Portugal Family Reunion Visa
Portugal is one of the most welcoming European countries for immigrants,
with strong laws to protect family unity.
Portugal Family Reunion Visa
Reuniting Families in Europe
Portugal is one of the most welcoming European countries for immigrants, with strong laws to protect family unity. Under its Family Reunification Visa (Visto de Reagrupamento Familiar) program, legal residents in Portugal can bring their close family members to live with them.
This visa is a gateway for families to enjoy Portugal’s quality of life, EU benefits, and eventual citizenship. However, the process is document-heavy, legally complex, and closely scrutinized by Portuguese consulates — especially for Indian applicants, where authorities often demand extra proofs of genuine family ties.
At SWICS Pvt. Ltd., with 22+ years of immigration expertise, we ensure your Portugal Family Reunion Visa is prepared with legal accuracy, strong supporting documents, and embassy compliance. Guided by Er. JP Singh (Certified Education Agent Counsellor) and Advocate Trimaandeep Singh, we help Indian families reunite in Portugal smoothly and successfully.
Who Can Apply for Portugal Family Reunion Visa?
Family members eligible to join a foreign resident
in Portugal include:
- Spouse or Partner (married or in a stable union).
- Children under 18 years (biological or adopted).
- Dependent adult children (studying in Portugal or financially dependent).
- Dependent parents of the resident or spouse (if they lack financial support in the home country).
- Minor siblings under guardianship (special cases).
Cousins, married siblings, or extended relatives are not eligible.
Eligibility Criteria
For the Sponsor (Resident in Portugal):
- Must hold a valid Portuguese residence permit (work, study, Golden Visa, or permanent residence).
- Must have adequate accommodation (confirmed through lease/ownership documents).
- Must show sufficient financial means to support family members.
- Must prove genuine family relationship with legalized documents.
For the Applicant (Family Member Abroad):
- Must provide proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, adoption papers).
- Must undergo medical clearance and police background checks.
- Must hold a valid passport.
- Must intend to live with the sponsor in Portugal.
Required Documents
From the Sponsor in Portugal
- Valid residence permit copy
- Proof of accommodation (rental agreement/property documents)
- Proof of income (tax returns, salary slips, bank statements)
- Invitation letter
From the Applicant in India
- Passport & photos
- Marriage certificate / birth certificate (apostilled & translated into Portuguese)
- Medical certificate
- Police clearance certificate
- Visa application form & fee
Step-by-Step Process
- Sponsor files application at SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e             Fronteiras – Portuguese Immigration Office) for family reunification     authorization.
- SEF approval issued after verifying income, housing, and              relationship.
- Applicant applies for visa at the Portuguese Embassy/Consulate in    India with SEF authorization and supporting documents.
- Embassy interview & verification of relationship and documents.
- Visa approval & travel – Applicant receives entry visa to Portugal.
- Residence Permit application – Within 90 days of arrival, applicant     must apply for Residence Card at SEF.
Processing Time
- SEF authorization: 60–90 days
- Embassy processing: 2–3 months
- Total timeline: 4–6 months (may extend depending on embassy       scrutiny in India)
Conditions of Portugal Family Reunion Visa
- Valid as a long-term visa (Type D) leading to residence permit.
- Family members enjoy same rights as the sponsor (work, study,        healthcare, and social security).
- Must live together with sponsor in Portugal.
- Continuous legal residence may lead to permanent residence        (after 5 years) and Portuguese citizenship (after 5–6 years,             depending on law changes).
Benefits of Portugal Family Reunion Visa
- Right to live together legally with your family.
- Work and study opportunities for spouses and children.
- Access to healthcare, education, and EU benefits.
- Pathway to EU Permanent Residence and Citizenship.
- Family-friendly policies with strong legal protections.
Challenges for Indian Applicants
- Embassy scrutiny is strict for marriage and birth certificates from Punjab, Haryana, and other regions.
- Translation & legalization delays – all documents must be apostilled and translated into Portuguese.
- Financial proof requirement – sponsor must demonstrate sufficient funds, which many applicants struggle to prove.
- Longer processing times in Indian consulates due to heavy workload.
That’s why SWICS Pvt. Ltd. plays a crucial role in ensuring applications are legally compliant, well-documented, and strong enough to withstand embassy verification.
Why Choose SWICS Pvt. Ltd.?
- 22+ years of expertise in European family reunion visas.
- Er. JP Singh provides accurate eligibility assessment and realistic visa guidance.
- Advocate Trimaandeep Singh ensures legal documentation, affidavits, and appeal support in case of refusals.
- Special strategies for Indian applicants, especially from North India, where embassies apply stricter checks.
- End-to-end services: SEF application, embassy filing, interview preparation, appeals, and post-arrival settlement in Portugal.
FAQ – Portugal Family Reunion Visa
It is a Type D visa that allows family members of foreign residents in Portugal to join them and apply for residency.
Spouse, minor children, dependent adult children, dependent parents, and minor siblings under guardianship.
No, siblings are only eligible if they are minors under legal guardianship.
Marriage, birth, and adoption certificates must be apostilled and officially translated into Portuguese.
On average 4–6 months (SEF approval + embassy processing).
Yes, once they receive residence permits, they can work freely.
Yes, their rights are tied to the sponsor’s permit.
Because we combine immigration expertise (Er. JP Singh) and legal assurance (Advocate Trimaandeep Singh), ensuring your file is well-documented, embassy-proof, and appeal-ready.
Yes, but only if they are financially dependent and have no other family support.
Yes, until the applicant is enrolled in Portugal’s national healthcare system.
Yes, students with valid residence permits can sponsor spouses and children.
Yes, Portugal fully recognizes same-sex marriages and civil partnerships.
SWICS, with Advocate Trimaandeep Singh, assists with appeals and re-filing.
Yes, after 5+ years of continuous legal residence.
Tax returns, salary slips, or business income showing sufficient funds above Portugal’s minimum salary threshold.
Yes, due to frequent fraudulent marriages, Portuguese consulates in India apply stricter checks on documents.
It is official approval from Portugal’s Immigration and Borders Service before a visa can be issued.
Yes, if they are financially dependent and studying full-time.
Yes, all applicants over 16 must submit police certificates.
Not mandatory, but legal help significantly reduces risk of refusal. SWICS provides legal guidance through Advocate Trimaandeep Singh.
