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RF · Family Reunification

Family Reunification

Last verified: 2026-08-04

Overview

Allows family members of people with legal residence or citizenship in Portugal to apply for authorisation to live together in Portugal, subject to legal requirements on relationship, means and accommodation.

Eligibility requirements

  • There must be a sponsor (family member) with legal residence or citizenship in Portugal.
  • Prove an eligible family relationship (spouse/de facto union, minor children or other cases provided by law).
  • The sponsor must have sufficient means of subsistence and suitable accommodation.
  • Meet the general entry and residence conditions applicable to applicants.

Required documents

General documents7
  • Valid passport or travel document of the applicant
  • Marriage, birth or other certificate proving the family relationship
  • Proof of the sponsor’s residence permit or citizenship in Portugal
  • Proof of suitable accommodation in Portugal
  • Proof of the sponsor’s means of subsistence
  • Applicant criminal record certificate, when required (Optional)
  • Foreign documents legalised/apostilled and translated when required

Full procedure

  1. 1
    PreparationOnline

    Confirm sponsor eligibility

    Confirm that the family member in Portugal holds residence or citizenship and can sponsor reunification.

  2. 2
    PreparationIn person

    Gather proof of family relationship

    Marriage/birth certificates and other relationship documents, legalised/apostilled and translated when required.

  3. 3
    ApplicationOnline

    Submit reunification application

    The application may proceed with AIMA in Portugal or, depending on the case, with a consular stage abroad.

    https://aima.gov.pt
  4. 4
    AIMAOnline

    Review and any document requests

    Await review and respond to any additional document or clarification requests.

  5. 5
    AIMAIn person

    Appointment / biometrics

    Attend the scheduled appointment for biometrics and process completion.

  6. 6
    AIMAOnline

    Receive residence permit

    Receive the residence permit and confirm renewal timelines.

Summary and timelines

Prazo / Timeline

Variable — depends on the route (AIMA in Portugal and/or consular stage) and document complexity.

Custo / Cost

AIMA fees + documentary/consular costs when applicable

Renovação / Renewal

Residence permit renewal within legal deadlines, maintaining reunification requirements

Perfil / Profile

Spouses, children and other eligible relatives of residents or citizens in Portugal

Taxas / Fees

  • AIMA / residence application feesAccording to the fees in force
  • Documentary / consular costs when applicableVariable