Portugal
Spain
Italy
Greece
Grenada
Portugal's D6 Family Reunion Visa is the standard route for non-EU nationals joining a legal Portuguese resident — spouse, child, or parent.
This guide covers eligibility, documentation, application steps, fees, and the path from D6 residence to permanent residency and citizenship under the 2026 framework.
D6 Family Reunion snapshot
- 🤝 The D6 Family Reunion Visa is a pathway for non-EU nationals to reunite with family members residing legally in Portugal, offering potential residency and access to employment, education, healthcare, and social services.
- 📋 Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria such as family relationships, financial stability, and documentation requirements, including legalizing and translating foreign documents into Portuguese.
- 🏅 Holders of the D6 Visa can seek permanent residency after five years, and Portuguese citizenship under the applicable timeline after the May 2026 Nationality Law reform and transitional rules, upon meeting language requirements (A2 Portuguese). Note: Portugal's revised Nationality Law was approved on April 1, 2026 and promulgated on May 3, 2026; confirm the Diário da República text and transitional rules before relying on a citizenship timeline.
What Is Portugal's D6 Family Reunion Visa?
Portugal's D6 Family Reunion Visa, also known as the Portuguese Family Visa, is a vital tool for non-EU nationals seeking to reunite with family members who are legal Portuguese residents.
The D6 is structured around the principle of family unity — keeping immediate family members in the same country with the same access to public services as the sponsor.
The D6 Visa is initially valid for up to two years and lets holders apply for a residence permit card, which extends the stay and unlocks access to key public services.
These include the right to work, pursue education, receive healthcare, and benefit from social security—privileges that mirror those available to Portuguese citizens.
Who Can Apply for the D6 Visa?
To apply for the D6 Family Reunion Visa, eligibility is primarily reserved for non-EU nationals who are immediate family members of legal Portuguese residents. This includes:
- Spouses
- Dependent children
- Dependent parents
Sponsor Requirements and Responsibilities
The sponsor must meet specific criteria to support their family member's visa application:
- Providing evidence of suitable accommodation in Portugal
- Presenting a recent bank statement from a Portuguese bank demonstrating financial stability (typically based on Portugal's minimum wage of €920/month for 2026, plus additional amounts for dependents)
What Documents Do You Need for the D6 Visa?
To apply for the D6 Family Reunion Visa, you need to gather the following documents:
- Valid Passport: A passport with validity extending beyond your intended stay in Portugal
- Certified Copy of Passport: A notarized copy of your passport
- Proof of Family Ties: Birth certificate, marriage certificate, or adoption papers
- Criminal Record Check: Clean criminal record certificate from your country of origin and any country where you resided for over a year
- Proof of Accommodation: Documentation showing you have a place to stay in Portugal
- Financial Proof: Evidence of sufficient financial resources (bank statement from a Portuguese bank)
How to Legalize and Translate Documents
Documents issued outside of Portugal must be legalized and translated into Portuguese:
- Legalisation: Foreign-issued documents must be legalised through the appropriate process (apostille for Hague Convention countries)
- Certified Translation: Have each document translated into Portuguese by a certified translator
- Notarization: Have translated documents notarized for legal recognition in Portugal
How Do You Apply for the D6 Visa?
The D6 Visa application journey involves these key steps:
Step 1: AIMA Review
AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) reviews your application and issues a formal statement enabling you to apply for the visa from outside Portugal. Schedule an appointment through their pre-booking system online or by telephone.
Step 2: Consular Submission
Present these documents at your local Portuguese consulate:
- Certified copy of your passport
- Previous passport (if applicable)
- Valid travel insurance
- Criminal records check for all countries where you resided for over a year
- Evidence of family connections and entitlement to family reunification
Step 3: Register in Portugal
Upon arrival in Portugal, apply for a residence permit at AIMA. Required documents include:
- Valid passport and two recent identity photos
- Proof of accommodation and health insurance
- Original police clearance certificate
- Bank statement and bank reference
- Documents proving family bonds
- Receipt of payment of fees
How Long Does the D6 Visa Take and What Does It Cost?
Understanding the timeline and costs helps you plan effectively:
Processing Time
- Standard processing: 60 days
- If exceeds 6 months: Application automatically deemed valid
Fees
- Visa application fee: €90
- Residence permit registration: €85
- Immigration professional assistance: From €1,500 (optional)
What Rights Do D6 Visa Holders Have in Portugal?
D6 Visa holders enjoy significant rights in Portugal:
Employment and Education
- Right to work with equivalent benefits to Portuguese citizens
- Access to social security and tax benefits
- Ability to start your own business
- Access to higher education, exchange programs, and professional internships
Healthcare
- Access to Portugal's public healthcare system (SNS) after obtaining an SNS user number
- Access to private healthcare with valid insurance
How Do You Get Permanent Residency and Citizenship?
The D6 Visa opens a pathway to long-term settlement:
Permanent Residency
- Timeline: After 5 years of continuous legal residence
- Language requirement: A2 Portuguese proficiency
Portuguese Citizenship
- Current timeline: Subject to the May 2026 Nationality Law reform and transitional rules
- Requirements: A2 Portuguese proficiency + basic civics test
- Dual citizenship: Permitted — you can retain your original nationality
Note on citizenship timeline: Portugal's revised Nationality Law was approved by Parliament on April 1, 2026 and promulgated by the President on May 3, 2026. Standard naturalisation moves to 10 years for most non-EU/non-CPLP nationals and 7 years for EU/CPLP nationals. Confirm the published Diário da República text, entry-into-force wording, and transitional rules before relying on a specific filing date.
How Do You Renew the D6 Visa?
The D6 Visa requires periodic renewal:
- First renewal: After 2 years
- Subsequent renewals: Every 3 years
- Fee: €90
- Processing time: 60 days
- Submit to: AIMA (aima.gov.pt)
Documents for Renewal
- Two identical passport photographs
- Copy of previous passport (if applicable)
- Valid travel insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the D6 visa for family reunification in Portugal?
The D6 visa allows non-EU nationals to join family members (spouses, dependent children, dependent parents) who are legal residents of Portugal. It provides a pathway to residency, work rights, and eventual citizenship.
What is the difference between a D6 and a D7 visa in Portugal?
The D7 visa is for individuals with passive income (pensions, investments, rental income) who want to relocate to Portugal independently. Family members can be included on a D7 application. The D6 is specifically for joining an existing family member who is already a legal resident in Portugal.
How long does it take to get a family reunification visa in Portugal?
The D6 visa typically takes 60 days to process. Some applications may require an additional 60 days for review. If processing exceeds 6 months, the application is automatically deemed approved.
Who is eligible to apply for the D6 Visa?
Immediate family members of legal Portuguese residents are eligible: spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents. The sponsor in Portugal must demonstrate adequate accommodation and financial resources.
What are the rights of D6 Visa holders in Portugal?
D6 Visa holders can work, pursue education, access public healthcare (SNS), and benefit from social security. After 5 years, they can apply for permanent residency and citizenship.
How much does the D6 visa cost?
The visa application fee is €90. Additional costs include the residence permit registration (€85) and optional immigration professional assistance (from €1,500).
Sources
- AIMA - Autorização de Residência
- Portuguese Consular Services - National Visas
- Lei n.º 23/2007 (Immigration Law)
- Lei n.º 18/2023 (AIMA establishment)
Last verified: May 2026
About Movingto
Movingto is an immigration platform specialising in residency and citizenship by investment. We help individuals and families secure European residency through Portugal's Golden Visa, D7 Passive Income Visa, and citizenship pathways.
Why Choose Movingto?
- Golden Visa Experts: Deep expertise in Portugal's investment fund route, with verified fund partners and end-to-end application support.
- Personalized Guidance: Every client's situation is different. We tailor our advice to your goals, timeline, and family circumstances.
- Full-Service Support: Beyond immigration, we assist with tax planning, fund selection, document preparation, and relocation logistics.
- Transparent Pricing: Clear fees upfront — no hidden costs or surprises.
- Responsive Team: Fast, attentive communication throughout your journey.
Whether you're an investor seeking EU residency, a retiree planning your move, or a family building a new life in Europe, Movingto is here to guide you every step of the way.
