Residence permits
Assessment of the legal basis, requirements and documents applicable to the application.
Practice areas
Immigration
Law
Personalised legal support for foreign nationals living in Portugal or planning to establish themselves in the country.
Legal advice
Every situation requires an individual assessment.
Procedures relating to residence, stay and family reunification depend on each person's circumstances and the applicable legal framework.
Afonsos & Fontes assists foreign nationals with legal matters relating to Portugal, assessing the available documents, the applicable requirements and the appropriate steps for each situation.
Legal support may be provided in person in Porto or remotely, depending on the nature of the matter and the firm's availability.
The information on this page is general, may be affected by changes to legislation or official procedures and does not replace a legal assessment of the specific matter.Legal support
Matters that may be assessed.
The appropriate course of action is defined only after an initial assessment of the circumstances and available documents.
Renewals and documentation
Support with reviewing documents and procedures relating to residence status.
Family reunification
Assessment of family relationships, requirements and the documents required for the procedure.
Administrative procedures
Support with matters before the competent authorities, according to the specific circumstances.
Document review
Legal review of the available information and identification of documents that may be required.
International clients
In-person or remote support for foreign nationals with legal matters in Portugal.
Frequently asked questions
Initial information for foreign nationals.
The answers below are general. Requirements, available channels and supporting documents vary according to the type of application and the applicant's circumstances.
What are the requirements for obtaining a residence permit in Portugal?
The requirements depend on the legal basis of the application. In general, a valid travel document, a visa where applicable, proof of accommodation and sufficient means, tax or social security registration, healthcare coverage and documents specific to the purpose of residence may be required. Each application must be assessed according to its circumstances.
How does family reunification work?
The procedure depends on factors including the status of the resident in Portugal, the family relationship and whether the family member is inside or outside the country. Authenticated proof of the relationship, accommodation, sufficient means, a passport and other documents may be required. The applicable official channel should be confirmed when the application is made.
What should I do if a residence application is delayed?
Keep the application receipt and case reference, monitor official communications and respond within the stated deadline to any request for documents. Depending on the stage and circumstances, it may be useful to obtain legal advice on the available steps.
Can documents issued abroad be submitted directly?
Some foreign documents may require authentication, legalisation, an apostille or translation, depending on the country of issue, the type of document and the procedure. The required form of each document should be confirmed before the application is submitted.
Can the consultation take place remotely?
Yes. Depending on the matter, the initial consultation and part of the legal support may take place remotely. Any need for physical attendance or original documents will be assessed in each case.
Does legal support guarantee that the application will be approved?
No. The decision is made by the competent public authorities. Legal support helps assess the legal framework, prepare the documentation and consider the appropriate steps, but cannot guarantee the outcome of a procedure.
May I send personal documents through WhatsApp?
WhatsApp should be used only for a brief initial contact. For confidentiality and data protection reasons, do not send passports, residence permits or other sensitive documents before the firm confirms the appropriate transmission method.
Official procedures may change. You should also consult the latest information published by AIMA.
Responsible lawyer
Catarina Afonso
Lawyer · Immigration Law
A member of the Portuguese Bar Association since 1999, Catarina Afonso has experience in several areas of law and currently devotes a central part of her practice to assisting foreign nationals.
Each situation is assessed according to its circumstances, the available documents and the applicable legislation.
First contact