Author
According to AIMA, if the application is successful, the sponsor is informed by post by AIMA. Family outside Portuguese territory then has 90 days to go to the Portuguese diplomatic representation of the country they are in to obtain a residence visa. Upon arrival in Portugal, they are to contact an AIMA office to request an extension of their international protection status. Those already in Portugal can go directly to the AIMA office to request the extension.[1]
In accordance with the law, family members receive the same legal status and are entitled to the same rights as the sponsor.[2] However, AIMA stated that it automatically issues extraordinary residence permits on the basis that family members have neither an autonomous right of residence nor an autonomous legal status.[3] This understanding seems to be at odds with the provisions of the Asylum Act, since the effects of the international protection regime granted must be declared extendable to the family member of the sponsor.[4]
According to CPR’s observation, when cessation procedures are triggered with regard to the sponsor, family members are also subject to similar procedures.
CPR identified that, in cases where the sponsor acquires Portuguese nationality, it is AIMA’s practice not to renew residence permits for reunited family members and instead refer them to the law regulating the free movement and residence of EU citizens and their families in national territory[5] or to the regularisation regime under the Immigration Act. For more information, see: Cessation and review of protection status.
The 2025 amendment introduced new integration requirements for family members granted residence through family reunification,[6] including attendance of Portuguese language training and training on constitutional principles and values. Compliance with these measures is a condition for the renewal of the residence permit, unless non-compliance is attributable to reasons beyond the family member’s control. Exemptions on humanitarian grounds are possible by ministerial order. It remains unclear how these new requirements will apply to family members of beneficiaries of international protection.
[1] Information provided by AIMA, 25 June 2024.
[2] Article 68(2) Asylum Act.
[3] Information provided by AIMA, May 2026.
[4] Article 68(2) Asylum Act.
[5] Act no. 37/2006 of 9 August, available here.
[6] Article 101(3)(4)(5) Immigration Act.