European citizens can live in Portugal for up to 3 months, with a stay of more than 3 months and permanently. These measures apply equally if the respective family wants to move to Portugal, that are considered for this purpose: the spouse/partner, descendants up to 21 years old, descendants over 21 years old who prove to be dependent and ascendants dependent on the right holder.
Stays longer than 3 months are subject to the request for the Certificate of Registration for partners/spouse or dependents, they and other relatives are automatically accepted if they are seriously ill or depend on rigth holder economically. If this is not the case, the continuity process will be assessed under Portuguese law, but you will always have the following rights:
- The application for a residence permit will be evaluated by the authorities of the host country;
- You will receive a written response as soon as possible
- If it is refused, you can appeal the decision.
- If you are a student or pensioner, you must prove that you do not have economic difficulties and have complete medical coverage in the host country
If you intend to stay permanently in Portugal, is implicit the condition that you have already lived legally for 5 years in Portugal, and must apply for the Permanent Residence Certificate.
To request family reunification, you must submit an application to the SEF directorate or regional delegation in your area of residence, accompanied by the necessary documents.
Whenever the family members are outside the national territory, it is up to the holder of the right to family reunification (holder of a valid residence permit in Portugal) to make the request. The request to entrer and of residence for members of his family should be done to SEF.
However, whenever family members are already on national territory, family reunification can be requested by them or by the right holder
Provide info about:
- documents to be provided,
- Valid identity card / passport;
- Document proving the family relationship or the quality of a partner, if the relationship is not evident in the identity card / passport;
- EU / EEA / Switzerland citizen registration certificate of the person that they accompany or are going to meet with;
Direct descendant over 21 years:
Document proving that you are at charge of the citizens of the EU / EEA / Switzerland that you are accompanying or meeting.
Other family members
Document issued by the competent authority of the country of origin or provenance, certifying that they are in charge of the EU citizen or that they live with them in housing or OR Proof of the existence of serious health reasons that imperatively require personal assistance by the citizen of the EU.
Certificate of Registration:
- Valid national identity document or passport
- Your registration certificate or other proof that you reside in the country
- Proof of family bond (eg birth or marriage certificate)
- In the case of children and grandchildren, proof that they are under 21 or at your (right holder) care
- In the case of parents and grandparents, proof that they are at your(right holder) charge
- In the case of other family members, proof that they are at your(right holder) charge or that they have serious health problems that require you to take care of them personally
- In the case of a partner in non-marital partnership, evidence that attests to the existence of a lasting relationship with you (right holder)
Permanent Residence Certificate:
- Valid Registration Certificate
- Evidence that you have lived in the country (e.g., expense invoices and lease agreements)
- Evidence that you are employed, are studying, are self-employed or job seekers (for example, salary forms, bank statements, tax returns).
- registration fees: 15€
- duration: Certificate of Registration: 5 years
- appeal procedures: Go to the City Council of the area of residence (period of 30 days after 3 months of entering in national territory)
For more info:
https://www.sef.pt/pt/pages/conteudo-detalhe.aspx?nID=63#p_id2
https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/residence/family-residence-rights/index_pt.htm
