Family Reunification ( or D6 visa) is a right guaranteed to foreign citizens legally residing in Portugal, allowing their immediate family members to join them in the country. This process is regulated by Portuguese law and allows the family unit to be maintained within the national territory, based on legitimate ties of dependency and cohabitation.
🧾 Who can apply for the visa?
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Foreign citizens not belonging to the European Union, EEA or Switzerland ;
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Those who possess a valid residence permit in Portugal ;
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And who wish to bring immediate family members to live with them legally.
🗓️ Where and when to apply?
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The request can be made directly to AIMA if the family member is already in Portugal;
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Either at Portuguese consular posts or at VFS Global in the family member's country of origin, if the family member is still outside of Portugal.
📄 Required documentation
Personal documentation:
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Completed family reunification application form;
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Passport valid for more than three months after the expected return date;
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Two recent passport-sized photographs;
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Travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including emergency care and repatriation;
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Criminal record certificate from the country of origin or country of residence for more than one year;
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Application for consultation of the Portuguese criminal record by AIMA;
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Proof of accommodation in Portugal ;
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Proof of adequate means of subsistence .
Specific documentation for the family member:
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A duly authenticated marriage certificate (for spouse);
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Certified birth certificate (for minor children or dependent adult children);
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Document proving economic dependency and enrollment in an educational institution (for dependent adult children);
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Written authorization from the other parent, authenticated, or a court decision regarding custody/guardianship (for minor children);
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Proof of transfer of financial resources and dependency (for ascendants or other cases);
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A court decision granting guardianship or adoption, accompanied by legal recognition in Portugal;
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Documentation proving a de facto relationship for more than two years , when applicable.
👥 Who is entitled to family reunification?
According to articles 99 and 100 of the Immigration Law , the following family members of the resident are entitled to family reunification:
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Spouse;
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Minor or incapacitated children dependent on the couple or one of the spouses;
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Adopted children of the applicant, even if not married;
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Unmarried adult children who are dependents and studying in Portugal;
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Direct ascendants in the first degree of the resident or their spouse, provided they are dependent on them;
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Younger siblings under the legal guardianship of the resident;
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Partner in a proven de facto union and their unmarried minor or incapacitated children.
💶 Costs and fees
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AIMA fee: approximately €350 per person ;
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Consular fee/VFS (outside Portugal): approximately €110 per person;
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VFS service fee (if applicable);
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Values subject to monthly exchange rate fluctuations .
📆 Visa and residency validity
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The D6 visa has an initial validity of up to 4 months , during which time the family member must enter Portugal and apply for a residence permit;
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A residence permit is generally valid for 2 years and can be renewed.
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During the validity of the authorization, the holder may be absent from Portugal for up to 6 consecutive months or 8 non-consecutive months without losing their resident status.
✅ Tips for a smooth process
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Organize all the required documentation in advance;
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Keep certified translations and notarized signatures up to date;
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Consult a specialist to ensure your process is within legal parameters;
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Make sure the resident in Portugal has accommodation and income that is compatible with the number of family members to be reunited.
🏁 Conclusion
The Family Reunification process with a D6 Visa is essential to guarantee the right to family life in Portugal. Although it involves some bureaucratic steps, with planning, specialized support, and correct documentation , it is entirely feasible and rewarding.
If you wish to bring your family to Portugal, contact us and receive complete support at every stage of the process.
