Gabinete Jurídico LaranjeirasLawyers · Solicitors

Family Reunification in Portugal

Immigration and Visas

Reuniting your family: legal route and application

The procedure also depends on where each family member is: different rules apply inside and outside Portugal.

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How we can help

  1. 01Identify eligible relatives and check the resident's permit, waiting periods and exceptions.
  2. 02Review certificates, financial dependency, custody and consent relating to children.
  3. 03Prepare the AIMA application and follow up on document requests, notices or refusals.
  4. 04Coordinate the consular stage when the relative is waiting outside Portugal.

Our assistance does not guarantee approval. The decision always rests with the competent authorities.

Indicative

Documents usually required

These depend on the family relationship and the circumstances of the resident and relatives.

  • The resident's residence permit and identification; relatives' passports.
  • Birth or marriage certificates and evidence of a de facto partnership, as applicable.
  • Proof of accommodation and means of subsistence.
  • Criminal record certificates for adults, where required.
  • Evidence of dependency, enrolment, parental responsibility or the other parent's consent, where relevant.
  • Foreign certificates with legalisation and translation, where required.

This list is indicative only; AIMA may request additional documents.

Family Reunification

How it works

  1. 01

    Family assessment

    We assess the family composition and applicable legal regime.

  2. 02

    Checking the evidence

    We check the family ties and other requirements.

  3. 03

    AIMA application

    We prepare the application and follow the procedure.

  4. 04

    Consular stage

    If the relative is outside Portugal, the consular stage follows a favourable decision.

  5. 05

    Entry and residence

    We assist with entry and the residence permit application under the applicable procedure.

Family Reunification

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to wait two years?

A permit valid for two years is generally required; for a spouse or equivalent partner with 18 months of cohabitation immediately before the holder's entry, the period is 15 months. Exemptions exist for certain family categories and qualifying permits, alongside exceptional, justified waivers or reductions.

My relative is already in Portugal. Can they apply here?

This is generally limited to categories exempt from the waiting period, subject to special regimes and transitional rules. Entry, stay and family category must be assessed; being in Portugal is not enough.

Is a marriage certificate enough?

The certificate proves the relationship, but residence status, accommodation, means of subsistence and other requirements are also assessed.

Initial review

Want to reunite your family in Portugal?

Ask for an assessment of your case before starting the process.

Book a consultation