This is aimed at family members of citizens who have a valid residence in Portugal and wish to live with them.
Eligible family members are:
– The spouse or de facto partner;
– Children under the age of 18 or incapacitated (natural or adopted) dependent on the couple or one of the spouses or de facto partners;
– Children (natural or adopted), unmarried and over the age of 18, dependent on the couple or one of the spouses or unmarried partners, who are studying at an educational establishment in Portugal;
– First-degree relatives in the ascending line of the resident or their spouse who are over 65, or under 65 if they are dependent on them;
– Minor siblings, provided they are under the guardianship of the applicant, in accordance with a decision issued by the competent authority of the country of origin and if that decision is recognized by Portugal.
The application for a visa or residence permit always requires proof of family ties.
There are two ways to carry out family reunification, depending on whether the family member to be reunited is still abroad or is already in Portugal.
Family member abroad
Step 1 – Make an appointment at AIMA
The holder of the residence permit must attend an appointment at AIMA (Agency for Migration Integration and Asylum) to present the necessary documentation and apply for family reunification.
Step 2 – Appointment at the Consulate
AIMA will instruct the Consulate of the applicant family member’s country of residence to issue a residence visa, also known as a D6.
The visa issued entitles the holder to 2 entries into Portugal and is valid for 120 days, during which time the holder must travel to Portugal.
Step 3 – Application for a residence permit
After entering Portugal, the family member to be reunited will have to attend an appointment with AIMA (Agency for Migration Integration and Asylum) to submit updated documentation and collect biometric data (photograph, fingerprints and signature).
Step 4 – Receiving the residence card
After the appointment, the residence card will be sent to the family member’s registered address in Portugal.
The residence card is valid for 2 years. At the end of these 2 years, it can be renewed for a further 3 years. At the end of the 5 years, you can choose to apply for a permanent residence permit or Portuguese nationality by residence.
Note: the time needed to complete the process will depend on various factors associated with the specific situation of the applicants.
Family in Portugal
Step 1 – Entering Portugal
Once the family member has entered Portugal, the holder of the residence permit must obtain an appointment for family reunification from AIMA (Agency for Migration Integration and Asylum) for each member of the household.
Step 2 – Applying for a residence permit
The holder of the residence permit must attend the appointment with AIMA (Agency for Migration Integration and Asylum), accompanied by the family member to be reunited, to submit the necessary documentation and collect biometric data (photograph, fingerprints and signature).
Step 3 – Receiving the residence card
After the appointment, the residence card will be sent to the family member’s registered address in Portugal.
The residence card is valid for 2 years. At the end of these 2 years, it can be renewed for a further 3 years. At the end of the 5 years, you can choose to apply for a permanent residence permit or Portuguese nationality by residence.
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