Can I work while waiting for my AIMA appointment (Article 15 - Spouse of PT citizen)?
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some clarity on the right to work in Portugal while waiting for residency.
I am married to a Portuguese citizen.
• I currently hold a German Blue Card, it will expire this august.
• We are living in Portugal, and I have already initiated the residency process under Article 15.
• My AIMA appointment is scheduled for October 2026.
My question is: Do I have the legal right to start working before my appointment in October? I’ve heard that family members of PT citizens have the right to work from the moment they are in the country, but I’m not sure how to prove this to potential employers or if I can get a NISS (Social Security number) without the physical residency card.
Has anyone been in a similar situation? How did you handle the NISS application and what did you show your employer as proof of work authorization?
Thanks in advance for the help!