HQA Visa Family: Spouse, Children and Parents
HQA visa family rules changed in October 2025. Since October 2025, most residence permit holders in Portugal must wait 2 years before bringing family members. Families of people holding a residence permit for highly qualified activity under article 90 are exempt from that wait. The exemption depends on which legal article your file uses, so check it before you sign. These rules apply to applications made after Lei 61/2025 came into force on 23 October 2025. Your filing date can change which rules apply.
Last verified: 19 October 2026
This page is general information, not legal advice.
Key facts
No 2-year wait for some families. Dependent minors or incapacitated members, a spouse or partner who is the parent or adoptive parent of a dependent minor or incapacitated person, and families of article 90, 90-A and 121-A holders are exempt.
Article 89 families are not in that list. The 2-year wait (or 15 months for a spouse who lived with the holder for at least 18 months before entry) applies unless one of these exceptions does.
Family costs extra. Providers quote about €2,500 to €5,000 per family member, plus government fees.
Each family member gets a permit. It runs for the same length as the main applicant's permit (article 107(1) of Lei 23/2007). After 2 years, or earlier in some cases, family members can get their own permit (article 107(3) and (4)).
Source: Lei 61/2025, Diário da República n.º 204/2025. Provider fees are reported by providers, not set by that law.
The 2-year rule and who is exempt
In October 2025, Portugal changed its family reunification rules. Most permit holders must now hold their permit for 2 years before applying for family members. A spouse or partner who lived with the holder for at least 18 months before entering Portugal can apply after 15 months.
The 2-year wait does not apply to dependent minors or incapacitated members, to a spouse or partner who is the parent or adoptive parent of a dependent minor or incapacitated person, or to families of article 90, 90-A and 121-A holders. Other exceptional cases may have the wait waived or reduced by ministerial decision. The marriage or union must be valid and recognised, and both partners must be at least 18 when the application is made. Article 89 families are not in that list, so the 2-year wait (or 15 months for a spouse who lived with the holder for at least 18 months before entry) applies unless one of these exceptions does.
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| Group | Exempt from the wait? |
|---|---|
| Dependent minors or incapacitated members | Yes |
| A spouse or partner who is the parent or adoptive parent of a dependent minor or incapacitated person | Yes |
| Families of article 90 holders (highly qualified activity) | Yes |
| Families of article 90-A holders (Golden Visa) | Yes |
| Families of article 121-A holders (EU Blue Card) | Yes |
| Families of article 89 holders (StartUP Visa) | No |
Who counts as family
Providers usually list:
- Your spouse or registered partner
- Children under 18
- Adult children who are dependent on you, unmarried and studying
- Dependent parents
Portuguese law sets the exact definitions, and they can depend on your situation. Confirm each family member with your lawyer before you apply.
What family members cost
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| Cost | Typical amount | How sure we are |
|---|---|---|
| Provider fee per family member | €2,500 to €5,000 | Reported by providers |
| Government fees per person | Several hundred euros | Not confirmed (new fee table since March 2026) |
| Documents per person | Birth and marriage certificates, translations, apostilles | Varies |
Once the family permit is granted, family members must take Portuguese language and constitutional values training, and children must attend compulsory school. Renewal depends on it, with exceptions. This applies to article 90 families too. The practical details are set by a regulatory decree, which we have not yet seen in force.
AIMA must decide within 9 months. For article 90 families the law allows one extension of the same length, but only in exceptional circumstances linked to the complexity of the application, and AIMA must tell you. It is not automatic. We have no official data on how often AIMA uses it.
Living in Portugal as a family
Family members hold their own residence permits and can live, study and, in most cases, work in Portugal. The same absence limits apply to them. Children can attend Portuguese public schools or the many international schools around Lisbon, Cascais, Porto and the Algarve.
Family questions to ask a provider
Our free HQA due diligence checklist includes the family questions to ask before you pay.
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Download the checklistFrequently asked questions
Can my family come with me on the HQA visa?
Yes. Family members of article 90 permit holders are exempt from the 2-year waiting period introduced in October 2025.
Do I have to wait 2 years to bring my spouse?
Not if your permit is under article 90. The wait also does not apply to dependent minors or incapacitated members, to a spouse or partner who is the parent or adoptive parent of a dependent minor or incapacitated person, or to families of article 90, 90-A and 121-A holders. Other exceptional cases may have the wait waived or reduced by ministerial decision. The marriage or union must be valid and recognised, and both partners must be at least 18 when the application is made. Article 89 families are not in that list, so the 2-year wait (or 15 months for a spouse who lived with the holder for at least 18 months before entry) applies unless one of these exceptions does.
Can my parents come?
Dependent parents can usually be included. Confirm their case with a Portuguese lawyer, because the definitions are specific.
How much does it cost to add a family member?
Providers quote about €2,500 to €5,000 per person, plus government fees and document costs.
Do family members also get citizenship after 10 years?
Each person builds up their own legal residence. Most need 10 years, or 7 for EU nationals and nationals of countries where Portuguese is an official language.
The 10-year rule for each family member is explained in the citizenship guide.
Disclaimer
This page gives general information, not legal advice. Speak to a qualified Portuguese lawyer about your family's situation.