Portugal Family Reunification Visa

What is family reunification?

Family reunification allows qualifying family members of a person legally residing in Portugal to join that resident under the conditions established by Portuguese immigration law.

Eligibility depends on the relationship

The law defines which family relationships can qualify. The evidence can vary for spouses or partners, children, dependent relatives and other recognised family situations.

AIMA authorisation

When the family member is outside Portugal, the process can involve a family-reunification authorisation through AIMA before the relative applies for the corresponding residence visa through the Portuguese consular system.

Civil-status documents

Marriage certificates, birth certificates, adoption records and evidence of dependency may be required depending on the relationship. Foreign public documents can need apostille or legalization and translation before they are accepted.

Accommodation and financial support

The resident in Portugal may need to demonstrate suitable accommodation and sufficient means of subsistence for the household. Employment, income, housing and tax documentation should be kept organised.

Consistency matters

Names, dates and family relationships should be consistent across passports, civil-status certificates and AIMA records. Differences in spelling or transliteration should be explained with supporting evidence where necessary.

Consular visa stage

After the required authorisation, the family member abroad completes the applicable visa process through the competent Portuguese consular channel.

After arrival

The family member then proceeds to the relevant residence stage in Portugal. Keep copies of the AIMA decision, visa, family documents and address records for the post-arrival process.