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When you move to Portugal with a residency visa such as the D7, D8, or any other long-term permit, one of the biggest priorities is often bringing your loved ones to join you. That’s exactly what the D6 Family Reunification Visa is designed for.
This visa allows spouses, children, and other dependent relatives to legally reunite with a resident already living in Portugal. Whether you arrived as a passive income holder, a remote worker, or under another residency category, the D6 makes it possible for your family to share the same rights, stability, and lifestyle.
📣 Portugal Immigration Law Update 2025
On October 16, 2025, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa ratified Parliament’s September 30 amendments, introducing new rules for family reunification. Under the updated law, dependent family members applying from within Portugal can only request reunification after the main applicant has completed two years of legal residence.
Couples who have been together for at least 18 months must show 15 months of legal residence, and AIMA now has up to nine months to issue a decision.
However, families with minor children, as well as holders of the Portugal D3 Highly Qualified Activity Visa or the Portugal Golden Visa, may still reunite immediately, without the two-year wait.
What is the D6 Family Reunification Visa Portugal?
The D6 Family Reunification Visa is Portugal’s visa designed to allow close family members to join someone who already has legal residency in the country.
If you hold a long-term residency visa or permit—such as the D7, D8, D3, Golden Visa, or any other Portuguese residence permit—your eligible family members can apply for the D6 to live with you in Portugal.
It covers spouses or partners, minor children, dependent adult children, and in some cases dependent parents. Once approved, family members receive a residence permit that offers the same rights as the main applicant, including the ability to live, study, and work in Portugal.
Who Can Apply for the D6 Visa in Portugal?
Under the Portugal Family Reunion Visa you are entitle to bring your family members who are already in Portugal or who will join you in Portugal. The following is the list of family members that may qualify for family reunification:
- Your spouse or partner.
- Your children under 18 years of age or incapacitated children of the couple or of one of their spouses/partners.
- Children over 18 years of age who are dependent on you or your spouse which means that they are single and studying.
- Your parents or your spouse/partner’s parents if they are dependent on you.
- You minor siblings.
Benefits of the D6 Family Reunion Visa
Family members of the main resident in Portugal typically enjoy access to many of the same rights and privileges as the primary visa holder. This inclusivity extends to several crucial aspects of life in Portugal, ensuring their integration and well-being in the country.
Healthcare Access: Family members are generally entitled to access healthcare services in Portugal, provided they obtain a “numero utente” or a user number.
Right to Work and Study: Portugal acknowledges the importance of family unity and integration. Therefore, family members typically have the right to work and study within the country.
Schengen Area Travel: As Portugal is a member of the Schengen Area, family members can leverage this status for convenient travel within the Schengen Zone.
Pathway to Permanent Residency: Time spent in Portugal under family reunification counts toward long-term residency. After meeting the legal residence requirements, family members may apply for permanent residency under the same conditions as the main applicant.
Portugal D6 Visa Requirements
To apply for family reunification in Portugal, the family member (host) already residing in the country must meet several requirements that will be assessed by the Portuguese immigration authority (AIMA).
- The host must hold a valid Portuguese residence permit or Portuguese citizenship.
- The host must show sufficient financial means: at least €870/month, plus 50% more (€435) for another adult and 30% of the minimum wage for each dependent child.
- Proof of suitable accommodation, such as a rental contract, property deed, or housing declaration.
- Clear evidence of the family relationship, including marriage certificates, birth certificates, or guardianship documents.
- Children over 18 must be enrolled in higher education in Portugal and remain financially dependent on the sponsor.
- Health insurance policy: Applicants must have valid private health insurance for the application stage. Once their residence permit is issued, they will be covered by Portugal’s public healthcare system.
D6 Visa Application Process
Applying for the Family Reunification Visa
Family Member Already in Portugal
If the family member is already in Portugal with legal entry, they can submit the family reunification application directly to AIMA (The Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum), either independently or through a legal representative. It’s essential to provide proof of lawful entry and confirm that all immigration rules were respected.
Family Member Outside Portugal
If the family member is living abroad, they must apply for the D6 Visa at the Portuguese Consulate or VFS office in their jurisdiction. AIMA will review the initial request within 60 days. Once approved, AIMA notifies the consulate, allowing the applicant to obtain the D6 Visa and enter Portugal legally.
After arriving in Portugal with the D6 Visa, the family member must visit AIMA to complete their residency registration and receive their long-term residence permit.
Cost of Portugal D6 Visa
The Portugal D6 Visa fee is €90. It’s worth noting that when it comes to children, the process is free of charge. However, it’s important to aware that there could be additional fees associated with other services, such as document translation, which may apply depending on your specific requirements.
Portugal D6 Visa Processing Time
When the application is submitted—either in Portugal or through a consulate abroad—AIMA generally takes up to 60 days to review and issue a decision on the family reunification request.
Portugal D6 Visa Required Documents
To apply for the Family Reunion Visa, you’ll need to provide:
- A valid passport
- Two matching passport-size photos
- Current travel insurance
- A form allowing AIMA to check your Portuguese criminal record
- A police clearance certificate from your home country and any country where you’ve lived for more than a year
- Documents proving the family relationship, such as a birth certificate, adoption papers, or a marriage certificate
D6 Family Reunification Visa Validity
Under the D6 Family Reunification Visa, the validity of the residence permit issued to family members depends directly on the host’s status in Portugal. If the host holds a temporary visa or temporary residence permit, the reunited family members will receive a residence permit valid for the same duration.
When the host has permanent residency, family members are granted a two-year residence permit. After completing this initial period, and as long as the family relationship remains legally valid, they can apply for an independent residence permit, allowing them to continue living in Portugal on their own status.
D6 Visa for Non-Married Couples
In Portugal, the family reunification visa also applies to non-married couples, not just legally married spouses. To qualify, the couple must have lived together in a relationship similar to marriage for at least two continuous years, regardless of sexual orientation.
To prove this, applicants must present documentation confirming the relationship and shared residence, such as:
- Birth certificates of both partners
- Evidence of two years of cohabitation issued by the local parish council
- Joint tax declarations
- Life insurance naming the partner
- Utility bills or other documents showing the same address
Getting Portuguese Citizenship Through the D6 Family Reunification Visa
Family members who move to Portugal under the D6 Family Reunification Visa can eventually apply for Portuguese citizenship, as long as they meet the standard legal requirements. Time spent in Portugal under the D6 residence permit counts toward the five-year residency period needed for naturalization.
During these five years, applicants must maintain a valid residence permit, keep their family relationship with the host legally recognized, and meet Portugal’s general citizenship criteria, such as demonstrating basic knowledge of the Portuguese language.
After completing the required residency period, D6 holders may apply for permanent residency or citizenship, gaining full rights in Portugal and the European Union.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the D6 Family Reunification Visa in Portugal?
The D6 Visa is the permit that allows close family members to join someone who already has legal residency in Portugal, including spouses, partners, children, and dependent parents.
Who qualifies for the D6 Family Reunion Visa?
Eligible applicants include spouses or partners, minor children, dependent adult children in education, dependent parents, and in some cases minor siblings.
Can I apply for family reunification if my family is already in Portugal?
Yes. If your family members entered Portugal legally, they can apply directly through AIMA without needing to leave the country.
What documents are required for the D6 Visa?
You’ll generally need passports, photos, travel insurance, police clearances, proof of family ties, financial proof from the host, and evidence of accommodation.
How much income do I need to sponsor family reunification in Portugal?
You must show at least €870/month, plus 50% of that amount for each additional adult and 30% for each dependent child.
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How long does the D6 Visa take to process?
AIMA usually takes up to 60 days to make a decision on family reunification applications, whether they are submitted in Portugal or at a consulate abroad.
Are there new rules for Portugal’s family reunification in 2025?
Yes. Most applicants now need two years of legal residence before requesting reunification from inside Portugal, except families with minor children, D3 holders, and Golden Visa residents.
Can unmarried couples apply for the D6 Family Reunion Visa?
They can, as long as they prove at least two years of cohabitation with documents such as joint bills, tax filings, or official declarations.
Do family members have the right to work and study in Portugal?
Yes. D6 holders receive the same rights as the main resident, including access to work, education, healthcare, and Schengen travel.
Does time spent on the D6 Visa count toward Portuguese citizenship?
Absolutely. All years lived in Portugal under the D6 Visa count toward the five-year residency requirement for permanent residency or citizenship.
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