How long do I have to wait before bringing my family to Portugal under the new law?

Until late 2025 a resident could start family reunification almost immediately. Lei 61/2025, published on 22 October 2025 and in force from 23 October 2025, introduced a waiting period for the sponsor.

The waiting periods

1. Two years as the general rule, counted from holding a valid residence permit.
2. Fifteen months for spouses and partners who can show at least eighteen months of cohabitation before the application.
3. No wait for parents bringing minor children, for holders of the D3 highly qualified activity permit, and for Golden Visa holders.

The order of the steps

The sponsor files with AIMA first, in Portugal. Only after a favourable decision does the family member apply for a D6 family reunification visa at the Portuguese consulate in their country, then register with AIMA after arriving. Booking the consulate appointment before AIMA has decided is the most common wasted month.

AIMA has a legal deadline of 9 months to decide, extendable in complex cases, with no extension allowed where children are involved.

Costs and paperwork

National visa fees are waived for children under 6 and for descendants joining under family reunification. The 75 euro administrative appeal fee against a national visa refusal does not apply to family reunification appeals either. Expect apostilled and certified translated birth and marriage certificates, proof of accommodation large enough for the household, and proof of means.

Obligations after they arrive

Reunified family members must take Portuguese language training and civic values training, and minors must be enrolled in compulsory schooling. Non compliance can be a ground for refusing a later renewal, so treat the school enrolment and the language course as part of the permit, not as optional extras.

If the wait is the blocker, compare routes in the residence permit renewal and citizenship guide before you choose which permit to apply for.