Family reunification: first check where your family member is.

The procedure differs depending on whether the family member is outside Portugal or already in the country. This guide helps you prepare and open the correct official source.

Checked 25/09/2026AIMA official sourcesGeneral guidance

Choose the route Eligible family Documents Means AIMA portal

Step 1

Choose the correct situation.

AIMA maintains separate official procedures for the two main scenarios.

Family member outside Portugal — Article 98(1)

The resident in Portugal submits the reunification request by appointment. If approved, the family member follows the applicable entry and residence steps.

Resident's residence permit.
Authenticated copy of the family member's passport.
Family relationship, accommodation and means evidence.
Criminal record where required by AIMA.

Official AIMA source ↗

Family member already in Portugal — Article 98(2)

The application may be lodged by the family member or the resident, but the family member must attend for biometrics when required.

Valid passport.
Evidence of legal entry into Portugal.
Authenticated evidence of the family relationship.
Other documents required for the specific case.

Official AIMA source ↗

Eligible family

The relationship must fall within the legal categories.

In general, AIMA lists spouses, minor or dependent children, certain dependent adult children who are studying, dependent first-degree ascendants, minor siblings under guardianship and duly proven de facto partners. Specific rules apply to students, refugees and other regimes.

Do not assume that being related is enough. Economic dependency, guardianship, adoption, de facto partnership and adult children require specific evidence.

Preparation

Documents that commonly appear.

The exact list depends on the case. Use this only as a preparation checklist before checking the official procedure.

Identity

Residence permit of the resident in Portugal.
Passport/travel document of the family member.
Evidence of legal entry when the family member is already in Portugal.

Family relationship

Marriage or birth certificate, as applicable.
Adoption, guardianship or parental authorisation when relevant.
Dependency or study evidence in applicable cases.
Evidence of a de facto partnership when applicable.

Housing and other elements

Address declaration and evidence of the right to use the accommodation.
Means of subsistence.
Criminal record where required.
Authentication and translation of foreign documents when applicable.

Means of subsistence

AIMA uses percentages of the minimum wage as a reference.

First adult — 100%

Reference percentage indicated by AIMA.

Additional adults — 50%

For each additional adult considered.

Children/dependants — 30%

Reference percentage for each child under 18 and dependent adult child.

AIMA — means of subsistence ↗

Digital channel

Only use the Services Portal when your case is covered.

AIMA's current FAQ provides an online route for certain family reunification applications involving family members already in Portugal. Eligibility criteria can change and should be checked before submission.

If the portal does not accept your case, that does not necessarily mean you have no right to reunification. It may simply mean the procedure is not available through that digital channel.

AIMA Services Portal FAQ ↗Back to Family →