Portugal Family Reunification Visa (D6)
The Portugal Family Reunification Visa, commonly known as the D6 visa, allows family members of a foreign national legally residing in Portugal to join them and obtain their own residence permit. The process is initiated in Portugal by the resident (the sponsor), who must first request authorisation from AIMA — the Agency for Integration, Migrations and Asylum — on behalf of the relatives abroad. Only once AIMA issues a favourable decision can the family member apply for the D6 residence visa at the Portuguese consulate in their country of residence. Following the reform introduced by Law No. 61/2025, which entered into force on 23 October 2025, the process has become more document-intensive at the AIMA stage, and third-country national sponsors must generally hold a valid Portuguese residence permit for a defined minimum period before applying. As with every Portugal Visa category, the final decision on approval rests solely with AIMA, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the competent consular post.
Eligibility
You may apply for a Portugal Family Reunification Visa if you are one of the following recognised family members of a foreign national legally residing in Portugal:
- Spouse or legally recognised partner (including registered de facto partnerships, subject to additional evidentiary requirements).
- Minor children, including adopted minors, where the adoption is recognised under Portuguese law.
- Non-minor children who are single, financially dependent, and studying at a Portuguese educational institution (in specific circumstances, including under Article 90-A / Golden Visa holders).
- First-degree lineal ascendants (parents) who are dependent on the resident or their spouse.
- Minor siblings under the resident’s legal guardianship, where recognised by the relevant authority in the country of origin.
The sponsor must hold a valid Portuguese residence permit and generally must have held it for a minimum period set by current law before applying, must demonstrate stable income at or above the national minimum wage (adjusted upward for each additional family member), and must provide adequate housing for the enlarged household.
Government Visa Fees
| Category | Fee |
| D6 visa application (spouse or ascendants) | €90 per applicant |
| D6 visa (descendants of residence permit holders) | Exempt from the visa application fee |
| Residence permit issuance in Portugal (after arrival) | Approximately €85 |
| Refugees / beneficiaries of international protection | Exempt from fees when filed through AIMA’s asylum unit |
| Family reunification under Golden Visa (Article 90-A) | Substantially higher AIMA fees per family member — confirm current amounts with AIMA |
An additional service fee (around €33) may apply at some consulates or visa application centres. All fees are non-refundable, regardless of the outcome.
Family Reunification Visa (D6) Processing Time
The AIMA authorisation stage — where the sponsor’s request on behalf of family members abroad is reviewed — has a binding legal deadline of 9 months, which can be extended to 18 months in complex cases. Once AIMA issues a favourable decision, the consulate typically processes the D6 visa application within a further 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the consulate’s workload. After entering Portugal on the D6 visa, the family member must complete an appointment with AIMA to finalise their residence permit, which can take additional weeks depending on appointment availability. Given these combined stages, the overall process can take anywhere from several months to about a year.
Required Documents Checklist
Requirements are streamlined given the visa’s narrow, short-stay purpose, but confirmed onward flight details are essential.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Important Notes
Why Choose Shivansh Consultants
Applying for a Portugal Family Reunification Visa requires accurate documentation, proof of family relationship, and compliance with the immigration requirements prescribed by the Portuguese authorities. At Shivansh Consultants, we provide personalized guidance and end-to-end support, assisting you with visa application forms, relationship documents, sponsor documentation, financial evidence, accommodation details, and all required supporting paperwork. Our experienced consultants carefully review your application to help minimize errors and delays while ensuring your documentation is complete and meets the applicable visa requirements. We are committed to delivering transparent, reliable, and client-focused assistance throughout your Portugal Family Reunification Visa application process. While the final decision on visa approval rests solely with the Portuguese immigration authorities, our goal is to help you submit a complete, accurate, and well-prepared Family Reunification Visa application with confidence.