Quick answer first
The regime allowing an eligible family member to live with a valid resident in Portugal. An accompanying-family visa filed at a consulate with the main applicant and a later AIMA family-reunification request are not the same procedure.
Who it is for and key distinction
The regime allowing an eligible family member to live with a valid resident in Portugal. An accompanying-family visa filed at a consulate with the main applicant and a later AIMA family-reunification request are not the same procedure.
Financial conditions
The sponsor must evidence adequate resources and accommodation for the family. General weightings use 100% for the first adult, 50% for additional adults and 30% for dependent children/young people; confirm the exact procedure and exemptions in the current checklist.
Category-specific evidence
- Sponsor’s valid residence permit and status
- Marriage, partnership, birth, adoption, custody or dependency evidence
- Accommodation suitable for the household
- Means of subsistence and financial relationship
- Legalisation and translation confirmed document by document
Common document categories
Prepare the category-specific evidence above alongside your jurisdiction’s general checklist. Common passport, criminal-record, accommodation and certification requirements are explained in the visa overview; use the competent consulate’s current checklist on the application date.
Process from application to residence card
A family applying for a child lists birth, custody and any required other-parent consent as separate questions. Instead of inventing one bank-balance figure for every household, they verify how maintenance and accommodation apply to their family.
AIMA and residence permit
A national visa is not the residence card. After entry, follow the visa/appointment information and present AIMA with an updated passport, visa, address, purpose/activity evidence and required registrations. Fees changed on 1 March 2026; use AIMA’s current table for the procedure and channel.
For proceedings begun after 23 October 2025, the general rule requires two years of valid residence. A 15-month period may apply to a spouse/partner after 18 months of prior cohabitation. Exceptions cover dependent minors, the other parent of such a minor and families of Articles 90, 90-A or 121-A holders; exceptional reductions are also possible.
Family, work and tax
Review household conditions as a separate part of your application. visa overview
Presence and renewal
Assess planned travel against the permit type and your activity. visa overview
Permanent residence and nationality
Preparing this visa file does not guarantee a citizenship outcome. visa overview
Common risks
- Distinguish spouse, partner, child and dependency evidence.
- Compare status and start date against applicable rules.
- Accommodation, maintenance and any custody evidence should agree.
Final checklist
- Does the selected sub-route describe my actual plan?
- Do the specific documents above agree on dates, activity and funding?
- Have I checked current availability and the local official checklist?
Frequently asked questions
Does every family member use the same evidence?
The family member, relationship, sponsor status and application start determine the file.
What does a practical file review look like?
Use the preparation scenario above and the cross-check table below; reconcile the documents before submitting.
Where should I read the general visa questions?
General visa FAQ. Keep this page for the specific route above.
Official sources
- Lei 23/2007, Article 98
- Law 61/2025
- AIMA – family in Portugal
- AIMA – general residence conditions
- Nationality Law 2026
Cross-check this file
| Item | Review |
|---|---|
| Relationship | Distinguish spouse, partner, child and dependency evidence. |
| Sponsor and date | Compare status and start date against applicable rules. |
| Household file | Accommodation, maintenance and any custody evidence should agree. |