Quick answer: The residence card for family members of EU nationals formalises the right of residence in Portugal when a third-country family member stays more than three months and up to five years. Book an AIMA Store appointment through the Contact Form under “Cartão de Residente da União Europeia (CRUE)”.
Who may apply, when to apply, documents and timelines — based on AIMA’s public information
Scope of this guide
This guide provides general information on the residence card for family members of European Union nationals who are third-country nationals. Specific requirements depend on the family relationship, the applicant’s situation and the documents available. Confirm the current rules on AIMA’s page before acting.
Key takeaways
- What it is: a residence card for stays of more than three months and up to five years.
- Where: AIMA Stores, by prior appointment.
- How to book: AIMA Contact Form, subject “Cartão de Residente da União Europeia (CRUE)”.
- Not the same as: the permanent residence card after five years, which follows a separate procedure.
Who may apply
According to AIMA information checked on 31 July 2026, the following persons may be covered, in particular:
- The spouse of the European Union national;
- Descendants up to the age of 21;
- Descendants over 21 who are dependent on the right holder;
- Ascendants who are dependent on the right holder.
Whether someone qualifies as a family member, and any proof of financial dependency where applicable, must be assessed against the individual situation and the supporting documents. This means eligibility is not automatic from the relationship label alone.
When to apply
AIMA indicates that the card should be requested when a third-country family member stays in Portugal for more than three months. The application should be submitted within 30 days after those three months of stay have elapsed.
Where a previous residence card was issued with a validity of less than five years, the application should be considered before that document expires, according to AIMA’s guidance.
Where to submit the application
Attendance takes place at AIMA Stores, by prior appointment. Register in advance through the AIMA Contact Form, selecting the subject “Cartão de Residente da União Europeia (CRUE)” (EU Residence Card).
If the third-country family member is still outside Portugal, they should confirm in advance with the competent Portuguese consular post or mission whether an entry visa is required and which requirements apply before travel.
Residence card vs permanent card
| Feature | Residence card (this guide) | Permanent residence card |
|---|---|---|
| Typical stay covered | More than 3 months and up to 5 years | From 5 years onwards |
| Procedure | AIMA Stores, appointment via Contact Form (CRUE subject) | Separate AIMA procedure |
| Same document? | No | No — different track |
Because these are distinct procedures, do not assume that documents or timelines for the five-year card also apply to the permanent card.
Documents generally indicated by AIMA
Documentation varies according to the family relationship and the applicant’s situation. AIMA’s page indicates, among other elements:
- Identification document of the person whom the applicant is accompanying or joining;
- Valid passport of the third-country family member;
- Photocopy of the passport pages showing travel movements;
- Proof that the family member is dependent, when applicable;
- Statement of responsibility signed by the European Union national.
Additional documents may be required depending on the relationship, including birth or marriage certificates, proof of de facto union, school enrolment and documents demonstrating dependency.
Confirm the up-to-date list
AIMA may require additional documents depending on the family relationship and the individual case. The official list and the applicable application form should be confirmed before booking an appointment and submitting the request.
Timeline, fees and decision
AIMA indicates a three-month period after the application. Fees and other charges should be checked in the official fee schedule applicable to the procedure, as they may be updated.
The outcome depends on verification of the requirements and documents by the competent authorities. Filing an application does not guarantee a result or a timeline different from that indicated by the Administration.
Permanent card after five years
The residence card covered by this guide relates to stays of up to five years. For stays of five years or more, AIMA provides a separate procedure for the permanent residence card for family members of EU nationals.
Official information
Consult AIMA’s page on the residence card for family members of EU nationals before starting the procedure. Source checked on 31 July 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Does a family member of an EU national need a residence card?
When a third-country family member stays in Portugal for more than three months and up to five years, AIMA’s residence-card procedure for family members of EU nationals is the route to review. Exact duties depend on the case, so confirm the current position with AIMA before relying on this summary.Where is the card requested?
The application is submitted at AIMA Stores, with a prior appointment booked through the Contact Form, selecting the subject relating to the EU Residence Card (CRUE). If you are still outside Portugal, check visa and entry requirements with the competent Portuguese consulate first.What documents are required?
It depends on the family relationship and the individual situation. AIMA indicates identification documents, passport, proof of the family link and, where applicable, proof of dependency. Always confirm the current official list before booking.Is this the same as the permanent card?
No. This guide covers the residence card for stays of up to five years. The permanent residence card for family members of EU nationals follows a separate procedure and should not be treated as the same application.This content is general legal information, based on AIMA’s public information checked on 31 July 2026, and does not replace an individual assessment of your case.