Family Reunification in Portugal: Documents, Translation & AIMA

9 months - that’s how long AIMA is legally allowed to process your family reunification application. In practice, people wait even longer, only to find out that one document is “wrong” or the translation “wasn’t certified properly.” A Ukrainian guy in Lisbon shared his story: he submitted papers for his wife, waited 5 months, then got a letter back - marriage certificate without an apostille, start over. Two more months wasted. So you don’t repeat that mistake, let’s break down exactly which documents you need for reagrupamento familiar and how to get them translated correctly.

What is reagrupamento familiar and who qualifies¶

Reagrupamento familiar (family reunification) is the right of a foreign national legally living in Portugal to bring their close relatives to join them. Basically, you’re telling the government: “I live here, I work, I have a place and income - let my family join me.” And the government (through the agency AIMA) checks whether that’s true.

Who can apply¶

You’re eligible for family reunification if you:

• Hold a valid residence permit (autorização de residência) for at least 2 years
• Can prove stable income - at least €870/month (Portugal’s minimum wage in 2026) plus additional funds for each family member
• Have housing that meets standards for your family size

Law 61/2025, which took effect on October 23, 2025, changed the rules. Previously, you could apply right after getting your residence permit. Now you need to wait 2 years. But there are exceptions.

Exceptions to the 2-year rule¶

• Couples with minor children - can apply immediately, no waiting
• Couples who lived together for at least 18 months before entry - reduced to 15 months
• EU Blue Card holders - separate rules apply
• Golden Visa holders - no time restriction

Who you can bring¶

Full document list for AIMA¶

The process has two stages: first you (the resident) submit an application to AIMA, then your family member applies for a D6 visa at the Portuguese consulate.

Documents from the resident (you submit to AIMA)¶

*If income or housing documents were issued in Ukraine (e.g., employment certificate) - translation is required. If they’re Portuguese documents - no translation needed.

Documents from the family member (for D6 visa at the consulate)¶

A criminal record certificate is required from every country where the family member lived for more than a year. If your wife lived in Ukraine and Poland - you’ll need two certificates, both with translation and apostille.

Document translation: tradução certificada¶

Portugal uses a system called tradução certificada - certified translation. It’s not the same as a sworn translation in Germany or traduction assermentée in France. Here, a translator does the translation, then a lawyer (advogado) or notary (notário) certifies it with their signature and seal.

Who can certify¶

• Advogado - most popular option, faster and usually cheaper
• Notário - official notarial certification
• Portuguese Consulate - for documents certified abroad
• Câmara de Comércio e Indústria - Chamber of Commerce and Industry

How much does translation cost¶

For the full family reunification package (marriage certificate + criminal record + 1-2 birth certificates), you’ll spend roughly €200-450 on translation and certification. Plus apostilles in Ukraine - another ~€15-50 depending on the number of documents.

Which languages are accepted without translation¶

Portugal is fairly liberal:

• Portuguese - always accepted
• English - accepted by most authorities (but not always by AIMA)
• French, Spanish - often accepted

Ukrainian documents - only with Portuguese translation and tradução certificada. No exceptions.

More details on which documents Portugal accepts without translation in a separate article.

Step-by-step process¶

Step 1: Gather and prepare documents (2-4 weeks)¶

1. Get an apostille on your Ukrainian documents (marriage certificate, birth certificates). If you’re in Germany or another EU country - you can order it remotely through Ukraine’s Ministry of Justice
2. Get a criminal record certificate from Ukraine (valid for 3-6 months, so don’t order too early)
3. Order tradução certificada for all documents

Step 2: Submit application to AIMA (1 day)¶

You (the resident) submit the reagrupamento familiar application through the AIMA portal or in person at their office. Attach:

• All documents from the table above
• Proof of income for the last 6-12 months
• Rental contract or proof of property ownership

Application cost: free (the AIMA application itself costs nothing).

Step 3: Wait for AIMA’s decision (up to 9 months)¶

By law, AIMA must respond within 9 months. In practice, it varies. Applications involving minor children are usually processed faster. Spouse-only applications may take the full term.

Pro tip: if more than 9 months have passed with no response - file a complaint through the Livro de Reclamações (complaints book) or contact a lawyer. AIMA’s silence after the deadline may be considered tacit approval (deferimento tácito).

Step 4: Family member applies for D6 visa (60 days)¶

After AIMA approval, your family member applies for the D6 visa at the Portuguese consulate or through VFS Global. Visa fee: €90. Processing time: up to 60 days.

Step 5: Arrival and residence permit¶

After entering Portugal, the family member has 4 months to apply for an autorização de residência (residence permit) at AIMA. Residence permit fee: €85.

Full reunification budget¶

Here’s what it actually costs to reunite with one family member (spouse):

Adding children? Add €90 (visa) + €85 (residence permit) + birth certificate translation (~€40-80) per child.

5 mistakes to avoid¶

1. Submitted documents without apostille. AIMA will return your application. Marriage certificates, birth certificates, criminal records - everything needs an apostille. Ukraine and Portugal are both part of the Hague Convention.

2. Got the criminal record certificate too early. It’s valid for 3-6 months. If you order it a year before submission - it’ll expire before your case is reviewed, and you’ll need a new one (with a new translation and apostille).

3. Translated but didn’t certify. A translation without a lawyer’s or notary’s signature has no legal force in Portugal. AIMA won’t accept it.

4. Didn’t prove sufficient income. The €870/month minimum covers just you. Each family member requires additional funds. If you earn €900 and apply for your wife and two kids - AIMA may reject it.

5. Applied before completing 2 years. After Law 61/2025 took effect, you need at least 2 years of residence. Apply earlier and they’ll send it back. Check if you qualify for exceptions (minor children, Blue Card).

FAQ¶

How much does family reunification in Portugal cost?¶

Government fees: €90 for the D6 visa + €85 for the residence permit = €175 per family member. Plus document translation and certification - another €200-450. Total per family member: €415-845. Legal representation (if you hire a lawyer) adds another €500-1500.

How long does the family reunification process take?¶

From AIMA application to the family member’s residence permit - 6 to 14 months. AIMA has 9 months to respond, then the consulate processes the D6 visa in 60 days, plus 4 months to apply for the residence permit after arrival.

Can I apply for reunification under temporary protection?¶

Temporary protection (proteção temporária) is a separate status. Technically, reagrupamento familiar requires a residence permit (autorização de residência). But Ukrainians under temporary protection have access to simplified procedures through UNHCR and partner organizations. Check with your local AIMA office or contact UNHCR Portugal.

Do I need to translate my passport for AIMA?¶

No. AIMA accepts passports without translation - they work with the original. Translation is needed for certificates (marriage, birth), criminal records, and income documents if they’re not in Portuguese.

Can I order document translation online?¶

Yes, you can order translation remotely. You send a scan of the document, the translator does the work, then a lawyer or notary certifies it. The certified translation can be mailed or couriered to you. For a preliminary translation, you can use ChatsControl - the AI translation preserves formatting and saves time preparing a draft for the translator.