Portuguese Family Visas - A Complete Guide

A Portuguese Family Visa (family reunification visa) allows non-European Union family members of Portuguese residents or citizens to stay and work in Portugal for a limited period of time.

Family reunification visas are divided into two main types: Portuguese Temporary Residence Visas and Portuguese Permanent Residence Visas.

The temporary visa is valid for a maximum of two years, while the permanent residence visa can be renewed indefinitely.

These visas are granted on a case-by-case basis, and applicants must prove that they have a genuine relationship with a Portuguese citizen or resident.

In addition, applicants must show that they have adequate financial resources to support themselves during their stay in Portugal.

The application process for this visa can be completed online, and it typically takes around six weeks to receive a decision.

If approved, the visa will allow the holder to live and work in Portugal for up to two years with their family members. After this time, the visa can be renewed for an additional two years.

Page Contents

• Overview of Portuguese Family Visas
• What Are the Eligibility Criteria for Portuguese Family Reunion Visas?
• What Are The Minimum Visa Requirements?
• What Are The Language Requirements?
• How Do I Apply For the Family Reunification Visa?
• What Documents are Needed?
• What Are The Fees And Processing Times?
• What Happens After I Apply?
• What Happens After My Application Is Approved?
• How Long Is the Portugal Family Visa Valid?
• Can I Extend the Visas?
• Can I Get Permanent Residence In Portugal With A Family Visa?
• Can I Get Portuguese Citizenship With A Portuguese Family Visa?
• What is an Independent Residence Permit and Who Needs it?
• How can IAS Help?
• Frequently Asked Questions

To apply for a Portuguese Family Visa, applicants must provide proof that they meet the minimum requirements. These include:

• A valid passport or another travel document.
• Proof of Portuguese family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.).
• Proof of Portuguese sponsor’s identity.
• Proof of Portuguese sponsor’s financial resources.
• Proof of Portuguese sponsor’s accommodation for all members.
• Documents showing that the Portuguese sponsor is electronically registered with Immigration and Borders Service (SEF).

Applicants for the Visa must demonstrate a basic knowledge of the Portuguese language. This is typically done by proving that the applicant has passed the Portuguese language proficiency test or completed Portuguese language classes.

If this requirement is not met, the visa application may be denied. The CELPE-Bras test and the TEIPE test are both accepted Portuguese language tests. The tests can be taken at Portuguese universities or institutions.

When applying for a Portuguese Family Visa, applicants and sponsors must provide the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MNE) with valid documents proving the Portuguese family relationship, the Portuguese sponsor’s identity and financial resources, the Portuguese sponsor’s accommodation for all members and Portuguese sponsorship documents.

The required documents for the applicant and Portuguese sponsor include the following:

• Valid passport or other travel documents for all applicants.
• Proof of Portuguese family relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.).
• Proof of Portuguese sponsor’s identity and financial resources (tax returns, bank statements, pay slips).
• Proof of Portuguese sponsor’s accommodation for all members. These documents include bank statements, utility bills and tax returns.
• Certificate proving that the residency type of the applicant allows family reunification.
• Parental consent for minors, if applicable.
• Criminal record certificate(s) of a family member(s).
• Proof of educational enrolment in Portugal if Portuguese Family Visas are issued for studies or research.
• Certified copy of the custody decision.
• Documents showing that the Portuguese sponsor is legally allowed to stay in Portugal.
• Portuguese sponsorship documents such as a Portuguese sponsor affidavit or Portuguese family reunion form.
• Circumstantial evidence of Unmarried Partnership, as provided for in Article 2-A of Acordo CE/UE, if applicable.
• Certified copy of adoption decision for adopted children.

The Portuguese Family Visa fees and processing times vary depending on the Portuguese embassy or consulate where the application is submitted.

Generally, the usual fee is around €84. Also, you have to pay the fee for the temporary national visa as well, which is about €75. So, in total, the fees for a family reunion visa will be around €159.

The processing time for a family reunification visa also varies depending on the Portuguese embassy or consulate. However, it usually takes around two to three months to process the application.

After submitting the application, the Portuguese embassy or consulate will review all the documents and may request additional information or documentation from the applicant and the Portuguese sponsor.

If all the documents are in order, the Portuguese embassy or consulate will then forward the application to SEF for processing. The processing time is around 60 days.

If the Portuguese Family Visa application is approved, the Portuguese embassy or consulate will issue a Portuguese Residence Card (“Cartão de Residência”) to the applicant and Portuguese family members. This card will be valid for two years and can be renewed every two years.

Once the family reunification visa is approved, the applicant must then travel to Portugal and register with the Portuguese authorities within 90 days of arrival.

After registering with the authorities, the applicant will then be able to apply for a Residence Card, popularly known as the temporary residence permit, with a duration of one year. After that, they can apply for a portugal residence permit.

The Portuguese Family Visa is valid for two years and can be renewed every two years.

The renewal process must be done through the Portuguese Immigration Office (SEF) and requires the Portuguese sponsor to provide proof of Portuguese identity, Portuguese residence and Portuguese financial resources.

The renewal will only be approved if the applicant is able to demonstrate that they have lived in Portugal continuously for two years and that they have followed Portuguese immigration laws during this time.

Yes, family reunification visa can be extended for an additional two-year period. The Portuguese sponsor will need to apply for the extension through SEF and provide proof of Portuguese identity, Portuguese residence and Portuguese financial resources in order to get it approved.

Yes, Portuguese Family Visas can be used to apply for a Portuguese permanent residence permit.

To do this, the applicant must have lived in Portugal continuously for five years with a family reunification visa and must demonstrate that they have followed Portuguese immigration laws during this time.

Also, Portuguese citizens or residents who have held a Portuguese permanent residence permit for at least one year can obtain Portuguese residence permits.

Yes, Portuguese Family Visas can be used to apply for Portuguese citizenship. To do this, the applicant must have lived in Portugal continuously for six years with a family reunification visa and must demonstrate that they have followed Portuguese immigration laws during this time.

Portuguese citizenship grants the Portuguese applicant nationality, as well as the right to vote in Portugal and the European Union. If the applicant is eligible, they can then apply for Portuguese citizenship through the Portuguese government.