Residence card for a family member of an EU citizen in Portugal
The residence card for a non-EU family member is a separate route from the municipal CRUE certificate issued to eligible European citizens.
Who this route is for
AIMA identifies the residence card route for family members of EU, EEA, Andorran and Swiss nationals who are third-country nationals and stay in Portugal for more than three months and up to five years.
Typical family categories
AIMA lists categories such as spouse, descendants up to 21 years, dependent descendants over 21 and dependent ascendants. Each case depends on the family relationship and supporting documents.
Why CRUE and the family card connect
The EU citizen file and the non-EU family member file often connect. The EU citizen CRUE or residence document can be part of the documentary basis for the family member route.
This is beyond the standard CRUE package
Because this route involves AIMA, family documents and potential legal analysis, it is not included in 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.
Non-EU spouse of an EU citizen
Why a non-EU spouse does not use CRUE in the same way as the EU citizen.
Family members of EU citizens
Understand how family situations connect to the EU citizen's residence path in Portugal.
Children of EU citizens
See practical document considerations when children are part of the relocation.
Permanent residence card for family members
A longer-term residence card path for eligible family members after the first residence steps.
CRUE documents
See the main document categories people commonly prepare for CRUE in Portugal.
Contact us
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Legal Framework
- AIMA, Cartão de Residência para Familiares de Nacionais UE.
- Lei n.º 37/2006, de 9 de agosto, framework for EU citizens and family members.