Published: 26.01.2026
Since October 2025, a sponsor generally must have lived legally in Portugal for at least two years before applying for family reunification. Family members must also have entered and remained legally in the country, while applications face additional checks on housing and sufficient means, with limited exceptions including families with minor children.
According to sources, family reunification can no longer generally be planned as an immediate step after the sponsor obtains status: the sponsor usually needs two years of legal residence first. This lengthens the potential gap between the principal applicant’s move and the relocation of family members, while making proof of housing and sufficient means more important in the application. The change primarily affects families where one person moves to Portugal first for work or another residence basis and relatives plan to join later. Applicants relocating with family should take this rule into account when planning timelines and choosing a residence route.