Golden Visa Portugal for Families: Dependents Explained
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Discover how to include your spouse, children, and parents in Portugal’s Golden Visa. Learn eligibility rules, documentation, and key tips for family applications.
Intro
One of the strongest advantages of Portugal’s Golden Visa is that it extends beyond the main investor - offering a direct path for family members to gain residence and, eventually, citizenship.
Understanding exactly who qualifies as a dependent, what documents are required, and how renewals work can save time and stress during the application process.
At Golden Visa Funds Portugal (GVFP), we guide families through the process step by step, ensuring everyone in your household is included correctly under one application.
Explore our Portugal Golden Visa Funds Complete Guide for the latest program details and vetted investment funds.
Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
Program Status | Active (2025) |
Eligible Investment | €500,000 in a regulated fund |
Family Inclusion | Spouse, children, dependent parents |
Stay Requirement | 7 days in the first year, 14 days every two years |
Citizenship Eligibility | 5 years (proposal for 10 years not yet law) |
Main Benefit | Residency for the entire family under one application |
Spouse or Legal Partner
The primary applicant’s spouse or legally recognized partner is always eligible. Proof of marriage or a stable union (minimum 2 years, recognized by Portuguese law) is required.
Children
Children may qualify if they are:
Under 18 years old, or
Over 18 and financially dependent (in education and supported by the main applicant).
Children studying abroad still count as dependents if dependency can be proven.
Parents
Parents and parents-in-law of the main applicant or spouse can be included if they are financially dependent. Typically, proof of shared residence or regular financial transfers is required.
Siblings
Siblings under 18 years old who are legally under the applicant’s guardianship can also be included.
Each dependent must provide:
Valid passport and passport-sized photos
Birth or marriage certificate (officially translated and apostilled)
Criminal record certificate from your country of residence
Proof of dependency (financial statements, tuition receipts, etc.)
Portuguese tax number (NIF)
GVFP works with immigration lawyers who handle these verifications before submission to AIMA, Portugal’s immigration authority.
Investment & Application: The main applicant completes the fund investment and submits a joint family file.
AIMA Approval: Once approved, residence cards are issued for all included dependents.
Renewals: Every two years, all family members renew together, maintaining the same stay requirement.
Citizenship: After five years, the entire family may apply for Portuguese citizenship, subject to basic language and residency criteria.
Apply together from the start - adding dependents later can delay approval.
Keep all civil status documents up to date and translated.
If including older children or parents, document financial dependency carefully.
Maintain the €500,000 investment throughout the five-year residency period.
Extra Reading:
Q1: Can my child over 18 apply with me?
Yes, if they are financially dependent and enrolled in full-time education.
Q2: Can my parents apply under my Golden Visa?
Yes, if they rely on you financially and can prove dependency through bank statements or shared housing.
Q3: Can dependents work or study in Portugal?
Yes, all Golden Visa family members receive full residency rights — they can work, study, and live freely in Portugal.
Q4: Do dependents have the same path to citizenship?
Yes, dependents included in your Golden Visa follow the same five-year path to citizenship.
Q5: Can family members travel freely in Europe?
Yes, all holders of Portuguese residence permits (including dependents) enjoy visa-free movement within the Schengen Area.
If you’re planning to bring your family under Portugal’s Golden Visa, preparation is key - from verifying documents to choosing an eligible investment.
GVFP simplifies this process by connecting you with regulated funds and experienced immigration advisors who handle family applications seamlessly.
Contact us today to:
Confirm dependent eligibility
Get help preparing documentation
Receive a personalized investment shortlist
Tariq El-Asad
Founder at goldenvisafundsportugal.com
Tariq El-Asad has worked with the Golden Visa program since 2014 and launched GoldennVisaFundsPortugal.com in 2021.
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