Family reunification in Portugal: your family together, the right way
You already live in Portugal legally and want to bring the people who stayed behind. We check whether you can apply yet, organise your family's documents and follow the process with AIMA.
For people who want their family close
Your children are abroad
Your children stayed behind while you settled in, and now it's time to bring them over.
You want to bring your spouse or partner
You're married or in a de facto partnership and want to live together again, now in Portugal.
You want to bring parents or adult children
In some cases the law also allows reunification with parents and dependent adult children, with their own requirements.
Your application was refused or is stuck
Your application was refused or has had no answer. There's a defence and, where appropriate, court action.
What we take care of so your family can arrive
Checking your right to apply
We check how long you've had residence, the family relationship and whether your case falls under the exceptions in the law.
Documents from abroad and from Portugal
Certificates with an apostille, the certification that makes a foreign document valid in Portugal, proof of income, your housing contract and whatever else AIMA asks for.
AIMA application and follow-up
We prepare the application, submit it, follow every stage and reply if any document is missing.
After arrival
School for the children, NIF (the Portuguese tax number) and Segurança Social (social security). We stay with the family after they arrive.
Four steps. A whole family looked after.
- 01
Consultation on your case
We check whether you can apply yet and under which rule. The initial consultation costs 80 €, deducted if you go ahead with the service.
- 02
Documents gathered
We make the list, tell you what needs to come from abroad and review everything before it's submitted.
- 03
Application submitted
We've filed your family's application. Now we wait for the answer, and we follow it up for you.
- 04
Visa and arrival
Once approved, your family follows the steps for the visa and the move. We guide each stage until everyone has their documents in order.
The 2025 law changed the waiting time. For many families, nothing changes.
With the foreigners law in force since October 2025 (Law no. 61/2025), the general rule now requires the applicant to have held a residence permit for at least two years. But the law brought important exceptions: applications for minor or incapacitated children can be made without that waiting period, and couples who already lived together before the change may have a shorter period. Adequate housing, income without social benefits and the family's integration also count more now. Every case fits differently, and we confirm which rule applies to yours. EU citizens and their families follow different rules.
What people ask before they start.
How long do I need to live in Portugal before bringing my family?
As a rule, the current law requires two years of holding a residence permit. But there are exceptions: minor children can be reunited without that period, and a spouse may have a shorter period in some situations. We look at your family and tell you when you can apply.
Can I bring my minor child right after I get my residence permit?
Under the current law, the minimum two-year period doesn't apply to minor or incapacitated children. You still need to meet the other requirements, such as housing and income. We check everything is ready before applying.
Does a de facto partnership from another country count for family reunification?
It can, as long as the relationship is proven on terms Portuguese law accepts. A registered partnership document helps, but it isn't always enough on its own. We look at the documents you have and what needs strengthening.
What income do I need for family reunification?
You need to show sufficient means of support for yourself and for the people joining you, and social benefits don't count. The reference amount depends on the size of the family. We do the maths with you before applying.
Does my home need to be a minimum size for reunification?
The law requires adequate housing for the family. This is usually proven with a rental contract or deed and, in some cases, AIMA assesses whether the home can fit everyone. We check your housing documents before submitting.
Can my parents come to live with me in Portugal?
In some cases, yes, especially when your parents depend on you. For them, the applicant's two-year residence period generally applies. We look at the situation and tell you honestly whether the way exists.
Does my family need to speak Portuguese for reunification?
The 2025 law provides for reunited family members to learn Portuguese. People from Portuguese-speaking (CPLP) countries are exempt from this requirement. Children who arrive must attend compulsory schooling.
My reunification application was refused. Is there still a way?
There is. Depending on the reason, it may be possible to correct and reapply, present a defence or take the case to court. Our lawyer reads the decision and shows which of these makes sense.
We're with you the whole way.
Residence permit
Your AIMA application, documents, appointments and follow-up until your residence card arrives.
Learn moreImmigration lawyer
A refusal, a prior hearing notice or an AIMA delay: our in-house lawyer reviews it and shows you the way.
Learn moreVisas for Portugal
Still at home? We help you choose the right visa for your profile and put together an application without mistakes.
Learn moreThere's always a way.
A family far away has a way to be close.
Tell us who you want to bring and how long you've lived in Portugal. We'll tell you whether you can apply yet, what to prepare, and stay with your family until everyone is together, within the law.