Portugal Family Reunification Visa (D6 Visa) is a rewarding opportunity for entrepreneurs, investors, or even individuals who wish to add their name to the beautiful country. With its rich culture and scenic landscapes, Portugal certainly offers an encouraging chance for those aspiring to live and work there.
The visa is primarily intended for foreign nationals to come to Portugal and establish or manage a business, thereby fostering growth and innovation in various industries. Recently, with its more lenient immigration policies, Portugal has begun to emerge as a top destination for migrants.
What is the Portugal D6 Visa?
The Portugal D6 Visa, also known as the Family Reunification Visa, allows family members of individuals already living legally in Portugal under a residence permit, whether for work, study, business, or long-term stay, to join them.
This visa joins your family with you to enjoy the same rights to live, study, and work in Portugal. Its formation witnesses the Portuguese Government standing beside family reunification and has given a clear legal framework and support.
Here’s what makes the D6 visa particularly appealing:
It grants access to a residence permit valid for one year, renewable annually.
Once granted, family members can live, work, and study in Portugal, just like the main resident.
After five years, it opens a path toward permanent residency or citizenship for your family members, too.
Who Can Apply for the D6 Visa? (Eligibility Criteria)
To be eligible for the Portugal D6 Visa, both you (the sponsor) and your family members must meet certain requirements. Here’s a quick breakdown:
For the Sponsor (Resident in Portugal)
Must hold a valid residence permit in Portugal.
You need to have suitable housing that can comfortably accommodate your family members.
Show proof of steady income that's enough to support all dependent family members.
Must have health insurance coverage (if not enrolled in public healthcare).
Should provide proof of family relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate).
Eligible Family Members Include
Spouse or registered partner.
Minor or dependent children (biological or adopted).
Children over 18 who are studying in Portugal and are dependent on a sponsor.
Parents who financially depend on either the sponsor or their spouse.
Dependent minor siblings under the sponsor’s legal guardianship.
How to Apply for the Portugal D6 Visa
Applying for the D6 Visa is straightforward, but it requires careful attention to documents and deadlines. Here’s how the process typically goes:
Gather Required Documents
Prepare the necessary documents for both the sponsor and the family member(s). These usually include:
Valid passports
Official documents showing your family relationship, with translation and an apostille if necessary.
Proof of the sponsor’s legal residency in Portugal
Proof of income and accommodation
Health insurance
Clean criminal record certificate for applicants over 16
Submit the Application
Applications can be submitted at the nearest Portuguese consulate in your home country or, if you're already in Portugal, directly at the SEF (Foreigners and Borders Service).
Attend an Interview (if required)
Some consulates may require an in-person interview to verify your documentation and intent.
Wait for Approval
After submission, you’ll typically wait 3 to 6 months for a decision, though this can vary depending on volume and complexity.
Receive the Visa and Enter Portugal
After approval, the family member will be granted a residency visa to enter Portugal. Within 4 months of arrival, they must apply for their residence permit at SEF.
Portugal D6 Visa Processing Time
Generally, you can expect the Portugal D6 Visa application to be processed within 90 to 180 days. Applying early and submitting a complete file helps speed things up. However, from India, it may take 4–6 months or longer due to appointment delays and high demand.
Cost of Applying for the D6 Visa
While the D6 visa is relatively affordable, there are a few costs to plan for:
Note: These are estimated costs and may differ slightly depending on consulate fees or document requirements.
The average cost of applying for the Portugal D6 Visa is around €90 to €120. Additional expenses like document translation, notarization, and VFS service fees may raise the total to €200–€300.
Benefits of the Portugal D6 Visa
Reunite with Family: Live together with your spouse, children, and dependent relatives in Portugal.
Legal Residency: Family members receive a full residence permit, renewable annually.
Work and Study Rights: Eligible family members can legally work or study in Portugal.
Path to Citizenship: After five years of living legally in Portugal, family members can apply for permanent residency or citizenship
 Access to Public Services: Includes healthcare, education, and social support systems.
 Freedom to Travel: Visa holders can travel across the Schengen Zone without needing additional visas.
Read Portugal D6 Visa benefits in detail
Portugal D6 Visa: Key Stats & Impact
To better understand the popularity and impact of the D6 visa, here are some up-to-date figures:
D6 Visa Applications (2024): 7,800+ family reunification cases
Approval Rate: Approximately 87% (with complete documentation)
Average Processing Time: 4.5 months
Most Common Countries of Origin: Brazil, India, Angola, Bangladesh
Family Members Granted Residence Permits: Over 6,500 in 2024
