Including Family in Portugal Golden Visa Application

Can Family Members Be Included in Portugal’s Golden Visa Application in 2025?

Family Members Eligible for Inclusion

1. Spouse or Legal Partner:
   • Legally married spouses or partners in a recognized civil union (including same-sex marriages or partnerships).
   • Must provide a marriage certificate or proof of partnership, apostilled and translated if issued outside Portugal.
2. Dependent Children:
   • Children under 18 years old, including biological, adopted, or stepchildren from the main applicant or spouse.
   • Children aged 18–26, provided they are unmarried, financially dependent, and enrolled full-time in an educational institution (e.g., university).
   • Proof required: birth certificates, adoption papers, proof of enrollment, and affidavits of dependency.
3. Dependent Parents:
   • Parents of the main applicant or spouse, typically aged 65 or older, who are financially dependent.
   • Younger parents (under 65) may qualify if fully dependent due to health or financial circumstances, subject to case-by-case review.
   • Proof required: birth certificates linking to the applicant, evidence of dependency (e.g., bank transfers, living arrangements).

Requirements for Including Family Members

• Single Investment Covers All: The main applicant’s investment (e.g., €500,000 in a qualifying fund, €250,000 cultural donation) suffices for the entire family. No additional investment is required per person.
• Documentation: Each family member needs:
  • Valid passport.
  • Clean criminal record (for those over 16, from their country of residence and Portugal).
  • Health insurance valid in Portugal.
  • Birth or marriage certificates, apostilled and translated into Portuguese if issued abroad.
  • Proof of dependency for adult children or parents (e.g., financial records, enrollment letters).
• Fees: Additional fees apply per family member:
  • Processing fee: €533 per person (approximate, subject to change).
  • Residence card issuance: €8,000 per person (approximate, subject to change).
• Due Diligence: All family members over 16 undergo background checks to ensure compliance with Portugal’s security standards.

Application Process for Family Inclusion

1. Preparation: Gather documents for all family members alongside the main applicant’s investment proof (e.g., fund subscription, donation receipt).
2. Submission: Apply via AIMA’s ARI portal or a consulate, including family details and documents. A lawyer typically handles this to ensure accuracy.
3. Due Diligence: AIMA verifies all applicants’ backgrounds, which may extend processing for larger families.
4. Biometrics: Approved family members attend a biometrics appointment in Portugal (fingerprints, photos).
5. Residence Cards: Each member receives a two-year renewable residence card.

Benefits of Including Family Members

• Shared Residency: All gain the right to live, work, and study in Portugal, with access to healthcare and education.
• Schengen Mobility: Visa-free travel across 27 Schengen countries for 90 days out of 180.
• Path to Citizenship: After five years, family members can apply for permanent residency or citizenship (with a basic A2 Portuguese test), securing an EU passport.
• Flexibility: Minimal residency requirement (seven days per year) suits families not relocating full-time.
• Future Security: Children can study at top Portuguese or European universities, and parents enjoy Portugal’s quality of life.

Key Considerations

• Increased Costs: Fees for each family member (processing, residence cards) add up. For a family of four, expect €10,000–€15,000 in fees beyond legal costs (€5,000–€15,000).
• Documentation Challenges: Obtaining apostilled certificates or proving dependency (especially for parents under 65) can be time-consuming, particularly from countries with bureaucratic systems.
• Processing Time: Larger families may face slightly longer due diligence (8–12 months vs. 6–10 for single applicants), as each member is vetted.
• Dependency Rules: Adult children must remain unmarried and in education to stay eligible during renewals; parents must prove ongoing dependency.
• Tax Implications: Residency may trigger tax obligations (e.g., on Portuguese income). The Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime offers benefits, but consult a tax advisor.

Updates as of April 2025

• No Policy Changes: The family inclusion rules remain unchanged since the 2023 reforms, which focused on eliminating real estate investments.
• AIMA Efficiency: Improvements to AIMA’s systems have stabilized processing times, keeping family applications within 6–12 months, though complex cases (e.g., multiple dependents) lean toward the higher end.
• Stable Program: No plans to restrict family inclusions, making it a reliable option for 2025 applicants.

Tips for Success

1. Engage a Lawyer: A certified immigration specialist ensures accurate documentation and compliance, especially for complex family structures.
2. Prepare Early: Collect certificates and proofs of dependency well in advance to avoid delays.
3. Verify Eligibility: Confirm adult children or parents meet dependency criteria before applying.
4. Budget for Fees: Account for per-person costs to avoid surprises.
5. Plan Biometrics: Coordinate travel for all family members to attend appointments in Portugal post-approval.

Conclusion