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D6 — Family Reunification Visa (Type D)
VisasPortugalD6 — Family Reunification Visa (Type D)
PortugalPortugal•Europe
Open

D6 — Family Reunification Visa (Type D)

Residency Pathway PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €100

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

5 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Overview

Reunite with a family sponsor in Portugal with work authorization. Long-stay national visa, renewable to 5 years.

The Portuguese Type D Family Reunification visa allows foreign nationals who legally reside in Portugal to bring immediate family members—spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents—to join them. Established under EU Directive 2003/86/EC and Portuguese Law 23/2007, this visa recognizes the fundamental right to family life and enables sustained integration by keeping families united.

Processing typically takes 60 days and is renewable. Family members gain immediate work authorization; spouses can work or study without separate permits. The visa offers a pathway to permanent residence and allows dependents. Applications require proof of the sponsor's stable income and accommodation, plus identity documentation, health insurance, and a criminal record certificate.

This visa is ideal for spouses, dependent children, and parents seeking to join foreign nationals who have established stable residence in Portugal through employment, self-employment, or other qualifying pathways.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant5 years

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Sponsor with stable income/residence

Relationship documentation

Accommodation proof

Health insurance

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

AIMA authorization

Marriage/birth certificate

Proof of funds

Health insurance

Criminal record certificate

Accommodation proof

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Spouse can work unrestricted in Portugal without separate employment permit
  • Fast 60-day processing time for visa decision after AIMA authorization
  • Dependent children (under 18) qualifying for reunification at no visa fee
  • Renewable permits up to 5 years per cycle with no statutory cap on renewal cycles
  • Dual intent allowed — dependents can pursue education or employment while maintaining family visa status
  • Immediate access to Portuguese healthcare and social security benefits as legal residents
  • Direct pathway to permanent residence through renewal cycles confirmed

Worth Knowing

  • Sponsor must maintain stable income and valid residence permit in Portugal throughout
  • Family members must apply for visas within 90 days of AIMA authorization approval
  • Extensive documentation required including criminal records, marriage certificates, and proof of accommodation
  • Processing timelines vary (28-84 days) depending on consulate workload and document completeness
  • Sponsor's residence permit expiry or revocation immediately jeopardizes family member legal status
  • Visa validity entirely depends on sponsor's residency—cannot be maintained independently

Application Process

1

Resident applies: Foreign national legally in Portugal requests family reunification at AIMA

2

AIMA decision: AIMA authorizes family reunification request

3

Family prepares: Family members gather required documents

4

Apply at consulate: Family members submit visa application within 90 days

5

Pay fees: Spouse/ascendants pay EUR 110; children exempt

6

Await decision: Processing takes 60-120 days

7

Receive visas: Family members collect residence visas

Application Forms

National Visa Application Form—

Verified Claims (4)

Last verified Jun 20, 2026
Official Info
https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/en/national-visas/general-information/family-reunification
vistos.mne.gov.pt
Petitioner
family
vistos.mne.gov.pt
Processing Estimates
{"minDays":60,"maxDays":60}
vistos.mne.gov.pt
Processing Time
60 days
vistos.mne.gov.pt
Official Information

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