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D6 · Family Reunification

D6 Visa: Family Reunification

Last verified: 2026-09-01

Overview

The D6 visa lets you join a family member already living legally in Portugal, or accompany a main applicant filing at the same time. In the first case the process starts inside Portugal, with your relative filing at AIMA — not with you at the consulate.

Eligibility requirements

  • Relative holding a valid Portuguese residence permit, or a main applicant filing at the same time
  • Reunification request approved by AIMA before the visa can be filed
  • The visa must be filed within 90 days of the AIMA notice
  • Proven family tie: spouse, minor or dependent child, dependent parent, sibling under guardianship
  • Unmarried partners: 2 years of documented cohabitation
  • The resident relative proves means of subsistence and adequate housing for the household
  • Health insurance valid in Portugal
  • Clean criminal record (applicants aged 16 and over)

Required documents

Personal and financial documents6
  • Valid passport (min. 6 months after visa expiry)
  • 2 recent passport photos (white background)
  • Apostilled criminal record, translated (aged 16 and over)
  • Signed visa application form (MNE Portugal)
  • Marriage, birth or civil partnership certificate, apostilled and translated
  • Unmarried partners: 2 years of cohabitation evidence (bills, leases, joint statements) (Optional)
Financial documents1
  • Proof of the resident relative’s income
Housing documents2
  • Rental contract or deed showing adequate accommodation
  • Health insurance with coverage in Portugal
Other documents3
  • AIMA notice approving the reunification
  • Copy of the relative’s Portuguese residence permit
  • Portuguese NIF (Optional)

Full procedure

  1. 1
    Phase 1: AIMA in PortugalOnline

    Your relative files the request at AIMA

    The process starts inside Portugal, with the person already living there. This is step one.

    https://aima.gov.pt
  2. 2
    Phase 1: AIMA in PortugalOnline

    Await the AIMA decision

    Nothing can be filed at the consulate until approval comes through.

  3. 3
    Phase 2: Consulate applicationOnline

    Book the consulate within 90 days

    The 90-day window starts at the AIMA notice. If it lapses, the approval expires.

    https://visa.vfsglobal.com
  4. 4
    Phase 2: Consulate applicationIn person

    Gather proof of the family tie

    Apostilled, translated certificates. Unmarried partners must evidence cohabitation.

  5. 5
    Phase 2: Consulate applicationIn person

    Attend and submit documents

    Physical presence required for biometrics.

  6. 6
    Phase 2: Consulate applicationOnline

    Await consulate decision

    Average: 2-4 months. D visa valid 4 months for entry.

  7. 7
    Phase 3: AIMAIn person

    In-person AIMA biometrics

    After arrival. The permit issued matches the validity of your relative’s permit.

  8. 8
    Phase 3: AIMAOnline

    Receive residence permit

    Grants access to the labour market, public healthcare and state schooling.

Summary and timelines

Prazo / Timeline

6-14 months (AIMA + consular + AIMA)

Custo / Cost

Approx. €247.30 AIMA + €110 visa + documentary/VFS costs when applicable

Renovação / Renewal

Tracks the relative’s permit; permanent residence at 5 years

Cidadania / Citizenship

Eligible after 5 years with A2 Portuguese

Perfil / Profile

Spouses, children and dependent parents of residents in Portugal

  • The 90-day window after AIMA approval is the most common reason files have to restart
  • Waiting on the AIMA decision is the longest and least predictable phase
  • The visa is fee-exempt for descendants of the residence permit holder and in other situations provided by law.

Taxas / Fees

  • AIMA feeapprox. €247.30
  • Consular visa fee€110
  • Documentary / VFS costsWhen applicable