Can my family also gain residency through my Golden Visa?

Yes. Your family can obtain residency through your Portugal Golden Visa.

The program is designed to allow investors and their immediate family members to share the same residency rights.

In 2025, Portuguese law continues to support family reunification, giving your spouse, children, and dependent parents the ability to apply for residence permits under your investment.

This family-friendly feature remains one of the main reasons why Portugal’s Golden Visa is among Europe’s most attractive residency programs.

Who Qualifies as a Family Member

Under Law 23/2007, Article 98, family reunification applies to the following dependents:

Spouse or Legal Partner

Your husband, wife, or registered partner in a civil union is automatically eligible.

Children

• Under 18: Always eligible.

• 18–26 years old: Must be unmarried, financially dependent, and enrolled full-time in education.

• Children from previous relationships also qualify if the applicant holds legal custody or written consent from the other parent.

Parents and In-laws

Dependent parents of either the investor or the spouse may qualify with proof of financial dependence, typically through shared financial records or support declarations.

Application Process

Family members can apply together with the main investor or after the main applicant obtains pre-approval.

If applying together, all documents - birth certificates, marriage certificates, and proof of dependency must be translated, legalized, and apostilled before submission.

If applying later, dependents join the investor through the family reunification process.

Each approved member receives an individual residence card with the same validity period as the main applicant’s permit.

Residency Rights for Family Members

Once approved, family members enjoy the same benefits as the main Golden Visa holder:

• Freedom to live, work, and study in Portugal.

• Visa-free travel across the Schengen Area.

• Access to healthcare and education.

• The right to apply for permanent residency or citizenship after five years of legal residence, provided they meet language and background requirements.

This shared legal status ensures all family members have equal access to Portugal’s social systems and can integrate fully into the community.

Renewal and Duration

Each family member’s residence card mirrors the main applicant’s timeline:

• Valid for two years initially.

• Renewable every two years if the investment remains active.

The family must meet the same minimum stay requirement of 14 days in Portugal every two years, either together or individually.

Education and Family Life in Portugal

Portugal’s family-oriented environment makes it ideal for relocation.

Children can attend public or international schools, and university tuition fees are significantly lower than in many EU countries.

The country’s warm climate, healthcare quality, and safe lifestyle make it especially appealing for families seeking stability and European mobility.

Conclusion

In 2025, the Portugal Golden Visa continues to offer one of the most comprehensive family residency frameworks in Europe.

Through a single investment, your spouse, children, and dependent parents can all enjoy residence rights, healthcare access, and education opportunities.

By maintaining the qualifying investment and fulfilling basic residency requirements, your entire family can transition from temporary residence to citizenship within five years - making Portugal a long-term home for generations to come.