Permanent residence card for family members of EU citizens
After five consecutive years of legal residence in Portugal, family members of EU citizens may need to move from the first residence card to permanent residence documentation.
Five years applies to family members too
Lei n.º 37/2006, Artigo 10.º, refers to the right of permanent residence for EU citizens after five consecutive years of legal residence and also to third-country family members who have resided legally with the EU citizen in Portugal for five consecutive years.
AIMA route for family members
AIMA describes a permanent residence card route for third-country family members of EU nationals who hold a residence card and have lived legally in Portugal for five consecutive years.
The family link may still matter
AIMA information refers to proof that the family link remains or remained for the relevant period, depending on the case.
Separate from standard CRUE
This is a post-CRUE and family residence matter. It is not part of the 500 EUR CRUE Assistance package.
Need help beyond CRUE?
If your situation involves family members, non-EU relatives, residence cards, permanent residence, citizenship planning or other Portuguese documents, contact us and we will suggest the right next step.
Related family and residence guides
Family situations can connect CRUE to other residence documents. These guides help you understand which path may apply before you send a question.
Residence card for family member of an EU citizen
A related path for non-EU family members of EU citizens in Portugal.
Family members of EU citizens
Understand how family situations connect to the EU citizen's residence path in Portugal.
Permanent residence after CRUE
See how longer-term residence questions can follow after the first registration steps.
Portuguese citizenship after 7 years
A longer-term citizenship planning topic, separate from CRUE itself.
Contact us
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Legal Framework
- AIMA, Cartão de Residência Permanente para Familiares de Nacionais da UE.
- Lei n.º 37/2006, de 9 de agosto, Artigo 10.º, permanent residence after five consecutive years of legal residence.