Only immediate family members of residence permit holders or citizenship can apply for a family visa. An immediate family member according to Portugal’s Alien National Act is defined as:

• Married or registered partner.
• Minor children, including adopted children.
• Any children under the care of the applicant.
• Children who are of age but dependent on the applicant and are enrolled in an established educational institution in Portugal.
• First-degree relatives who are dependent on the applicant.
• Minor siblings who are under the legal custody of the resident.

For holders of a student permit, unremunerated traineeship, or voluntary service, family members are considered only the first three categories; spouse, children, and adopted children.

There are two important steps to your application process:

1. Initial application at SEF.
2. Application at a Portuguese Embassy or Consulate.

A family visa application must be submitted as early as 60 days before when you need the visa. The family visa for Portugal application can be made at the same time when your sponsor applies for their permit

The application will take 60 days to process. SEF will send a written reply of the decision to the applicant and will notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, some applications may take an extra 60 days to review. In this case, SEF will notify the applicant of the extended time. 

You need these documents when you apply for a family visa in Portugal:

• Identity pictures.
• Portugal visa application form.
• Passport
• Identity documents of the foreign family member.
• Certificate proving the family relationship.
• Certificate proving that the residency type of the applicant allows family reunification.
• Verified accommodation.
• Proof of enough financial means for both the applicant and the family members.
• Proof that the family member has been living legally in the current place of residence.
• Birth certificate in cases where the family member is a dependent adult (applicant’s child).
• Document proving the enrollment of the family member in an educational institution in Portugal in cases where the dependent is a student and the applicant’s child.
• Copies of adoption paper and copies of verified adoption by the court in the current country of residence.
• Document proving economic dependence of the family member under the age of 65.
• Document proving legal custody in case of minor siblings.
• Parental consent in cases where the family member is a minor child.
• Certificate of registered partnership.

The Portugal family visa is valid for the duration of the sponsor’s residence permit. In cases where the couple has been married for five years, the initial residence permit is valid for two years and an autonomous visa is granted that is valid for three years and renewable every three years.

Keep in mind that when you first enter with your residency visa that is only valid for four months. This allows you only to identify yourself in SEF and receive your long-term residence permit.

Family visa holders can work in Portugal and study as any other citizen. However, if you intend to work you should let SEF know beforehand. Especially if you were receiving social support since once you start working the support will be revoked.

Yes, after 5 years of continuous living in Portugal you can apply for a permanent residence. The residence is infinite but must be renewed every five years. When you apply for a permanent residence you must submit a certificate proving that you have acquired a satisfactory level of the Portuguese language. In addition to this, the permanent residence permit is granted to residents who have had no prior criminal convictions during their residency.

After six years of living in Portugal, you may apply for citizenship. You need to submit proof of having learned the language and proof that you are not under investigation or convicted of any crimes.