Guide to Sponsoring Grandparents for Residency in Portugal
Portugal’s Golden Visa program offers a pathway to residency for non-EU nationals who make significant investments in the country. One of the eligible investment options is sponsoring grandparents for residency. This article provides an in-depth guide to the process, covering all necessary details.
Eligibility Criteria
To sponsor grandparents for residency in Portugal, the applicant must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be a Portuguese citizen or hold a valid Portuguese residence permit
- Be over 18 years of age
- Have sufficient financial means to support the grandparents
- Have a stable and adequate housing situation
- Not have a criminal record
Grandparents’ Eligibility
The grandparents being sponsored must also meet certain eligibility criteria:
- Be over 65 years of age
- Be the biological or adoptive grandparents of the applicant
- Be dependent on the applicant for financial and healthcare support
- Not have a criminal record
Application Process
The application process for sponsoring grandparents for residency in Portugal involves the following steps:
1. Gather Documents:
- Applicant’s Portuguese passport or residence permit
- Applicant’s proof of financial means (e.g., bank statements, employment contract)
- Applicant’s proof of stable housing (e.g., rental agreement, mortgage statement)
- Grandparents’ passports
- Grandparents’ birth certificates
- Grandparents’ proof of dependency (e.g., medical records, financial statements)
2. Submit Application:
- The applicant must submit the completed application form and supporting documents to the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF).
- The application can be submitted online or in person at a SEF office.
3. Interview:
- Once the application is submitted, the applicant and the grandparents may be called for an interview with SEF.
- The interview will assess the applicant’s financial means, housing situation, and relationship with the grandparents.
4. Decision:
- SEF will make a decision on the application within 60 days of the interview.
- If the application is approved, the grandparents will be granted residency visas.
Rights and Obligations
Rights:
- Grandparents granted residency visas will have the right to live and work in Portugal.
- They will also be entitled to healthcare, education, and other social benefits.
Obligations:
- The applicant is financially responsible for supporting the grandparents.
- The grandparents must maintain health insurance throughout their stay in Portugal.
- The grandparents must not engage in criminal activities.
Renewal of Residency
- Residency visas granted under the grandparents’ sponsorship scheme are valid for one year and can be renewed indefinitely.
- To renew the residency, the applicant must demonstrate that they continue to meet the eligibility criteria and provide financial support to the grandparents.
Costs
The costs associated with sponsoring grandparents for residency in Portugal include:
- Application fee: €533 per applicant
- Residency visa fee: €5,130 per applicant
- Legal fees: Approximately €1,000-€2,000
- Translation fees: Approximately €100 per document
- Health insurance: Approximately €200-€300 per year per grandparent
Conclusion
Sponsoring grandparents for residency in Portugal can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, applicants can ensure a smooth and successful application process. It is important to note that the eligibility criteria and application process may change over time, so it is advisable to consult the latest official sources for the most up-to-date information.