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
In short
As of 23 July 2026, the Family reunification (residence) for Portuguese Republic has typical processing of 3 months – 12 months. Sources: official Portuguese Republic government pages, reviewed 23 July 2026.
Cite this: https://visaatlas.org/visas/portugal/family-reunification-pt#answer
What is the Family reunification (residence) in Portuguese Republic?
Family reunification (residence) is an unsponsored Portugal route. Indicative government fees are Visa and residence fees per family member; indicative processing time is Often 6+ months for AIMA appointment post-arrival; typical duration is Matches sponsor's residence; leads to settlement. This route can lead to permanent residence.
Verified against AIMA on 1 June 2026.
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.AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) ↗
- ✓Documented family relationship.AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) ↗
- ✓Adequate income and housing.AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) ↗
Common blockers
- !Sponsor's residence not yet formalised.AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) ↗
- !Income below minimum-wage multiples.AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Marriage or birth certificate.AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) ↗
- ·Sponsor's residence card and income evidence.AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) ↗
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.
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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 in PortugalHow we verified this
We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.
Primary source: AIMA
Last checked: 1 June 2026