Portugal•EuropeD6 — Family Reunification Visa (Type D)
At a Glance
2 months
EUR €110
5 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
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 grant | 5 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
Resident applies
Foreign national legally in Portugal requests family reunification at AIMA
AIMA decision
AIMA authorizes family reunification request
Family prepares
Family members gather required documents
Apply at consulate
Family members submit visa application within 90 days
Pay fees
Spouse/ascendants pay EUR 110; children exempt
Await decision
Processing takes 60-120 days
Receive visas
Family members collect residence visas
Application Forms
| National Visa Application Form | — |
Related visas
More visas in Portugal
Family visas in other countries
Ready to see if the D6 — Family Reunification Visa (Type D) is your visa path?
Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free to use.
Start Visa Discovery