The Portugal Family Reunification Visa (D6 Visa) enables family members of legal residents to relocate to Portugal. Applicants must prove family ties, financial stability, and adequate accommodation. After five years, family members may apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship alongside the principal resident.
If you have come to Portugal on another visa, like the D7 Visa or the D2 Visa, or have settled status as an EU citizen, you can apply for a D6 to bring your spouse, partner, or family to live with you.
In this article, we’ll explain how the Family Reunification Visa works and the application process. You’ll also find out more about:
⚠️ Portugal Nationality Law Changes 2025
On June 23, 2025, the Portuguese Government announced plans to amend the Nationality Law and the legal framework governing immigration. The proposals have passed the plenary vote on October 28, 2025, which marks a significant step forward in the legislative process.
Among the measures under discussion are an increase in the residence requirement for nationality from five years to ten years – seven years for nationals of CPLP and EU countries – and a change to how residency time is calculated, so that the clock would start when residency is issued rather than when the application is submitted.
These changes are not yet law. They must still undergo Presidential review. At that stage, the President may promulgate the law, issue a veto, or request a review by the Constitutional Court. The final text may still be amended, including any transitional provisions or possible grandfathering rules, but they might not be enacted because the law is not final until its promulgated.
For the latest information regarding these changes, read Portugal Nationality and Citizenship Changes 2025
What is the D6 Family Reunification Visa Portugal?
The Family Reunification Visa (D6) is a residence permit that allows non-EU family members of Portuguese residents to join them and become residents in the country.
With the Family Reunification Visa, any family member you bring to Portugal will receive a residence permit valid for the same duration as yours.
If you’re on a two-year residency permit, your spouse or partner would be granted a residence permit for the same two-year period.
However, the D6 Visa will be valid for up to two years if you have a permanent residence permit. This permit can also be renewed and extended if the family ties persist.
The non-EU family members will also have the same rights as Portuguese nationals regarding employment, education, healthcare, social security, and tax benefits.
D6 Visa holders can apply for Portuguese residency after a five-year period of living in Portugal.
Who is eligible for the D6 Visa in Portugal?
Non-EU citizens with valid residence permits may apply to bring family members to Portugal through the Portuguese D6 Family Visa. The following family members can get a D6 Visa in Portugal:
- Spouses or partners recognized by the law.
- Dependent children (including adopted children), as well as the dependent children of the resident’s partner.
- Children over 18 who are dependent on the main applicant or their spouse/partner. They must also be single and study at a Portuguese educational institution.
- First-degree ascendents who are a direct line relative of the resident or respective spouse and are dependent on them.
- Minor siblings, provided they are dependent on the resident.
Once the two-year residence permit period expires, family members are granted the same permanent residence type as other foreign permanent residents.
Key Benefits of the D6 Family Reunion Visa
Work and study: Holders of the Family Reunion Visa can enjoy all the benefits of Portuguese residency and make the most of life in Portugal. Family members are allowed to work and pursue educational opportunities in the country.
Access to the national health system: Applicants can enroll in Portugal’s national health system and enjoy high-quality and affordable healthcare.
Pathway to permanent residency: After holding a Portuguese family visa and residing in Portugal for five years, individuals can apply for a permanent residence permit and obtain Portuguese citizenship. Portuguese citizens can enjoy several benefits, such as the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union.
Freedom of movement: The Family Reunion Visa allows holders to travel to the 27 countries in the Schengen Area without additional visas.
Portugal D6 Visa Requirements
The D6 requirements are less stringent than Portugal’s Golden Visa or the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa, but there are still some checks and balances that applicants must fulfill.
- The family member residing in Portugal (the sponsor) must have a valid residence permit or Portuguese citizenship.
- The sponsor’s income must be equal to or greater than the Portuguese minimum wage (€870.00 per month), and also have at least 50% more (€435) to support a second adult.
- Proof of adequate housing in Portugal that can accommodate the family member(s) is required.
- The applicant must be a direct family member of the sponsor.
- Children over 18 must study in Portugal and remain dependent on their sponsor.
Health insurance policy
The D6 Family Reunification Visa applicants in Portugal must provide proof of valid health insurance. It should include comprehensive coverage for all necessary medical expenses that may arise. Once the family visa applicant becomes a legal resident of Portugal through the family reunification process, they will be eligible to benefit from the Portuguese National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde).
D6 Visa Application Process
Step-by-step guide to applying for the Family Reunification Visa
The D6 Visa application process begins through the initiative of the resident in Portugal (the main applicant), who must be legal in Portugal through temporary or permanent residency status.
They must apply for family reunification at the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (AIMA).
If the family member is already in Portugal with legal entry, they can apply for the family reunification residence permit directly with AIMA. If the family member resides outside of Portugal, they may apply for a D6 Visa at the Portuguese Consulate or the VFS of your jurisdiction.
AIMA will review this initial application within 60 days. Once they decide, they send a written statement to the application and notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MNE). This means the family member can apply for the D6 Visa outside Portugal, facilitating a legal and smooth transition.
After the family member enters Portugal on the D6 Visa, they must go to AIMA to register as residents and receive a permit to stay there long-term. While the Family Reunification Visa is being processed, the family member can travel to Portugal on another visa, such as the Schengen Tourist Visa.
Portugal D6 Visa required documents
The following documents are required for the Family Reunion Visa application:
- Valid passport (it must be valid for an additional three months following the duration of the intended stay)
- Two identical passport photographs, up-to-date and in good condition, allowing proper identification
- Copy of previous passport, if applicable
- Valid travel insurance covering necessary medical expenses, including emergency assistance and repatriation
- Form authorizing access to Portuguese criminal record consultation by AIMA.
- Criminal record certificate from the applicant’s country of origin and country of residency for over one year (the Police Clearance certificate is only considered valid up to three months after the date of issuance)
- Notification of Family Reunification approval issued by AIMA
- Proof of the family ties invoked: Birth certificate/adoption certificate/marriage certificate or proof of de facto union in the case of a partner who is not a spouse.
- Minors or unfit persons require travel authorization from the parents (both parents are required to sign the letter authorizing the minor to travel) or legal guardians.
Documents that are in a language other than Portuguese will need to be accompanied by a certified translation to be approved by the Portuguese authorities. Other documents may be required. The applicant could also be interviewed by the Consulate of Portugal if desired.
Portugal D6 Visa fee
The family visa fee is €90.
Portugal D6 visa processing time
After AIMA approves the reunification request, the Portugal D6 Visa processing time is 60 days.
D6 Visa Renewal and Extensions
D6 Visa Validity
If the Portuguese resident has a temporary visa or a temporary residence permit, family members will receive a family reunification visa valid for the same duration as the main applicant’s temporary residence permit. However, if the Portuguese has a permanent residence permit, you will get a residency permit valid for two years.
After the initial two-year period, family members can obtain an independent residence permit if the family tie persists.
How to renew the D6 Visa
The D6 Visa holder will get a temporary Portuguese residence permit from AIMA within four months. This permit can be renewed after two years (the first renewal) and three years (the second).
Applying for Portuguese Citizenship with a D6 Visa
After five years of legally authorized residence, you can request a long-term residence permit and Portuguese citizenship. Acquiring citizenship usually involves passing a basic test in Portuguese language and culture.
If you’re interested in becoming a Portuguese citizen, the good news is that Portugal allows dual citizenship, which means you wouldn’t have to renounce any existing citizenships you have (provided that those countries also permit dual citizenship).
⚠️ Update on Portugal's Nationality Law Changes
On 28 October 2025, Portugal's parliament approved key amendments of the Nationality Law, including increasing the residency requirement for citizenship from 5 to 10 years, and 7 years for CPLP nationals and EU citizens. This will significantly impact how visa holders and residents acquire citizenship.
However, these changes are not yet law. They must still undergo Presidential review where the President may promulgate the law, issue a veto, or request a review by the Constitutional Court. The final text may still be amended but they might not be enacted because the law is not final until its promulgated.
For the latest information regarding these changes, read Portugal Nationality and Citizenship Changes 2025
Successful D6 Visa Experience: How We Can Help
At Global Citizen Solutions, we are dedicated to guiding you along the right path toward obtaining your D6 Visa and family reunification residence permit. With over 50 years of combined experience in immigration, law, and investment, we provide you with the finest immigration service possible.
Our multi–skilled team of immigration lawyers will ensure your application is successful by managing the process from start to finish. The process is bolstered by our innovative Be System®, providing real-time visa updates, and our trusted lawyers ensure your application goes through smoothly.
Aside from meticulous visa application management, Global Citizen Solutions has a locally rooted real estate division, Goldcrest, which provides a seamless transition to your new home. With a singular point of contact, we navigate the entire process, handling bureaucratic intricacies, legal matters, and property searches precisely.
Global Citizen Solutions has a global presence and an experienced team, and we invite you to get in touch with us. Let us understand your aspirations and guide you toward realizing your goal of becoming a global citizen.
Whether you seek Portugal homes for sale or prime investment opportunities, we’re here to assist you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
