If you’re a remote worker dreaming of relocating to Portugal with your family, the Portugal Family Reunification Visa may be your golden ticket.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the application process, requirements, and important details you need to know. Whether you’re a digital nomad, a location-independent professional, or simply looking to reunite with your family in Portugal, this guide has got you covered.
Introduction
The Portugal Family Reunification Visa, also known as the Family Visa or Family Reunion Visa, is a part of Portugal’s residence permits. It enables non-EU family members of Portuguese residents to join their loved ones and become residents themselves. Here’s what you need to know:
- Processing Time: You can expect your visa in 1-2 months after submitting all required documents.
- Application Location: You can apply at the Portuguese consulate or within Portugal.
- Financial Requirements: Typically, you need to demonstrate income equal to or greater than 50% of the main applicant’s income for a spouse and 30% for a child. Additionally, showing savings in a Portuguese bank account can strengthen your application.
Eligible Family Members
👨👩👧👦 The following family members are eligible for family reunification in Portugal:
- Spouse
- Children under 18 years
- Children over 18 who are studying at a Portuguese school or university and are financially dependent
- Adopted children
- Siblings under your official custody
- Parents under 65 who are financially dependent
- Parents over 65 years
Visa Validity and Renewal
The type of residence permit that the Portuguese resident holds determines the length of the family reunification visa. If they have a temporary residence permit, family members will receive a visa of the same duration, which can be renewed. Temporary permits usually last up to five years. For those with permanent residence permits, the family reunification permit is initially valid for up to two years but can also be renewed.
💡 After the initial two-year period, family members can apply for independent residence permits if the family link still exists.
Path to Portuguese Citizenship
Once the family member has lived in Portugal continuously for five years, they become eligible to apply for permanent residency. With permanent residency, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship after one additional year, totaling six years of residency. Keep in mind that you must demonstrate a basic working knowledge of the Portuguese language and have a clean criminal record during your stay.
Document Checklist for Family Reunification
📝 When applying for a Portugal Family Reunification Visa, ensure you have the following documents ready:
- Confirmation of the right to family reunification with a residence permit holder
- Kinship certificates not older than 6 months, apostilled, and translated
- Passport
- Rental contract
- Proof of income, including salary slips, invoices (recibo verde), and savings in a Portuguese bank account
- Authorization from a family member for a criminal record check in Portugal (if applicable)
- Certificate of no criminal record from countries where you have lived for more than one year
- Proof of legal entry into Portugal
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Secure an AIMA Appointment Slot
The first hurdle in the family reunification process is obtaining an appointment with AIMA. AIMA slots are limited and open sporadically. Follow these tips to increase your chances:
- Follow the official AIMA group on Facebook.
- Use a NOS mobile operator SIM card for easier calling.
- Sign up each family member for a separate slot.
Step 2: Obtain a Certificate of No Criminal Record
Applicants above 16 years old must provide a certificate of no criminal record from their country of citizenship and any countries where they’ve lived for over a year after turning 16. Here’s how to do it:
- Request the certificate in paper format from your country.
- Obtain an apostille.
- Translate the certificate into Portuguese.
- Have it notarized by a notary.
Step 3: Collect Kinship Certificates
Family members must provide documents proving their relationship with the principal applicant. Ensure these documents are no older than six months, apostilled, and translated into Portuguese.
Step 4: Confirm the Principal Applicant’s Residence Permit
Prepare the ID card (Título de Residência) of the principal applicant and proof of sufficient funds in their bank account. If the residence permit is based on employment, provide payroll receipts as well.
Step 5: Prove Financial Capability for the Whole Family
Demonstrate that you have 50% of the minimum annual wage for your spouse or any adult relative, and 30% for each child under 18. Alternatively, you can show sufficient savings in your Portuguese bank account.
📝 For instance, if you want to bring together your spouse and one child, you must have €17,712 in your bank account. This amount includes €9,840 for you, €4,920 for your spouse, and €2,952 for your child (please note that these figures are based on 2024 data and may vary depending on the minimum salary in Portugal).
Step 6: Attend the AIMA Family Visit
Visit AIMA at your scheduled time and submit all required documents. Once your child receives a residence permit card, you can apply for a residence permit under Article 122.4 for the family. Both parents can obtain residence permits under this article.
Bottom line
Obtaining a Portugal Family Reunification Visa can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to reunite with your loved ones in a beautiful and welcoming country while enjoying the benefits of remote work. Start your journey today!
