Portuguese Republic
Family reunification (residence) processing time
Consular + AIMA appointment stages combined commonly run 3–12 months.
Typical window
3 months – 1.0 years
Government fees
Visa and residence fees per family member.
Last checked
20 April 2026
What drives the timeline
Family reunification (residence) sits in the family category. Typical duration: Matches sponsor's residence; leads to settlement.. Indicative government fees: Visa and residence fees per family member..
- Does not require a sponsor.
- Leads to settlement / permanent residence.
- Suited for: Family members of Portuguese residents or citizens.
Primary source
AIMA — Family reunification
https://aima.gov.pt/en/residency-permit-for-family-reunification
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Family reunification (residence) take to process?
Consular + AIMA appointment stages combined commonly run 3–12 months. These figures come from AIMA — Family reunification and were last verified on 2026-04-20. Always confirm on the primary source before acting.
Is there a priority or premium service that speeds this up?
Refer to the linked primary source for current priority / premium options; availability changes frequently and varies by consular post.
Can you guarantee my application will fall inside this window?
No. Processing times are indicative and depend on case complexity, biometrics scheduling, sponsor-side delays, source country, public-holiday calendars, and policy shifts. The linked source is the only authoritative reference on the day you apply.