Table of Contents
⟡ Bring Your Family to Portugal on a Work Visa
⟡ What Is Family Reunification in Portugal?
⟡ Who Can You Bring to Portugal?
⟡ Step 1: Ensure Your Eligibility
⟡ Step 2: Gather Required Documentation
⟡ Step 3: Submit the Family Reunification Application
⟡ Step 4: Wait for Approval
⟡ Step 5: Obtain Family Visas and Travel to Portugal
⟡ Step 6: Life in Portugal as a Family
⟡ Closing Thoughts
⟡ Bring Your Family to Portugal on a Work Visa
Portugal has become an increasingly popular destination for individuals seeking employment opportunities and a high quality of life. The country's beautiful economy, beautiful landscapes, and rich culture attract people from all over the world. Suppose you’ve received a Portugal work visa and wish to bring your family along. In that case, you’ll be pleased to know that the process of family reunification is well-defined and relatively straightforward. This blog will guide you through the key steps, eligibility criteria, and documentation required to bring your family to Portugal on a work visa.
⟡ What Is Family Reunification in Portugal?
Family reunification is a legal process that allows non-EU foreign workers residing in Portugal on a work visa to sponsor certain family members for a residence permit. This ensures that your spouse, children, and other eligible family members can join you while you work in Portugal. Portuguese immigration law places significant emphasis on maintaining family unity, making it possible for foreign workers to live with their loved ones.
⟡ Who Can You Bring to Portugal?
Before starting the process, it's essential to know who qualifies as a family member under Portuguese law. The following family members are eligible for reunification:
▸Spouse or Partner: Your legal spouse or unmarried partner in a long-term relationship.
▸Children: Minor children (under 18) of the sponsor or their spouse, including adopted children. Children over 18 are also eligible if they are financially dependent and studying in Portugal.
▸Dependent Parents: Parents of the sponsor or their spouse if they are financially dependent and require care.
▸Minor Siblings: Minor siblings are under the care of the sponsor, provided they are legally recognized as dependents.
Now that you know who qualifies, let's look at the steps involved in bringing your family to Portugal.
⟡ Step 1: Ensure Your Eligibility
The first step is ensuring that you, as the primary applicant, meet the requirements to sponsor your family. You must:
∘ Hold a Valid Work Visa/Residence Permit: To sponsor family members, you need to have a valid residence permit in Portugal for work purposes.
∘ Financial Stability: You must prove that you have sufficient income to support your family members without relying on Portuguese social services. The Portuguese immigration authorities require that your income be at least equal to the minimum wage (€760 per month in 2024) multiplied by the number of family members you wish to bring.
∘ Accommodation: You will need to show proof of adequate accommodation for your family in Portugal, such as a rental contract or property ownership document.
Once you confirm your eligibility, you can move on to preparing the necessary documentation.
⟡ Step 2: Gather Required Documentation
To apply for family reunification, you will need to submit several documents to Portuguese authorities. These documents will verify your relationship to the family members and confirm that you meet the financial and housing requirements.
Documents Required for the Sponsor (You)
∘ Proof of Residence: A copy of your work visa or residence permit.
∘ Proof of Income: Recent payslips, a work contract, or proof of self-employment income.
∘ Proof of Accommodation: A rental agreement or proof of homeownership that demonstrates sufficient space for your family.
∘ Proof of Social Security Contributions: A certificate from the Portuguese social security office showing you are registered and contributing.
Documents Required for Family Members
▪ Birth/Marriage Certificates: You will need to submit official documents proving the family relationship, such as birth certificates for children and a marriage certificate for your spouse. If your partner is not legally married to you, you will need to provide proof of a stable, long-term relationship.
▪ Passports: Copies of the passports of all family members.
▪ Criminal Background Check: Adult family members (18 and older) may need to submit a police clearance certificate from their home country.
▪ Proof of Financial Dependency: If you are sponsoring adult children or parents, you must prove they are financially dependent on you.
Ensure all documents are translated into Portuguese by a certified translator and legalized through the appropriate channels (such as an apostille if applicable).
⟡ Step 3: Submit the Family Reunification Application
The next step is submitting the family reunification application to the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF), the Portuguese immigration authority. You can apply online through SEF’s website or in person at a SEF office. It is highly recommended to book an appointment in advance, as the processing times can be lengthy.
Application Procedure
▪ Create an Online Account: If applying online, you will need to create an account on SEF’s website.
▪ Complete the Application Form: Provide details about your residence status, family members, income, and accommodation.
▪ Attach Required Documents: Upload scanned copies of the necessary documents for both you and your family members.
▪ Pay the Fees: You will need to pay an application fee, which can vary depending on the number of family members you are sponsoring.
Once submitted, the SEF will review your application. Processing times can vary, but it typically takes between 60 to 90 days.
⟡ Step 4: Wait for Approval
After you submit your application, you will have to wait for SEF to process it. During this time, the authorities may request additional information or documents. It is essential to respond promptly to any inquiries to avoid delays.
Once the application is approved, SEF will issue a family reunification residence permit for your family members. This permit allows them to legally live in Portugal with you, and they will be entitled to the same residency rights as you.
⟡ Step 5: Obtain Family Visas and Travel to Portugal
Once the family reunification permit is approved, your family members can apply for a temporary visa at the Portuguese consulate in their home country. This visa allows them to enter Portugal and complete the family reunification process.
Documents Required for Visa Application
• A valid passport.
• Family reunification approval letter from SEF.
• Proof of accommodation in Portugal.
• Proof of financial stability (if required by the consulate).
• Travel insurance (if required by the consulate).
Once the visa is granted, your family members can travel to Portugal. Upon arrival, they will need to schedule an appointment at the local SEF office to finalize their residence permits.
⟡ Step 6: Life in Portugal as a Family
Once your family members have their residence permits, they will be able to live, work, and study in Portugal, enjoying many of the same rights as you. Your spouse can apply for a work permit and seek employment in Portugal. If your children are school-age, they can enroll in Portuguese schools, and they will have access to public healthcare.
Healthcare and Education for Family Members
Portugal’s public healthcare system is accessible to foreign residents, so your family members will be able to access medical services through the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS). They will also be able to take advantage of the Portuguese public education system, which is highly regarded for its quality.
⟡ Closing Thoughts
Bringing your family to Portugal on a work visa is an exciting opportunity to reunite and build a life in this beautiful country. While the process may seem complex, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth transition for you and your loved ones. From ensuring your eligibility to gathering the necessary documents and navigating the SEF application process, each step is crucial to making your family’s move to Portugal a success.
With the right preparation, you can look forward to enjoying Portugal’s welcoming culture, strong family values, and excellent quality of life—together with your family.
