The Portugal family visa is designed to facilitate the reunification of family members with foreign nationals who hold a valid residency permit or citizenship in Portugal. This visa allows immediate family members to join their relatives living in Portugal, ensuring that families can stay together despite geographical distances.

Eligibility for a Portugal Family Visa

To apply for a Portugal family visa, applicants must be immediate family members of a resident or citizen of Portugal. The definition of immediate family members includes:

1. Spouse or Registered Partner: This includes legally married couples and those in registered partnerships.
2. Minor Children: Biological children and adopted children under the age of 18 are eligible.
3. Dependent Adult Children: Children over 18 who are single and financially dependent on the applicant, provided they are enrolled in an educational institution in Portugal.
4. First-Degree Relatives: Parents or grandparents who are financially dependent on the resident.
5. Minor Siblings: Siblings under legal guardianship of the resident.

It is important to note that for holders of specific permits such as student permits, only spouses and minor children qualify as family members.

Application Process for a Portugal Family Visa

The application process involves two main steps:

Initial Application at SEF (Servico de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras):

• The sponsor (the resident or citizen) must submit an initial application at SEF on behalf of their family member(s). This application should include various documents proving the relationship and eligibility for reunification.
• SEF typically processes this application within 60 days. If approved, SEF will notify both the sponsor and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Application at a Portuguese Embassy or Consulate:

• Once SEF grants approval, the family member can proceed to apply at a Portuguese embassy or consulate in their country of residence.

Required documents include:

• Recent passport-sized photographs
• A completed visa application form
• A valid passport (with at least six months remaining)
• Proof of family relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate)
• Evidence that the sponsor’s residency status allows for family reunification
• Proof of accommodation in Portugal
• Financial means to support both the applicant and accompanying family members
• Additional documents may be required based on individual circumstances.
• After submitting these documents and attending an appointment at the embassy, applicants will await further instructions regarding their visa status.

Processing Time for Family Visa Applications

The processing time for a Portugal family visa typically takes around 60 days from submission. However, some applications may require additional review time, potentially extending up to another 60 days. In rare cases where processing exceeds six months, the application may be considered automatically valid.

Validity of the Portugal Family Visa

The validity period of a Portugal family visa aligns with that of the sponsor’s residence permit. For instance, if a couple has been married for five years, their initial residence permit may be issued for two years with options for renewal thereafter.

Conclusion

In summary, obtaining a Portugal family visa involves understanding eligibility requirements, navigating through an initial application process with SEF followed by an embassy application, and preparing necessary documentation to ensure compliance with Portuguese immigration laws. This process helps maintain familial bonds across borders while adhering to legal frameworks established by Portuguese authorities.

For more enquiries on a Portugal family visa, book a consultation with a consultant with e-lhr