Bringing Your Family to Angola (2025)
How family reunification works, documents, timelines, and practical steps to settle together.
Overview & quick links
Spouse, children or dependants joining you in Angola? Start here.
Who can apply?
- Spouse/partner of a lawful resident or work-visa holder.
- Minor children (commonly under 18).
- Other dependants if justified (e.g., elderly parents, guardianship cases).
Documents checklist
- Valid passports & passport photos (per consulate specs).
- Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates, guardianship papers).
- Legalisation/apostille of family documents as required by your consulate.
- Proof of sponsor’s status in Angola (visa/residence permit copy, employment contract).
- Medical certificate(s) and police/criminal-record certificates as per consulate rules.
- Accommodation proof in Angola (rental agreement, or housing provided by employer).
Tip: bring originals plus certified translations if documents are not in Portuguese.
Step-by-step application
- Confirm eligibility and collect relationship documents.
- Get legalisation/apostille and translations (if needed).
- Compile the file (sponsor docs + family docs + medical/police checks).
- Apply at the Angolan consulate competent for your country of residence; pay fees.
- Await decision (processing can take several weeks; respond quickly to extra requests).
- Travel & register within the timeframe indicated once permits/visas are issued.
After arrival in Angola
- Register dependants with the immigration authority within the timeframe indicated on the visa/entry stamp or by your consulate.
- Carry copies of each family member’s permit together with the sponsor’s documents.
- Keep medical and vaccination records updated.
Practical tips
- Plan extra time for translations & legalisation — this often causes delays.
- Ensure the sponsor’s visa/residence is valid and up to date before filing for family members.
- Bring multiple certified copies of marriage/birth/guardianship certificates.
Family reunification — FAQs
Can my family apply inside Angola?
Applications are typically lodged at the Angolan embassy/consulate competent for your country of residence. In-country filings may exist only for specific categories/conditions — confirm with the authority that applies to your case.
How long is the family permit valid?
Validity is often aligned with the sponsor’s permit, but it can vary by case and consulate; confirm on issuance and at renewal time.
Do children need school documents?
Yes, if enrolling in Angola. Bring transcripts, vaccination records, and translations where required.
Information is general guidance only — always confirm with the Angolan embassy/consulate or the immigration authority. Rules and processing requirements can change.