"When will we be together again?" This question haunts many of my clients who have moved to Portugal while their loved ones remain in another country. The good news is that Portuguese law allows family members to join their relatives who legally reside here through a process called family reunification. This strengthens family ties and maintains the unity of families across borders.
As a lawyer specialising in immigration law in Portugal, I've helped many families deal successfully with this process. Let me share what you need to know about obtaining a Portuguese visa for a non-EU spouse - or family member.
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1. Who Can Join You in Portugal?
The first question my clients ask is always about eligibility. Under Portuguese law, the following family members qualify for family reunification:
- Your spouse or registered partner
- Minor children (including adopted children)
- Dependent adult children still studying in Portuguese educational institutions
- Minor siblings under your legal guardianship
- First-degree dependent relatives (such as parents who rely on you financially)
- Minor brothers and sisters under your legal guardianship
It's worth noting that the definition of "family" in Portugal is quite inclusive, but proof of relationship and dependency is carefully examined.
2. The Family Reunification Visa Application Process
The family reunification application process requires careful planning. Here's how it typically works:
- Initial Application: You, as the legal resident in Portugal, submit an initial application to SEF (Portuguese Immigration Service)
- Document Collection: Gather and prepare all necessary documents from both Portugal and your home country
- Document Legalisation: Ensure all foreign documents are properly legalised and translated
- Submission to Portuguese Authorities: File the complete application package
- Family Members Apply for Visa: Once approved, your following family members apply for a family reunification visa or family reunion visa at the Portuguese embassy in their country
- Travel to Portugal: After receiving the residence visa, family members travel to Portugal
- Residence Permit Application: Within four months of arrival, they must apply for a residence permit
The entire process can take anywhere from 3-6 months or longer, depending on various factors, including your nationality and the Portuguese embassy's processing times in your family member's country.
3. Essential Documents: What You'll Need
Preparing the right documents is critical for a successful application. The basic requirements include:
- Valid passport or travel document for each family member
- Birth certificates (for children) or marriage certificate (for spouses)
- Proof of your legal status in Portugal (your residence permit)
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal
- Proof of sufficient financial means to support family members
- Health insurance covering medical expenses in Portugal
- Criminal record certificates from the country of origin
- Signed consent from the other parent (if applying for a child and the other parent is not moving to Portugal)
All documents from foreign countries must be legalised (usually with an Apostille stamp) and translated into Portuguese by a certified translator.
4. Meeting Financial and Accommodation Requirements
Portuguese authorities want to ensure that your family will have adequate living conditions. This means:
- Sufficient Means: You need to prove regular income that meets minimum requirements (generally linked to the Portuguese minimum wage and adjusted for each additional family member)
- Adequate Accommodation: Documentation showing you have housing with enough space for your entire family
For a family of four, for example, you generally need to show monthly income equivalent to at least twice the Portuguese minimum wage, plus adequate housing with separate bedrooms for parents and children.
5. Family Reunification and Work Rights
One of the most common questions I receive is whether family members can work after joining their relatives in Portugal. The answer is yes - this is one of the significant benefits of family reunification.
Family members granted a residence permit through family reunification have the same rights as the resident they're joining, including:
- The right to work or start a business
- Access to education and vocational training
- Access to social security benefits (after meeting contribution requirements)
While the initial residence permit is tied to your status, after two years, family members can apply for an independent residence permit, giving them greater autonomy.
6. Education Opportunities for Your Children
Portugal offers excellent educational opportunities for children joining through family reunification. Children have the right to:
- Enrol in Portuguese public schools (free education)
- Access language support programs to learn Portuguese
- Receive recognition of previous education from their home country
- Apply for higher education in Portugal under the same conditions as Portuguese citizens
For adult dependent children pursuing higher education, the family reunification process can be an interesting option to study at Portuguese universities.
7. Healthcare Access for Family Members
Portugal's National Health Service (SNS) is available to all legal residents, including those who join through family reunification. Family members will have access to:
- Basic healthcare services
- Emergency medical care
- Preventive healthcare programs
- Specialised treatments (with referrals from general practitioners)
To access these services, family members need to register with their local health centre after receiving a residence permit and obtaining a social security number.
8. Path to Permanent Residency and Citizenship
Family members who join you through reunification can eventually apply for:
- Permanent residence permit (after 5 years of legal residence)
- Portuguese citizenship (generally after 5 years of legal residence, passing a basic knowledge test of Portuguese language, and meeting other requirements)
This creates a long-term stability for your family in Portugal.
9. Special Considerations for Non-EU Family Members
For non-EU citizens, the family reunification Portugal process has some additional considerations:
- Processing times may be longer for non-EU family members
- The spouse visa Portugal application requirements can be more extensive
- Additional verification procedures may apply
- The Portugal family reunification system carefully examines applications from non-EU citizens
However, Portugal has agreements with several non-EU countries that can facilitate the process. It's worth checking if your country of origin has special arrangements with Portugal.
10. Strengthening Family Ties Through Reunification
Family reunification represents Portugal's commitment to family unity. My experience has shown that families who stay together integrate better, contribute more to society, and build stronger ties to their new country.
If you're considering applying for family reunification in Portugal, start planning early. Collect documents before they expire, understand the financial requirements, and prepare suitable accommodation. With the right preparation and assistance, you can successfully bring your loved ones to join you in this beautiful country.
The journey may seem challenging, but the reward of having your family together in Portugal makes every step worthwhile.
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11. Frequently Asked Questions
How long does family reunification take in Portugal?
A Portuguese family reunification visa typically takes around 60 days to process. However, the timeline may vary depending on SEF's workload, the completeness of your application, and whether additional documents are requested. In some cases, processing can take several months if there are delays or high application volumes. To avoid delays, ensure all required documents are submitted correctly.
Who is eligible for the family reunification program?
In Portugal, the family reunification program is available to family members of legal residents or visa holders. Eligible family members include:
- Spouses or de facto partners
- Children under 18 (or dependent adult children)
- Parents of the resident or their spouse, if dependent
- Siblings under 18, if legally under the resident’s guardianship
The resident in Portugal must have a valid residence permit and demonstrate financial stability to support family members.
How much is family reunification in Portugal?
The cost of family reunification in Portugal includes:
- Residence visa application fee: €90
- Residence permit fee: Varies (€158–€180 per adult)
- Document legalisation & translation: Additional costs may apply
- Exemptions: Direct descendants (children) of residence permit holders are exempt from paying certain fees. Other dependents may qualify for reduced fees depending on their status.
What documents are needed for family reunification visa in Portugal?
To apply for a family reunification visa in Portugal, you typically need:
- Valid passport (plus copies of the main page and any visas/stamps)
- Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate)
- Proof of the sponsor’s legal residency in Portugal (residence permit copy)
- Proof of financial means (e.g., bank statements, employment contract)
- Proof of accommodation (rental contract, property deed, or host declaration)
- Criminal record certificate (from the home country, apostilled)
- Health insurance (if required)
- Visa application form (filled and signed)
Additional Notes: Some documents may need to be translated and legalised (apostille or consular authentication). Requirements may vary based on nationality and SEF’s criteria.
