One of the greatest advantages of the Portuguese Golden Visa is that it isn’t just for the main investor — it also extends to family members. Through family reunification, spouses, children, and even dependent parents can enjoy the same residency rights, path to citizenship, and quality-of-life benefits in Portugal.
This makes Portugal’s Golden Visa one of the most family-friendly residency-by-investment programs in the world. Here’s a full breakdown of who qualifies and what benefits dependents receive in 2025.
Who Qualifies as a Dependent?
The Portuguese immigration framework allows a wide definition of family under the Golden Visa:
- Spouse or Legal Partner
- Married spouses or officially recognized partners, including same-sex unions.
- Children Under 18
- Automatically qualify as dependents.
- Adult Children (Over 18)
- Must be financially dependent on the applicant.
- Must be enrolled in full-time education (typically up to 26 years old).
- Parents of the Main Applicant or Spouse
- Must demonstrate financial dependency on the Golden Visa holder.
- Applies to both sides of the family (in-laws included).
- Siblings (in special cases)
- Minor siblings under the applicant’s or spouse’s legal guardianship can also qualify.
Benefits for Family Members
Once included in the Golden Visa program, dependents receive the same rights as the primary applicant:
- Residency Rights: Legal right to live, work, or study in Portugal.
- Schengen Mobility: Visa-free travel across 27 European Schengen countries (90 days within any 180-day period).
- Healthcare Access: Eligibility for Portugal’s universal healthcare system (SNS) and private medical insurance.
- Education Options: Access to public schools, private bilingual institutions, and international programs.
- Path to Citizenship: After 5 years of residency, all included dependents can apply for Portuguese citizenship.
- Work Authorization: Family members may work legally in Portugal if they choose to.
Documentation Required for Family Inclusion
To include family members in a Golden Visa application, specific evidence of relationship and dependency is required:
- Spouse/Partner
- Marriage certificate or civil union documentation, translated into Portuguese and apostilled.
- Children Under 18
- Birth certificate showing parental relation.
- Adult Children
- Proof of financial dependence (bank transfers, notarized statements).
- Enrollment confirmation from a recognized educational institution.
- Dependent Parents
- Evidence of financial dependency (e.g., ongoing financial support, shared household).
- Translations & Apostilles
- All non-Portuguese documents must be officially translated into Portuguese and legalized with an apostille.
Family Reunification Process
There are two ways to include family members in the program:
- At Initial Application
- Submit family members’ documents and fees together with your own.
- All receive residence permits simultaneously.
- Later via Reunification Request
- Dependents can be added after the main applicant is approved.
- Requires submission of proof of relationship and dependency through AIMA.
Comparison: Including Family at Start vs Later
| Approach | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Include at Start | One process, aligned renewals, all cards issued together | Higher upfront government fees |
| Add Later | Flexibility if family isn’t relocating immediately | Separate processing, renewals may fall out of sync |
Example Scenario
- Investor Couple with Two Children (ages 15 & 20):
- Both children included in Golden Visa.
- 15-year-old qualifies automatically.
- 20-year-old qualifies with university enrollment proof.
- Dependent Parents: Applicant’s 68-year-old mother is included with evidence of monthly financial support.
- Result: Entire family receives 2-year residence cards, renewable for 5 years, all eligible for citizenship.
Conclusion
Portugal’s Golden Visa provides some of the broadest family benefits of any residency-by-investment program. With eligibility that includes spouses, dependent children (even adults in education), and parents, entire families can secure residency and eventually citizenship together.
For families seeking healthcare, education, EU mobility, and long-term generational benefits, the Portuguese Golden Visa is one of the most inclusive and valuable residency programs available in 2025.
Next Step
Planning to include your family in your Golden Visa journey? Our experts help prepare the required documentation, confirm dependency proofs, and file joint or reunification applications smoothly. Contact us today to secure residency protections for your whole family.