Law 61/2025, in force since 23 October 2025, amended Article 98 of Portugal's Foreigners Act. For people applying to bring family members over from within Portugal, there is now a waiting period.
The general rule: 2 years
As a rule, the permit holder must have held a valid residence permit for 2 years before applying. For a spouse or partner who lived with you for at least 18 months before you entered Portugal, the period is 15 months.
Who does not have to wait
- Minor or incapacitated dependent children
- A spouse or partner who is the parent of those minor children
- Family members of holders of an investment residence permit (Golden Visa), an EU Blue Card or a highly qualified activity permit
The law also allows the period to be waived or reduced in duly justified exceptional cases.
What you will need
Among other documents: your residence card, the family member's passport, certificates proving the family link (authenticated and, where applicable, apostilled and translated), proof of accommodation and means of subsistence, and the family member's criminal record.
Want to know how this applies to you?
Ask for a complimentary assessment. An advisor will call you within 24 hours.
Complimentary assessment