⚠️ AIMA Guidance: Document Requirements for Non-EU Family Members of EU Citizens
AIMA has published guidance on the documents required from non-EU nationals applying for a residence card in Portugal as family members of EU citizens.
Applicants should check the issue dates, validity, and legalisation of their civil status documents carefully. An outdated certificate or missing certification could prevent AIMA from accepting the application at the appointment.
💍 Marriage certificates
Where the family relationship is based on marriage, AIMA requires a marriage certificate that:
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Was issued no more than six months before the appointment date; and
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Is duly signed and bears the official stamp or seal of the issuing authority.
Alternatively, applicants may provide a valid online access code to the certificate, where available. AIMA identifies this as the preferred option.
The purpose is to confirm that the marriage on which the application is based remains in place. Without an updated certificate or a valid access code, AIMA may be unable to accept the application because an essential supporting document is missing.
👨👩👧 Applications involving minors
Applications concerning a minor must include evidence of:
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The family relationship;
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The child’s legal representation; and
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The allocation and exercise of parental responsibility, where applicable.
Depending on the circumstances, the supporting documents may include a birth certificate, proof of legal representation, and a decision from the competent authority in the country of origin concerning parental responsibility.
Under the published guidance, birth certificates for children under 16 are not subject to an expiry period. From age 16, they are valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
Documents must also be properly certified and legalised, as applicable.
🌍 Certification and legalisation
The procedure for authenticating a foreign document depends on the issuing country and the rules applicable to that document. An apostille may be the appropriate route, but applicants should confirm the requirements for their circumstances. AIMA’s residence-card guidance expressly refers to apostilled civil certificates.
📋 Prepare before your appointment
Check each document well in advance, allowing time to obtain replacement certificates and complete any necessary formalities.
For marriage certificates, calculate the six-month period against the appointment date, rather than the date you requested the appointment. If your appointment is rescheduled, check the certificate’s age again.
Do not assume that you will be able to submit missing documents later. Incomplete documentation may prevent the application from being accepted at the appointment.
If you are applying as the non-EU family member of an EU citizen, the Visas.pt team can help you review your documents and prepare for your AIMA appointment.