Family reunification has become one of the most delayed processes within Portugal’s immigration system, with increasing reports of long waiting times and administrative bottlenecks.
The issue intensified following the transition to AIMA, as the agency absorbed a large volume of pending applications while restructuring operations.
According to reporting by Público and Expresso, many applicants are waiting several months — and in some cases over a year — to complete reunification processes.
The delays are particularly challenging for:
Spouses and partners of legal residents
Children joining parents already in Portugal
Families relocating under work or residency permits
In many cases, the main applicant is already living and working in Portugal while close family members remain abroad, waiting for approval.
To mitigate the situation, authorities have implemented temporary measures such as document extensions and prioritisation of certain cases. However, these solutions have not fully resolved the underlying backlog.
For those planning a move to Portugal, this creates a critical — and often underestimated — constraint:
Relocation may not happen simultaneously for the entire family
Planning timelines can extend well beyond initial expectations
Legal and logistical coordination becomes more complex
From a broader perspective, this issue is beginning to shape how foreign residents approach relocation. Instead of moving as a household, some are opting for phased transitions — with one family member relocating first.
The demand to move to Portugal remains strong. But the system processing that demand is still catching up.
Source: Público; Expresso; AIMA
Date: 2024–2026 ongoing reporting