The residence permit granted for family reunification primarily aims to preserve family unity during the migration process, a crucial rule in many cases.

For minor children, spouses, and de facto partners, there is no doubt: they are always entitled to family reunification, provided that the family member holds a valid residence permit in Portuguese territory or is a registered European citizen residing in Portugal and is financially dependent on them.

Excluded from this rule are couples who have not formalised their union and adult children.

However, adult family members who are financially dependent on the family member holding a residence permit or a registered European citizen residing in Portugal may be eligible for reunification. Adult children have an additional requirement: they must be enrolled in an educational institution in Portugal.

Finally, in all cases, the financial dependency criterion also applies in its negative form: the family member responsible for the reunification must have sufficient financial resources to support not only themselves but also the entire family unit.