⚠️ AIMA has published updated guidance for non-EU nationals applying for residence in Portugal as family members of EU citizens.
Applicants should pay particularly close attention to the age, validity and legalisation of their civil-status documents. Arriving with an outdated or improperly prepared certificate could prevent AIMA from accepting the application.
💍 Marriage certificates
When the family relationship is based on marriage, AIMA says the marriage certificate must:
• Have been issued no more than six months before the date of the AIMA appointment; and
• Be properly signed and officially stamped.
Where available, applicants can instead provide a valid online access code for the certificate, which AIMA says is the preferred option.
AIMA warns that failing to provide an updated certificate or valid access code may prevent the application from being received because an essential supporting document is missing.
👨👩👧 Applications involving minors
For applications concerning a child, applicants must provide clear evidence of:
• The family relationship;
• Who legally represents the child; and
• Who has been granted and exercises parental responsibility, where applicable.
Depending on the circumstances, this could include:
• A valid birth certificate;
• Evidence of the applicant’s legal authority to represent the child; and
• A court judgment or decision from the relevant authority confirming parental responsibility.
AIMA states that birth certificates for children under 16 are not subject to an expiry period. From the age of 16, the birth certificate is valid for 12 months from its date of issue.
🌍 Certification and legalisation
Documents must be properly certified and legalised where required. The exact process can depend on the country that issued the document and may involve an apostille, consular legalisation or another recognised procedure.
The practical advice is simple: do not arrive at AIMA with old civil certificates and hope to replace them later. Check every document in advance, obtain updated certificates where necessary and make sure all required certification and legalisation has been completed.
Missing or invalid documents may not simply delay the case—they may prevent AIMA from accepting the application 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 before your appointment.