residence permit, you can apply to bring your immediate family members through family reunification (reagrupamento familiar). This covers spouses, minor children, dependent adult children, and dependent parents.
Check eligibility
You must have held a residence permit for at least 1 year (or be applying simultaneously). Eligible family members: spouse or civil partner, minor children, adult children who are dependents, and parents who are dependents (if you're from a non-EU country).
Gather documents for each family member
Each person needs their own application with specific documents.
Documents needed
- Your valid residence permit
- Proof of accommodation (rental contract or property deed)
- Proof of income (sufficient to support the family — varies by family size)
- Family relationship proof (marriage certificate, birth certificates)
- Criminal record certificates for each adult family member
- Health insurance for each family member
- Passport photos for each person
Submit the application to AIMA
File the family reunification request through AIMA. This can be done at an AIMA office or through the portal. Each family member is a separate application.
Family members apply for entry visa
Once AIMA approves, family members apply for a reunification visa (Visto de Residencia para Reagrupamento Familiar) at the Portuguese consulate in their country.
Arrive and schedule AIMA appointment
After arriving in Portugal, each family member must attend an AIMA biometrics appointment to receive their own residence permit.
Get individual documents for each person
Each family member needs their own NIF, NISS, and SNS registration. Children need school enrollment.
Watch out
- ●Processing times at AIMA can be very long (6-18 months) — apply as early as possible
- ●Income requirements increase with family size — check the current thresholds
- ●Translations of foreign documents must be certified and may need apostille
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