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Family Reunification

Portugal Family Reunion Visa Services

Full legal coordination from AIMA sponsor filing to family member residence permit. Handled by licensed Portuguese immigration lawyers who navigate the updated reunification framework.

For Portuguese residents sponsoring spouses, children, parents, or other dependent family members to join them in Portugal.

2,500+

Successful applications across all programs

98%

Approval rate across all visa programs

3-6 mo

Typical reunification timeline

Spouse & partner -- married couples, civil partnerships, and recognised de facto unions

Children & dependants -- minors, adopted children, and dependent adult children in education

Parents & guardianship -- dependent parents and minor siblings under your care

Licensed lawyers registered with the Portuguese Bar Association

About the D6

Portugal's Residence Visa for Family Members

The D6 visa -- Portugal's Family Reunification Visa -- allows non-EU family members of legal Portuguese residents to join them and obtain their own residence permits. Governed by Article 98 of Portugal's Immigration Law, the process is initiated by the resident sponsor through AIMA.

Family members receive a residence permit matching the sponsor's duration. After two years, they may apply for independent residence. After five years of legal residence, they may be eligible for permanent residency or citizenship.

Last updated: February 2026

Read our full family reunification guide

Eligible Family Members

Spouses and recognised partners (including de facto unions), minor children, adopted children, dependent adult children in education, dependent parents, and minor siblings under the sponsor's guardianship.

De facto partnerships require proof of cohabitation for at least 2 years.

Sponsor Requirements

The sponsor must hold a valid Portuguese residence permit (temporary or permanent) and demonstrate sufficient income and adequate accommodation for all arriving family members. Income baseline is Portugal's minimum wage, with additional requirements per dependant.

2025 Law Changes

Under Lei n.º 61/2025, dependent family members must generally wait 2 years after the sponsor's residency is granted before in-country reunification. Exceptions apply for minor children and Golden Visa / D3 holders. We advise on your specific eligibility.

Rights on Arrival

Family members receive equal rights to Portuguese nationals regarding employment, education, healthcare, and social security. After 2 years, they may apply for an independent permit. After 5 years, permanent residency or citizenship becomes possible.

Why MovingTo

Licensed Lawyers, Not Consultants

Your family reunification case is handled by lawyers registered with the Portuguese Bar Association who manage both the sponsor filing and the family member's visa application directly.

Licensed Legal Team

Registered with the Portuguese Bar Association. Your lawyer manages the full process from AIMA sponsor filing through to family member residence permit issuance. Direct accountability, no handoffs.

Updated Framework Expertise

The 2025 reunification law changes introduced new waiting periods and compliance requirements. We navigate the updated rules -- including exceptions for minor children and specific visa categories -- so your application is structured correctly from the start.

Multi-Market Experience

Over 2,500 successful immigration applications across Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece. We understand how AIMA processes reunification requests and how consulates evaluate D6 applications in practice.

Service Scope

What We Handle, What We Don't

We Handle

  • Initial eligibility review for sponsor and family members
  • Assessment of waiting period requirements and exceptions
  • AIMA reunification request filing on behalf of the sponsor
  • Relationship documentation (marriage, birth, adoption, guardianship)
  • Income and accommodation proof structuring
  • Apostilles, legalisations, and sworn translations
  • Consulate D6 visa application for family members abroad
  • AIMA residence permit registration after family member's arrival
  • Independent permit applications after 2 years of residence
  • AIMA correspondence and follow-up throughout the process

We Don't

  • Guarantee visa approvals -- decisions rest with Portuguese authorities
  • Source or arrange accommodation for arriving family members
  • Provide tax advisory services unless separately contracted
  • Process the sponsor's initial residence visa (D7, D2, Golden Visa, etc.)
  • Provide family law advice (divorce, custody disputes, adoption proceedings)

From Enquiry to Family Residence Permit

Typical timeline: 3 to 6 months

01

Eligibility Review

Free consultation to assess the sponsor's residency status, waiting period eligibility, qualifying family relationships, and financial and accommodation requirements. We confirm whether you can proceed immediately or advise on timing.

02

AIMA Sponsor Filing

We file the reunification request with AIMA on behalf of the sponsor, compiling income proof, accommodation documentation, relationship certificates, and all supporting evidence. AIMA reviews and issues a decision within approximately 60 days.

03

Consulate D6 Application

Once AIMA approves the reunification, the family member applies for a D6 visa at their nearest Portuguese consulate. We prepare the complete dossier and guide them through the appointment. Consulate processing typically takes 2 to 8 weeks.

04

Residence Permit

After arriving in Portugal, the family member registers with AIMA for their residence permit -- valid for the same duration as the sponsor's. We manage the appointment scheduling and documentation for all arriving family members.

Client Results

"Brought my wife and two children to join me after receiving my D7 residence permit. The legal team handled the entire AIMA filing and consulate process. All three permits issued within 4 months."

M. Okonkwo

D7 holder -- Spouse + 2 children -- Consulate: Lagos, 2024

"De facto partner reunification. We had to prove over two years of cohabitation from different countries. MovingTo structured the evidence package and AIMA accepted it on the first submission."

S. Park & R. Mendes

D2 holder -- De facto partner -- Consulate: Seoul, 2024

"Golden Visa holder bringing my dependent parents from India. The dependency documentation was complex -- the lawyers handled all the apostilles, translations, and AIMA correspondence. No delays."

A. Sharma

Golden Visa holder -- Dependent parents -- Consulate: Mumbai, 2024

"My wife already had her D8 permit. We needed to bring our 19-year-old son who is still in university. The team navigated the dependent adult child rules and had his permit issued alongside ours."

J. & C. Williams

D8 holder -- Adult dependent child -- Consulate: London, 2023

Common Questions

Working With Us

Who can I sponsor for family reunification?

You can sponsor your spouse or legally recognised partner (including de facto unions with 2+ years of cohabitation), minor children (including adopted children), dependent adult children enrolled in education, dependent parents, and minor siblings under your legal guardianship. All relationships must be documented and dependency proven where applicable.

Do I need to wait before I can apply?

Under the 2025 amendments, dependent family members seeking in-country reunification must generally wait until the sponsor has held legal residency for at least 2 years. However, there are no waiting periods for minor children or for holders of Golden Visas and D3 visas. We assess your specific situation at consultation.

What financial requirements must I meet as a sponsor?

You must demonstrate sufficient income to support all family members without relying on public benefits. The baseline is Portugal's national minimum wage, with additional requirements per dependant -- typically 50% per adult and 30% per child. Acceptable proof includes payslips, employment contracts, pension statements, or bank statements.

What accommodation proof is required?

You must prove adequate housing for all arriving family members. Accepted documentation includes a rental contract, property deed, or housing certificate from the local parish (Junta de Freguesia). The accommodation must meet national safety and health standards with sufficient space for all family members.

How long does the process take?

The typical end-to-end timeline is 3 to 6 months. AIMA processes the sponsor's reunification request within approximately 60 days. Once approved, the family member applies for a D6 visa at their consulate (2 to 8 weeks processing). After arrival, AIMA issues the residence permit.

What residence permit does my family member receive?

Family members receive a residence permit valid for the same duration as the sponsor's permit. After 2 years, they may apply for an independent permit. After 5 years of legal residence, they may be eligible for permanent residency or citizenship, subject to current legislation including proposed changes to the residency requirement for naturalisation.

Get Started

Start Your Family Reunion Application

Get a personalised eligibility assessment for both sponsor and family members from our licensed Portuguese legal team.

Your Case Is Reviewed By

Paulo Moura

Licensed Immigration Lawyer

Portuguese Bar Association -- Registration No. 71517P

Specialising in family reunification and residence permit applications, Paulo Moura reviews every eligibility assessment and oversees the legal process from AIMA sponsor filing to family member residence permit issuance.

2,500+ successful applications across all programs -- 98% approval rate -- 4 European markets

Check Your Eligibility

Free assessment with a licensed immigration lawyer. No obligation.

Your information is used only to respond to your request.

After You Submit

  • Lawyer reviews your residency status and family situation within 24 hours
  • You receive a document checklist, roadmap, and cost breakdown
  • We begin AIMA sponsor filing and relationship documentation
Portugal Family Reunion Visa Check Eligibility