AIMA Clarifies Document Requirements for Third-Country National EU Family Member Applications

Current rules

AIMA now clarifies that for third-country nationals applying as family members of EU nationals, marriage certificates must be issued six months ago or less from the date of the appointment, and be duly signed and stamped. Alternatively, a valid access code to the certificate should preferably be provided. For applications concerning minors, documents proving family relationship, legal representation, and, where applicable, the attribution and exercise of parental responsibilities are required. Specific examples include valid birth certificates (no expiry up to 16 years; 12-month validity from 16 years), documents of legal representation, and decisions from competent authorities in the country of origin regarding parental responsibilities. All required documents must be duly certified and legalised. Failure to provide essential or updated documents may lead to the application not being received.

Overview

The Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) in Portugal has issued new guidance detailing the documentation requirements for third-country nationals applying for residence permits as family members of EU citizens. This update clarifies the validity periods for marriage certificates and birth certificates for minors, emphasising that applications may be rejected if documents are not current or properly certified. These changes are effective immediately upon publication.

What changed in the latest version

This clarification from AIMA is very important for third-country nationals and their EU family members, as it precisely outlines the document requirements to avoid your application being rejected. You must make sure your marriage certificates are recent, sticking to the six-month validity period before your appointment, and that all documents, especially for children, are correctly certified and legalised. If you don't meet these specific document standards – for example, by providing an old marriage certificate or uncertified documents for a child – your application will not be accepted, which could delay or stop your residency in Portugal.

Explained simply

Imagine you're trying to prove you're part of a family so you can live in Portugal with a relative who's an EU citizen. AIMA, the agency that handles this, has just made it super clear what papers you need. If you're married, your marriage certificate can't be older than six months when you have your appointment, and it needs to be officially signed. If you're applying for a child, you need papers that show you're their parent or legal guardian, and if they're 16 or older, their birth certificate can't be more than a year old. Make sure all your documents are officially stamped and approved, or AIMA might not accept your application.

Frequently asked

Version history

1. v1Effective 14 Aug 2026PublishedMedium impact
   AIMA Clarifies Document Requirements for Third-Country National EU Family Member Applications

   The Portuguese Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) has published clarification on the required documents for third-country nationals applying as family members of EU nationals. The update, effective from 14 August 2026, reiterates that marriage certificates must be issued no more than six months prior to the appointment date and be duly signed and stamped, or alternatively, a valid access code should be provided. For applications concerning minors, documents proving family relationship, legal representation, and parental responsibilities are essential, with birth certificates for those aged 16 and over having a 12-month validity period. All documents must be certified and legalised.

Timeline

1. Announced

   14 Aug 2026

   The Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (AIMA) has published updated guidance detailing the documentation required for third-country nationals applying for residence as family members of European Union (EU) citizens. The guidance specifies requirements for marriage certificates, including their issuance date and certification, and for applications involving minors, outlining necessary pro