Eligibility Quiz
Do you (the sponsor) hold a valid Portuguese residence permit?
Application Process
The D6 Family Reunification process is a multi-stage journey that begins with the sponsor in Portugal and ends with the family member receiving a residence card. Under the 2026 regulations, you must follow a strict "pre-approval" sequence before the visa can be issued at a consulate.
Phase 1: AIMA Authorization (In Portugal)
The sponsor (the person already living in Portugal) must initiate the process by requesting permission to bring their family over.
- Verify the Two-Year Rule: If you hold a D7 Passive Income visa, ensure you have completed two full years of legal residence in Portugal before applying, as required by Lei n.º 61/2025.
- Submit the Request: Log into the AIMA online portal to submit the "Request for Family Reunification." You will need to upload your residence permit, proof of registered accommodation (rental contract registered with the Finanças or property deed), and proof of subsistence (bank statements or salary slips).
- Await the Favorable Opinion: AIMA will review the documents. Once they approve the request, they will issue a parecer favorável (favorable opinion) and notify the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Phase 2: The D6 Visa Application (Abroad)
Once the sponsor receives notice of the AIMA approval, the family member living abroad can begin their application.
- Book an Appointment: Schedule a visa interview at the nearest Portuguese Consulate or VFS Global center in your current country of residence.
- Submit Documents: Present the D6 Visa application along with your valid passport, apostilled criminal record certificates, and proof of relationship (such as a marriage or birth certificate). All foreign documents must be translated into Portuguese by a certified translator.
- Visa Issuance: If approved, the consulate will stamp the D6 visa in your passport. This visa is typically valid for two entries and allows you to stay in Portugal for four months while you wait for your final permit.
Phase 3: Residence Permit (In Portugal)
The final step occurs after the family member arrives in Portugal.
- Attend the AIMA Appointment: Your D6 visa usually contains a URL or a pre-scheduled date for a biometrics appointment. If not, you must book an appointment via the AIMA portal immediately upon arrival.
- Register Biometrics: Attend the appointment to have your fingerprints and photo taken. You will need to show your entry stamp and proof of health insurance or registration with the SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde — National Health Service).
- Receive the Card: Your physical residence permit card will be mailed to your registered Portuguese address.
Fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Consular Visa Application Fee | €90 |
| VFS Global Service Fee (if applicable) | €20 – €35 |
| AIMA Residence Permit Issuance | €83 – €155 |
| Total Estimated Government Fees | €193 – €280 per person |
Note: This total does not include costs for document apostilles, certified translations, private health insurance, or travel expenses.
Processing Time
The timeline for the D6 visa is divided into three distinct waiting periods. You should prepare for a total journey of 6 to 12 months.
- AIMA Authorization (Phase 1): While the legal limit is 60 days, current backlogs mean this stage typically takes 3 to 6 months.
- Consular Visa Processing (Phase 2): Once the consulate receives the approval from Portugal, it takes 30 to 60 days to issue the entry visa.
- Residence Card Issuance (Phase 3): After your biometrics appointment in Portugal, your physical card usually arrives within 30 to 90 days.
Document Validity: Your criminal record certificates are generally only valid for 3 to 6 months from the date of issuance (depending on your home country's rules). Ensure they are "fresh" when you submit your Phase 2 application.