Bring Your Family to Join You
Family Reunification Visa Portugal (D6)
A Family Reunification Visa in Portugal lets legal residents bring their spouse, children, or other dependent family members to join them, often referred to in the market as the D6 visa. It isn't the same process as a foreign spouse of a Portuguese citizen, that route works differently. This is specifically about reuniting your family around your own residence status.
WHICH SITUATION IS YOURS
Two Routes for Family Reunification in Portugal — We Confirm Which One Applies
Your Family Member Is Still Abroad
Under Article 98(1) of Lei n.º 23/2007, if your family member is outside Portugal, they'll need to apply for a consular visa in their country of residence before travelling here.
Your Family Member Is Already in Portugal
Under Article 98(2), if your family member is already legally present in Portugal, the process runs differently, an application made directly with AIMA rather than starting at a consulate.
WHO QUALIFIES
Who Qualifies for a Dependent Visa in Portugal
Spouses and Unmarried Partners
Married spouses qualify, and so do unmarried partners in a de facto union, provided the relationship is properly documented and has lasted more than two years.
Minor and Dependent Children
Minor children qualify automatically. Unmarried adult children who are still studying and financially dependent may also qualify, depending on the sponsor's residence category.
Dependent Parents and Other Family Members
Direct-line first-degree ascendants (typically parents) qualify if they're financially dependent on the resident or their spouse. Minor siblings under the resident's legal guardianship can also qualify, provided that guardianship is recognised by Portugal.
REQUIREMENTS
Portugal Family Reunification Visa Requirements
01
Proof of Housing and Financial Means
You'll need to show adequate housing for your household (agregado familiar) and sufficient financial means to support the family members joining you.
02
Sponsor's Legal Residence in Portugal
As the sponsor, you generally need existing legal residence in Portugal before applying, though exceptions exist, for example for minor children joining a parent under certain visa categories. We check which rules apply to your specific status before filing anything.
DOCUMENTS
Documents for Family Reunification in Portugal
Certified Translation Requirements
Marriage and birth certificates, and any other documents issued abroad, need certified translation if they're not already in Portuguese. Portugal accepts translations from a Portuguese notary, a Portuguese consulate in the country where the document was issued, or that country's consulate in Portugal, not just any translator.
THE PROCESS
How the Process Works — From Sponsor to Consulate
01
Starting With AIMA in Portugal
The process starts with you, the resident in Portugal, submitting the request through AIMA. Only once that's underway can your family member abroad move forward on their end.
02
The Consular Step for Family Members Abroad
If your family member is outside Portugal, they'll apply for what's commonly known in the market as a D6 visa Portugal application, at the Portuguese consulate in their country of residence, once your side of the process is confirmed.
03
Why Most Applications Still Require an In-Person Appointment
AIMA has started opening a digital channel for some cases, currently limited to households with children between 5 and 15 years old applying under Article 98(2). Outside that specific situation, most applications still go through an in-person appointment. We won't tell you it's simpler online than it actually is for your case.
Not Sure Which Route Applies to Your Family?
GOOD TO KNOW
How Long Family Reunification Residence Permits Last
Once granted, a family member's residence permit generally matches the duration of the sponsor's own residence permit, typically valid for 2 years and renewable for successive 3-year periods, with eligibility for permanent residence down the line under the same rules that apply to the sponsor.
EU FAMILY
EU Family Visa Portugal — A Different Process
If your family member is joining an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen rather than a non-EU resident, the process runs under separate EU free movement rules, not the framework above. If this is your situation, let us know and we'll point you to the right process from the start.
WHY PONTE
Why Choose Ponte for Your Family Reunification Visa in Portugal
Legal Fees, Separate From Official State Fees
Our fee covers the legal work: preparing your case, structuring your documents, and representing you with AIMA. It's separate from the state's own application fee, which you pay directly to the authorities regardless of who handles your case. We keep the two clearly distinct in every quote.
24-Hour Quote Guarantee
Send us your situation and we'll come back with a clear quote within 24 business hours.
Free Exploratory Consultation
Not sure if your family member qualifies, or which of the two routes applies? Book a free consultation and we'll walk through it with you.
NEXT STEPS
Already Have a Visa? Reunite Your Family Next
If you already hold a visa, D7, D8, D2, or another route, family reunification is often the natural next step once you're settled. We handle it alongside your existing case, not as a separate process starting from scratch.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Family Reunification Visa in Portugal
How long does family reunification take in Portugal?
It depends on which of the two routes applies, whether your family member is still abroad or already in Portugal, and on AIMA's current appointment availability. We give you a realistic estimate based on your specific situation rather than a generic figure.
Does my partner need to be married to me to qualify?
No. An unmarried partner in a de facto union qualifies too, provided the relationship is properly documented and has lasted more than two years.
Can my parents join me in Portugal through family reunification?
Yes, if they're financially dependent on you or your spouse, direct-line parents generally qualify under Portugal's family reunification rules.
What's the difference between family reunification and other Portugal visas?
Family reunification isn't a standalone entry visa the way D7 or D8 are. It's built around an existing resident, you need legal residence in Portugal first, then your family joins you through this process.
Book Your Free Strategy Session for Your Family Reunification Case
Ready to bring your family to Portugal? Book a free Strategy Session and we'll confirm which route applies to your situation.