Family Reunification Visa

Family reunification in Portugal is a step towards a new beginning with loved ones. We help guide you through the process easily and confidently, from document preparation to obtaining your residence permit. Let us take care of the details, so you can focus on what matters most—your family.

Family Reunification with a Family Member – Articles 98.1, 98.2

The right to family reunification belongs to the following family members of a resident (see Articles 99 and 100 of the Foreigners Act):

Spouse;
Minor or incapacitated children under the care of the spouses;
Adopted children;
Adult children under the care of the spouses or one of the spouses, who are studying at educational institutions in Portugal;
Adult children studying under the care of the spouses, provided the resident has a residence permit as per Article 90-A;
Parents of the resident or their spouse, provided they are financially dependent;
Younger siblings, provided they are under the care of the resident in accordance with a decision by the competent authority of the country of origin and this decision is recognized by Portugal.

Family members for family reunification with refugees include:

Parents;
Legal guardians or any other relatives if the refugee has no direct ties or they cannot be found.

De Facto Cohabitation – Family reunification may be allowed with:

A partner who has been cohabiting with the foreign national, either domestically or abroad, provided this is duly confirmed according to the law;
Minor or incapacitated children, including adopted children of the partner, as long as they are legally entrusted to them.

To begin the family reunification procedure, it is necessary to book an appointment and submit the application in person with a completed form signed by the applicant/resident. Applications can be submitted at any AIMA office, which will forward the application to the relevant regional services for review and decision.

Required Documents for Application

The following documents must be submitted with the application:

Document proving the right to family reunification (residence permit, EU Blue Card, or Long-Term Resident Status);
Original and certified documents confirming the family ties referenced by the applicant;
Two identical, color photographs on a white background with updated identification;
Passport or other valid travel document;
Certified copies of identity documents for the family members of the applicant;
Proof of housing (does not apply to refugees);
Proof of financial resources sufficient to support the family, as per the Resolution of December 11, 2007 (does not apply to refugees);
Criminal record certificate issued by the competent authority of the country of citizenship and the country of residence for over a year (except for persons under 16 years old).

Depending on the situation, additional specific documents may be required, such as:

Document of limited legal capacity for an adult child under care;
Adoption certificate and its recognition by the national authority, if applicable;
Full birth certificate, proof of financial dependence, and document of enrollment in a Portuguese educational institution for adult (but unmarried) children under care;
Proof of financial dependence for parents under 65 years of age;
Custody decision recognized by the national authority, if it applies to adult siblings;
Notarized consent from the non-resident parent or a copy of the court decision for legal custody over a minor or person under care, living with the applicant or their spouse, if applicable;
Proof of de facto cohabitation.

Important Notes:

Issuance of the residence permit assumes there are no facts that, if known to the competent authorities, would prevent the visa issuance;
No criminal convictions for crimes punishable by imprisonment for over one year in Portugal;
No entry or residence ban on the national territory following an expulsion measure;
No indication in the SII UCFE for refusal of entry, residence, or return as per Articles 33 and 33-A of the Foreigners Law.

After entering the national territory with a visa, the family member of the applicant must visit AIMA to obtain the residence permit. Family members with a visa granted under Article 64 of the Foreigners Act, or those on national territory after a family reunification request is granted, will be issued a residence permit for the same duration as the resident.

In exceptional cases, such as divorce, judicial separation, widowhood, the death of first- or second-degree relatives, accusations of family violence, reaching adulthood, or if such events occurred during the family reunification process, a separate residence permit may be issued. This permit will be valid for two years, with the possibility of extension for another three years.

Foreign language documents must be accompanied by a corresponding translation, which may be performed by one of the authorities mentioned in the Notary Code: Portuguese notary, Portuguese consulate in the country where the document was issued, or the consulate of that country in Portugal.

This process aims to ensure transparency in the family reunification process, compliance with the law, and the protection of the rights of all parties involved.

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Explanation of Articles 98, Paragraphs 1 and 2:

Articles 98, Paragraph 1, and Paragraph 2 refer to different scenarios for family reunification in the context of obtaining a residence permit in Portugal. In both cases, documents confirming family ties, financial stability, and housing are required. The decision to grant the residence permit depends on meeting the conditions, including no criminal record and sufficient resources to support the family. Below we explore the main differences between these two types of visas.

Family Reunification with a Family Member Outside Portugal – Article 98.1

This process applies when a family member living outside Portugal wishes to reunite with a resident in Portugal.

Application Location:
The application is submitted at the Portuguese consulate or other official Portuguese representations in the country where the family member resides.

Procedure:

The application is reviewed and processed at Portuguese diplomatic missions abroad.
Once the visa application is processed, the family member abroad can receive a family reunification visa.

Documents:
The application is accompanied by all necessary documents confirming family ties and the right to reunification.

Family Reunification with a Family Member Already in Portugal – Article 98.2 .

This process applies when the family member is already in Portugal and wishes to reunite with a resident.

Application Location:
The application is submitted in person by the family member or the holder of the reunification right within Portugal.

Procedure:

The application is reviewed and processed at AIMA offices or other designated locations within Portugal.
After review and approval of the family reunification request, the family member will receive a residence permit.

Documents:
The application is accompanied by necessary documents confirming family ties and the right to reunification. Additional documents, such as photographs and biometric data, may also be required.

How the Process Works:

Obtaining a D Visa or Residence Permit
The ideal option is for the whole family to obtain visas at the consulate. If this is not possible, the family may temporarily enter Portugal as tourists.
Visit to SEF with the Family
During the visit to SEF, family members will provide necessary documents and undergo the photo and fingerprint process to obtain residence cards.
Receiving the Residence Card
After the SEF visit, the residence cards will be delivered by mail, which may take up to 12 weeks.

You can contact Portugal Dom for:

Initial consultation;
Family reunification invitation for visa purposes;
Document translation and notarization;
Assistance with the application at AIMA;
Discussion on legalization in Portugal.