The Reagrupamento Familiar (or D6 visa) is a right granted 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 aims to preserve family unity on national territory, based on legitimate ties of dependency and cohabitation.
🧾 Who Can Apply for the Visa?
Foreign nationals who are not citizens of the European Union, EEA, or Switzerland;;
Who hold a valid residence permit in Portugal;;
And who wish to bring their immediate family members to legally live with them.
🗓️ Where and When to Apply?
The request can be made directly with AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum), if the family member is already in Portugal;
Or at Portuguese consular posts or VFS Global in the family member’s country of origin, if they are still abroad.
📄 Required Documentation
Personal Documentation:
Completed family reunification application form;
Passport valid for more than three months beyond the expected return date;
Two recent passport-sized photos;
Travel insurance covering medical expenses, including emergency assistance and repatriation;
Criminal record certificate from the country of origin or where the applicant has lived for more than one year;
Request for consultation of the Portuguese criminal record by AIMA;
Proof of accommodation conditions in Portugal;;
Proof of sufficient financial means.
Specific Documentation for the Family Member:
Authenticated marriage certificate (for spouse);
Authenticated birth certificate (for minor children or dependent adult children);
Document proving economic dependence and enrollment in an educational institution (for adult dependent children);
Authenticated written authorization from the other parent, or a court decision regarding custody/guardianship (for minors);
Evidence of financial support and dependency (for ascendants or other cases);
Court decision on guardianship or adoption, with legal recognition in Portugal;
Documentation proving Documentation proving a de facto union lasting over two years, when applicable.
👥 Who Is Entitled to Family Reunification?
According to Articles 99 and 100 of the Portuguese Immigration Law, the following family members are eligible:
Spouse;
Minor or incapacitated children dependent on the couple or one of the spouses;
Adopted children of the applicant, even if not married;
Adult unmarried dependent children studying in Portugal;
Direct ascendants (parents) of the resident or their spouse, if dependent;
Minor siblings under the legal custody of the resident;
Partner in a proven de facto union and their minor or incapacitated unmarried children.
💶 Fees and Charges
AIMA fee: approximately €350 per person;;
Consular/VFS fee (if outside Portugal): approximately €110 per person;
VFS service fee (if applicable);
Values are subject to monthly exchange rate fluctuations..
📆 Visa and Residency Validity
The D6 visa is initially valid for up to 4 months, during which time the family member must enter Portugal and apply for a residence permit;
The residence permit is typically valid for 2 yearsrenewable;
During its validity, the holder may be absent from Portugal for up to 6 consecutive months or 8 non-consecutive months without losing resident status.
✅ Tips for a Smooth Process
Prepare all required documentation in advance;
Keep certified translations and notarized documents up to date;
Consult a legal or migration professional to ensure your process complies with the law;
Make sure the resident in Portugal has suitable accommodation and income to support the number of family members being reunited.
🏁 Conclusion
The process of Family Reunification with the D6 Visa is vital for safeguarding the right to family life in Portugal. Though it involves some bureaucratic steps, with planning, professional support, and the right documentation, it is entirely achievable and rewarding.
If you wish to bring your family to Portugal, contact us for complete support in every phase of the process.