Residence Card for Family Member of an EU/Portuguese Citizen
Non-EU spouses, partners, or dependants of an EU or Portuguese citizen exercising free-movement rights.
The Residence Card for Family Member of an EU/Portuguese Citizen is a Portuguese family & partner visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€80 AIMA card fee) and processing time (~60 days), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Residence Card for Family Member of an EU/Portuguese Citizen is for
Non-EU spouses, partners, or dependants of an EU or Portuguese citizen exercising free-movement rights.
Leads to permanent residence after 5 years living with the EU/Portuguese citizen.
Residence Card for Family Member of an EU/Portuguese Citizen - eligibility criteria
- EU or Portuguese citizen family member residing in Portugal
- Proof of relationship or registered partnership
- Evidence of the citizen's residence/activity
- Joint accommodation
- Valid passport
Residence Card for Family Member of an EU/Portuguese Citizen cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Residence Card for Family Member of an EU/Portuguese Citizen (Portugal) is ~€80 AIMA card fee, with an indicative processing time of ~60 days. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at AIMA (Portugal).
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | At AIMA inside Portugal |
| Length of stay | 5-year residence card, then permanent |
| Work rights | Full work rights |
| Study rights | Full study rights |
| Government fee | ~€80 AIMA card fee |
| Processing time | ~60 days |
| Route to PR | Leads to permanent residence after 5 years living with the EU/Portuguese citizen. |
Pathway & next steps
Leads to permanent residence after 5 years living with the EU/Portuguese citizen.
Many applicants also compare D6 · D6 Family Reunification Residence Visa, PR · Permanent Residence Permit, Citizenship · Portuguese Citizenship by Naturalisation. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Portuguese route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Residence Card for Family Member of an EU/Portuguese Citizen pitfalls we fix
Residence Card for Family Member of an EU/Portuguese Citizen - frequently asked questions
How much does the Residence Card for Family Member of an EU/Portuguese Citizen cost?
The Residence Card for Family Member of an EU/Portuguese Citizen government fee is ~€80 AIMA card fee. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at AIMA (Portugal) before applying.
How long does the Residence Card for Family Member of an EU/Portuguese Citizen take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~60 days. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Residence Card for Family Member of an EU/Portuguese Citizen lead to permanent residence?
Leads to permanent residence after 5 years living with the EU/Portuguese citizen.
Can I work on the Residence Card for Family Member of an EU/Portuguese Citizen?
Work rights: Full work rights.
Who can apply for the Residence Card for Family Member of an EU/Portuguese Citizen?
Non-EU spouses, partners, or dependants of an EU or Portuguese citizen exercising free-movement rights.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Portugal government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- AIMA (Portugal) - official Portugal immigration authority