Family Reunification
For family members of Portuguese citizens or of foreign nationals legally resident in Portugal. The application is made by the resident in Portugal on behalf of the family member who is abroad.
Documents and steps
The resident in Portugal (the 'sponsor') can apply for reunification with the following family members:
Spouse or de facto partneroptional
A valid marriage or de facto union recognised in Portugal; both must be at least 18.
Minor children (under 18)optional
Biological, adopted or stepchildren. If the child is in the custody of one parent, the other parent's authorisation is required.
Dependent adult childrenoptional
Adult, unmarried children who depend on the couple or on one of the spouses and are studying.
Dependent parents (or parents-in-law)optional
Parents of the resident or of the spouse who depend on them financially.
The resident in Portugal submits the application at AIMA.
Residence permit held for at least 2 years
Since Law 61/2025 the general rule is 2 years of residence. For a spouse or equivalent the period is 15 months; for dependent minor or incapacitated children there is no minimum. Some permits have their own rules (e.g. EU Blue Card). Family members of Portuguese citizens follow a different regime.
Proof of suitable housing
An owned or rented home that is suitable for the size of the family by local standards and meets safety and sanitation rules.
Proof of sufficient income
Based on the 2026 minimum wage (€920): 100% for the resident, +50% (€460) for each additional adult and +30% (€276) for each child. Example: resident + spouse = €1,380/month; with 1 child = €1,656/month. Bank statements for the last 3 months or an employment contract.
AIMA appointment
The sponsor books an in-person appointment at AIMA to submit the application
The family member abroad gathers these documents to submit at the Portuguese Consulate.
Valid passport
Valid for at least 6 months. Copies of every page.
Proof of family relationship
Marriage certificate (spouse), birth certificate (children), the sponsor's birth certificate (parents). All apostilled and with a sworn translation.
Criminal record certificate
Max. 3 months old
From the country of origin. With a Hague Apostille and a sworn translation.
Parental authorisation for minors (if applicable)optional
For minor children: if one parent stays abroad, a notarised statement authorising the child to live in Portugal is required.
2 passport-style photos
Visa fee
Cost: €110 (exempt: children up to 6 and descendants of residence permit holders)
National visa fee, paid at the consulate.
Once the visa is approved, the family member travels to Portugal and applies for the residence permit at AIMA.
AIMA appointment for a family reunification residence permit
Within the 4 months the visa is valid.
NIF
Tax Authority (Finanças)
Cost: Free
Passport, proof of address, up-to-date criminal record
AIMA fees
Cost: ≈ €133 (application) + €114.30 (card)
AIMA fee table in force since 1/03/2026. Amounts may change — check aima.gov.pt before paying.
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Important notes
- •Information checked in September 2026 against the official sources listed at the end. Immigration rules changed a lot in 2025–2026 — always confirm with the consulate or AIMA before you go ahead.
- •Law 61/2025 introduced integration requirements for family members: learning Portuguese, knowing the constitutional values, and compulsory schooling for minors.
- •Until the visa is approved, the family member cannot enter Portugal to settle (they can visit as a tourist, but cannot stay).
- •Once approved, the family member receives a family reunification residence permit.
- •School-age children have free access to Portuguese state schools.
Other visas and permits
Still have a question about this visa?
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This information is based on the official AIMA and MNE requirements (2026). The Portuguese version and the official portals prevail — always check them before you act.