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Family Reunification Visa & Permit

Comprehensive legal support for Portuguese residents seeking to bring non-EU/EEA family members to live with them in Portugal.

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Our family reunification service assists Portuguese residents in bringing their non-EU/EEA family members to live with them in Portugal. We manage the entire legal process, from document preparation to final permit issuance, ensuring you meet all requirements.

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Under Article 98 of the Portuguese Immigration Act (Law no. 23/2007), foreign nationals holding a valid residence permit have the right to family reunification. However, the process is detailed, requiring precise documentation to prove family relationships and financial capacity, and careful navigation of the AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum) procedures.

The Challenge: Navigating AIMA's Strict Requirements

Applicants often struggle with ambiguous document requirements, strict deadlines, and the complexities of scheduling appointments with AIMA. Errors in the application, insufficient proof of financial means, or incorrectly legalized documents can lead to significant delays or even outright rejection, causing immense stress for families.

When this is the right step

You are a legal resident in Portugal and want your non-EU spouse, children, or dependent parents to join you. Your family member's visa is expiring, and you need to secure their legal long-term status in Portugal. You have received a job offer in Portugal and need to ensure your family can legally relocate with you from the start. You are navigating the process for the first time and require certainty that all legal and financial requirements are met.

Our Approach: A Legally Sound and Structured Application

We provide end-to-end legal management of the family reunification process. Our team ensures every document is correct, properly legalized, and submitted in accordance with Portuguese law, minimizing the risk of delays and maximizing the chances of a successful outcome.

What's Included in Our Service

Initial legal consultation and eligibility assessment for both the resident and the family members.

A detailed, personalized checklist of all required documents, including specific instructions for legalization (e.g., apostille, consular legalization).

Review and verification of all documents, such as marriage/birth certificates, proof of accommodation, and financial statements, to ensure compliance with AIMA standards.

Preparation and submission of the formal family reunification application to AIMA.

Guidance and preparation for the AIMA appointment, ensuring family members are ready for the interview and biometric data collection.

Legal representation and communication with AIMA and other relevant Portuguese authorities throughout the process.

Continuous tracking of the application status and proactive follow-up to prevent and resolve any administrative delays.

Final review of the residence card upon issuance to ensure all details are correct.

How the Process Works

The process is managed by a dedicated lawyer who oversees the entire case from the initial document gathering to the final issuance of the residence permits. You will have a single point of contact and receive regular updates, ensuring clarity and peace of mind.

What happens if this is skipped

Skipping structured legal support often leads to application rejection due to incorrectly legalized documents or insufficient proof of financial means, forcing you to start the entire process over. Without expert guidance, you risk missing critical deadlines or failing to respond correctly to AIMA's requests, causing indefinite delays that keep your family separated. You face the financial burden of repeated application fees, document legalization costs, and potentially lost income while dealing with a stalled process. Your family members could face legal uncertainty and the inability to work, study, or access healthcare in Portugal while their status remains unresolved.

Step by step

1
Submit the family reunification application to AIMA in Portugal with all required documents.
2
Await AIMA's analysis and approval of your application, which confirms your right to reunification.
3
Your family members apply for a residence visa at the Portuguese Consulate in their home country.
4
Family members travel to Portugal after the visa is issued.
5
Attend a final appointment at AIMA in Portugal to receive the official residence permit cards.

This is a general overview. In practice, steps often depend on your specific situation.

The Expected Outcome

You avoid the risk of application rejection and costly delays. You protect your family's ability to legally live, work, and build a future in Portugal. You reduce the administrative burden and emotional stress of navigating a complex immigration system alone.

Quick summary

This service provides end-to-end legal support for residents bringing family to Portugal. We navigate the complex requirements for you, ensuring a smooth process for your spouse, children, or parents to gain residency.

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for family reunification in Portugal?

Any non-EU/EEA citizen holding a valid Portuguese residence permit can apply to bring their eligible family members.