The residence permit is the document that allows a foreign citizen to legally stay in Portugal. This document must be requested from AIMA (Agency for the Integration of Migrants and Asylum), by submitting all the necessary documentation.
There are several ways to obtain a residence permit in Portugal, including through children. According to the provisions of article 122(1)(k) of Law No. 23/2007, of July 4th, those who have minor children residing in Portugal or with Portuguese nationality may obtain a residence permit if they:
- effectively exercise parental responsibilities; and
- provide for their support and education.
This process has the particularity of not requiring the obtaining of a visa before arriving in Portugal. This means that it can be requested directly from AIMA, without the need to return to the country of origin when the applicant is already living in Portugal.
This residence permit is valid for 2 years from the date of issuance of the residence card and can be renewed for successive periods of 3 years. After 5 years, the foreign citizen can concurrently apply for a permanent residence permit and/or Portuguese nationality.
