Portuguese Family Visas

Overview of Portuguese Family Visas

Portuguese Family Visas or popularly known as family reunion visas grant the right to live and work in Portugal for family members (also includes non-eu family members) of Portuguese residents or citizens.

To apply for this visa, applicants must be a spouse or civil partner of Portuguese nationals residing in their own country, a parent, grandparent, descendant (children, grandchild, etc.), or brother or sister of Portuguese nationals.

Family reunion visas also allow dependent family members, such as parents-in-law, to join Portuguese citizens in the country.

The visas are valid for a maximum duration of two years, after which the holder can apply for Portuguese permanent residence.

What Are the Eligibility Criteria for Portuguese Family Visas?

To be eligible for a Portuguese Family Visa, both the applicant and sponsor must fulfil certain criteria.

The applicant must be:

• A spouse or civil partner, or a dependent family member such as parent-in-law, grandparent or descendant (children, grandchild, etc.), brother or sister of Portuguese nationals.
• A close relative in need of international protection that is fleeing from their home country and seeking refuge in Portugal.
• A Portuguese national living abroad who is 18 years and above and is a descendant of Portuguese nationals.

The sponsor must:

• Be over the age of 18.
• Be a Portuguese resident or citizen who has been living in Portugal for at least five years and is able to present proof of Portuguese residency or Portuguese citizenship.
• Electronically register with SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras).
• Have sufficient financial means to cover the living expenses of the family. This must be approved by Portuguese Immigration.
• Show that they have sufficient accommodation for all members.

What Are The Minimum Visa Requirements?

To apply for family reunion visa, applicants must meet certain visa requirements. Applicants and their sponsors must:

• Have valid passports.
• Provide a Portuguese Family Visa application form signed by both parties.
• Have Portuguese identity cards or Portuguese residence permits for at least one year.
• Have financial means to cover the living expenses of the family in Portugal.
• Show that they have sufficient accommodation for all members.

What Are The Language Requirements?

Applicants must demonstrate a basic knowledge of the Portuguese language to be eligible for Portuguese Family Visas.

They can do this by attending Portuguese language classes or taking Portuguese languages proficiency tests such as the CELPE-Bras test or the TEIPE test.

In addition, they must provide proof that they have completed Portuguese language training or have passed the Portuguese language tests.

How Do I Apply For a Portuguese Family Visa?

The application process can be done in two ways. Either by applying through the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) or by an application at a Portuguese embassy or consulate abroad.

Application at SEF

The sponsor must first register with SEF and obtain an electronic Portuguese Family Visa application form.

The sponsor must complete the form and submit it along with all supporting documents, including Portuguese identity cards or Portuguese residence permit for at least one year, valid passport of both parties, financial means to cover their living expenses in Portugal, proof of accommodation availability, Portuguese language test results, etc.

Application at the Portuguese embassy or consulate abroad

When the initial application by the sponsor at SEF has been granted, you can make an appointment with the Portuguese embassy or consulate abroad in your country of residence to submit the Family Reunion Visa application. You must provide all the necessary documents needed.

Here are the steps in applying for Portuguese Family Visa:

1. Make an appointment with the Portuguese embassy or consulate abroad in your country of residence.
2. Bring all necessary documents such as valid passport, Portuguese identity card or Portuguese residence permit for at least one year, financial means to cover living expenses in Portugal, proof of accommodation availability, Portuguese language test results, etc.
3. Submit the Portuguese Family Visa application form along with all supporting documents at the Portuguese embassy or consulate abroad.
4. Pay any applicable family reunion visa fees.
5. Wait for the visa processing time. After the visa application has been submitted and approved, the Portuguese embassy or consulate abroad will issue a Portuguese Family Visa for you.

What Documents Do I Need to Provide?

When applying for a family visa, you must provide a family reunion visa application form signed by both parties. You must also provide the following documents:

• Valid passport of both sponsor and family members.
• Portuguese identity cards or Portuguese residence permits for at least one year.
• Proof that the sponsor has sufficient financial means to cover the living expenses of the family in Portugal.
• Family members proof of sufficient accommodation.
• Portuguese language test results, if applicable.
• Identity documents of the foreign family member such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate.
• Certificate proving the family relationship.
• Certificate proving that the residency type of the applicant allows family reunification.
• Certified copy of adoption decision for adopted children.
• Certified copy of the custody decision.
• Circumstantial evidence of Unmarried Partnership, as provided for in Article 2-A of Acordo CE/UE, if applicable.
• Certificate of registered partnership.
• Parental consent for minors, if applicable.
• Criminal record certificate(s) of family member(s).
• Proof of educational enrolment in Portugal if Portuguese Family Visas are issued for studies or research.

What Are The Fees And Processing Times?

The application fees vary depending on the type of family reunion visa that is being applied for and the Portuguese embassy or consulate abroad where you are applying.

The processing times also vary according to each Portuguese embassy or consulate abroad. Generally speaking, the average processing time for Portuguese Family Visas is between six to eight weeks.

The usual fee is around €82. Also, you have to pay the fee for the temporary national visa as well, which is about €75.

What Happens After I Apply?

Once the Portuguese Family Visa application has been submitted at the Portuguese embassy or consulate abroad, you will be asked to wait for a decision on your application.

The Portuguese embassy or consulate abroad will review all documents and make a decision within 60 days. You might be called up for an interview as part of the Portuguese Family Visa application process.

Once your application has been approved, the Portuguese embassy or consulate abroad will issue a Portuguese residence permit for a period of two years which is renewable if needed.

What Happens After My Application Is Approved?

Once your Portuguese Family Visa application is approved, you will be issued with a visa sticker for each of the family members.

This must be attached to their valid passports and presented when travelling to Portugal.

Once all family members have entered Portugal, they must register at the Portuguese Immigration Office (SEF) within 30 days of their arrival, where they will be handed a temporary residence permit.

How Long Is the Portugal Family Visa Valid?

The Portuguese Family Visa is valid for a period of two years. It can be extended if needed by applying for renewal at the Portuguese Immigration Office (SEF).

The extension will be valid for another two years, and it will be issued on conditions similar to the initial family reunion visa.

Can I Extend Portuguese Family Visas?

Yes, Portuguese Family Visas are renewable and can be extended for an extra two years.

The renewal process is similar to the family reunion visa application process and requires submission of documents such as a valid passport, Portuguese identity card or Portuguese residence permit for at least one year, Portuguese language test results (if applicable), and proof of sufficient financial means to cover the family’s living expenses in Portugal.

Can I Get Permanent Residence In Portugal With A Family Visa?

Yes, you can get permanent residence in Portugal with a Portuguese Family Visa. Once the Family Visa has been issued, family members can apply for permanent residence permit which is valid for an indefinite period.

To be eligible for Portuguese Permanent Residence, the applicant must have lived in Portugal continuously on a Portuguese Family Visa for five years.

You must also prove that your language proficiency meets the Portuguese language requirements and that you have sufficient financial means to cover your family’s living costs in Portugal.

Can I Get Portuguese Citizenship With A Portuguese Family Visa?

No, Portuguese Family Visas do not lead directly to Portuguese citizenship. However, depending on the duration of stay in Portugal, some family members may be eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship.

For example, Portuguese citizens who are born in Portugal are eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years of continuous residence in Portugal.

Joining Relatives working or Studying in Portugal

If you have a family member who is already working or studying in Portugal, you may be allowed to join them in Portugal.

To do this, you must prove that your family member is already living and working or studying in Portugal. You may also be asked to provide proof of sufficient financial means to cover the costs of living in Portugal.

How Can Immigration Advice Service Help?

At Immigration Advice Service, we offer comprehensive advice and assistance with Portuguese Family Visas applications and Portuguese Permanent Residence applications.

We can help you understand the Portuguese Family Visa and Portuguese Permanent Residence requirements, assist you with the preparation of visa applications, help you gather all necessary documents, and guide you through the Portuguese visa application process.

We also provide legal representation in Portuguese courts when required. At Immigration Advice Service, our team of experienced and knowledgeable immigration experts will work closely with you to ensure that your application is successful and that you receive Portuguese Permanent Residence when applicable.

We will make sure that the family reunion visa process goes as smoothly as possible and that your rights are fully respected throughout the entire Portuguese visa application process.

Contact us today to find out more about Portuguese Family Visas. For more information, Call us on 0333 4149244, or contact us online.