Portuguese Republic · family · Leads to settlement
Family reunification (residence)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Residence authorisation for family members of legal residents in Portugal.
- Processing time
- Often 6+ months for AIMA appointment post-arrival.
- Government fees
- Visa and residence fees per family member.
- Typical duration
- Matches sponsor's residence; leads to settlement.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
Family members of Portuguese residents — spouses, civil partners, minor children, dependent parents — can apply for reunification once the sponsor holds legal residence. The specific requirements depend on the sponsor's residence type (work permit, student, D-series).
Guidance by nationality
Specific information for applicants from these countries. Don’t see yours? The general eligibility criteria above apply to everyone.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Sponsor holds legal residence in Portugal.
- ✓Documented family relationship.
- ✓Adequate income and housing.
Common blockers
- !Sponsor's residence not yet formalised.
- !Income below minimum-wage multiples.
Typical evidence
- ·Marriage or birth certificate.
- ·Sponsor's residence card and income evidence.
Application pathway
Sponsor obtains Portuguese residence
Reunification is generally initiated once the sponsor is lawfully resident.
Submit reunification application
File at AIMA in Portugal or at consulate abroad, depending on policy.
Attend AIMA appointment
Receive family-reunification residence card.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicant + sponsorCheck AIMA family reunification guidance ↗
Applicant and sponsor use this official guidance to confirm who can file and which family evidence is required.
AIMA · verified
Fees and processing time
Indicative government fees: Visa and residence fees per family member.. A decision then typically takes 3 months – 12 months. Both change over time, so the dedicated pages below carry the itemised breakdown and the current official figures.
Also explored by
Compare Portuguese Republic with
Related routes
Frequently asked questions
How long does Portuguese family reunification take?+
AIMA's consolidation from the former SEF has caused significant backlogs. Waiting times for appointments and cards have often exceeded a year since 2023–24. Plan accordingly.
Can I bring my spouse and children if I move to Portugal on a D-series or student visa?+
Yes. Once you hold legal residence in Portugal as the sponsor, family members such as spouses, civil partners, minor children, and dependent parents can apply for family reunification, which itself leads to settlement. The specific requirements depend on your residence type, and AIMA appointment backlogs have often exceeded a year since 2023–24, so plan early.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor →