D6 Visa Portugal: Essential Guide to the Portuguese Family Reunification Visa

Are you a non-EU citizen holding a Portuguese residency permit and looking to bring your spouse, dependent children, or parents to join you in Portugal? The Portugal D6 Visa, also known as the Family Reunification Visa, enables family members of foreign nationals who are legally residing in Portugal to join the primary applicant and enjoy Portuguese residency benefits like those of the primary applicant.

While the Portugal D6 Visa application process is quite straightforward, dealing with multiple bureaucratic requirements and ensuring compliance for all family members may be quite overwhelming, and that’s why we’ve curated this expert guide to help you navigate the process efficiently.

Key takeaways include:

• What is the Portugal D6 Visa: An overview
• Portugal D6 Visa eligibility criteria
• Portugal D6 Visa benefits
• D6 Visa requirements, application process, timelines, and renewals

What is the Portugal D6 Visa?

The Portugal D6 Visa, also known as the Family Reunification Visa, allows non-EU family members of Portuguese residents to join them in Portugal. This residence permit enables family members to live legally in the country and enjoy various benefits associated with residency in Portugal.

With the D6 Visa, family members receive a residence permit that matches the duration of the primary applicant’s permit. For example, if you have a two-year residency permit, your spouse or partner will also be granted a permit for that same period. This visa can be renewed, provided that the family relationship remains intact.

In addition to residency, D6 Visa holders have access to rights like those of Portuguese citizens, including the ability to work, pursue education, and access healthcare and social security services. After five years of residence in Portugal, holders of the D6 Visa can apply for permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship, further enhancing their stability and integration into Portuguese life.

The Benefits of the Portugal Family Reunification Visa?

The Portugal Family Reunification Visa offers several advantages for those looking to bring their loved ones to Portugal. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Visa-free travel across the Schengen Area: Holders of the Portugal Family Reunification Visa can travel effortlessly among 27 European countries, enjoying the convenience of exploring diverse destinations without the need for additional visas.
  
• Work and study opportunities: Holders of the D6 Visa can fully participate in Portuguese life, enjoying the right to work and pursue educational opportunities. This opens doors for personal and professional growth for each family member in a vibrant environment.
  
• Access to healthcare: Family members can enroll in Portugal’s national health system, providing access to high-quality and affordable healthcare. This ensures that each family member can stay healthy and receive necessary medical attention.
  
• Pathway to permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship: After residing in Portugal for five years on the Family Reunion Visa, holders can apply for a permanent residence permit. This status not only secures your family’s place in Portugal but also opens the door to Portuguese citizenship, allowing them to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union.
• Freedom of movement: The D6 Visa grants holders the ability to travel freely within the Schengen Area, which includes 27 countries. This benefit makes exploring Europe much easier without the need for additional visas.
  
• Tax benefits: Eligible D6 Visa holders may qualify for the new Tax Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation (NHR 2.0) as the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime is phased out. This updated program offers significant tax advantages for those working in sectors such as IT, agriculture, tourism, and audiovisual. It provides potential savings for newcomers while adapting to the changes in the tax landscape.

Who is Eligible for the Portugal D6 Visa?

To apply for the Portugal D6 Visa (Family Reunification Visa), you must be a non-EU citizen. This visa is intended for specific family members, including:

• Spouses or partners: Legally recognized spouses or partners can apply.
• Dependent children: This includes biological and adopted children, as well as the dependent children of a partner.
• Children over 18: They must be single enrolled in a Portuguese educational institution, and dependent on the main applicant or their spouse/partner.
• Dependent parents: First-degree ascendants of the legal resident or their spouse who rely on them for support can also be included as a family member in the application. 
• Minor siblings: Provided they are dependent on the resident

The process begins with you, the primary Family Reunification Visa applicant. You’ll need to prove your relationship to each family member and demonstrate your ability to support them financially while they live in Portugal.

Once approved, your family members will receive residence permits that match the duration of your own.  This allows each family member to live and thrive in Portugal alongside you.

What are the Portugal Family Reunification Visa requirements?

To apply for the Portugal Family Reunification Visa (D6), certain requirements must be met to ensure a smooth application process. Here’s what you need to know:

• Valid sponsorship: The family member residing in Portugal (the sponsor) must hold a valid residence permit or Portuguese citizenship. This establishes a legal basis for the reunification process.
• Financial stability: The sponsor’s income must meet or exceed the Portuguese minimum wage of €820 per month, with an additional 50 percent to support any additional adult family members. This ensures that the family can sustain themselves financially in Portugal.
  
• Proof of housing: Applicants must provide documentation showing that the sponsor has adequate housing in Portugal. This should be sufficient to accommodate the incoming family member(s).
  
• Direct family relationships: The applicant must be a direct family member of the sponsor. Eligible relationships include spouses, dependent children, and parents.
• Conditions for Adult Children: For children over 18, they must be enrolled in a Portuguese educational institution and remain dependent on the sponsor to qualify for the visa.
  
• Health insurance: Applicants must show proof of valid health insurance that covers necessary medical expenses. This is crucial for ensuring that family members have access to healthcare upon their arrival.
  
• Criminal record check: Some applicants may need to provide a clean criminal record as part of the application process, depending on specific circumstances.

Legalizing and translating documents for your Portugal D6 Visa application

Documents issued outside of Portugal must be properly legalized and translated into Portuguese. Here’s how to proceed:

1. Legalization: Ensure that all foreign documents are legalized, which may involve obtaining an apostille.
2. Certified translation: Each document must be translated into Portuguese by a certified translator. The translation should include a declaration of accuracy from the translator.
3. Notarization: After translation, the documents should be notarized to ensure they are recognized legally in Portugal.

Portugal D6 Visa Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

The process of applying for the Portugal Family Reunification Visa (D6) involves several steps, initiated by the resident in Portugal (the main applicant). Here’s a clear guide to help you through the application:

1. Initiate the application: The resident in Portugal must apply for family reunification at the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (AIMA). This is a crucial first step to bring family members to the country.
   
2. Determine the location of the application:
   1. If the family member is already in Portugal legally, they can apply directly with AIMA for a family reunification residence permit.
   2. If they are outside of Portugal, they should apply for the D6 Visa at the nearest Portuguese Consulate or through VFS in their jurisdiction (not the Portuguese Embassy).
      
3. AIMA review: Once the application is submitted, AIMA, the Portuguese authorities responsible for immigration, will review it within 60 days. They will send a written decision to the applicant and notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MNE). This step allows the family member to apply for the D6 Visa from outside Portugal.
   
4. Entering Portugal: After receiving the D6 Visa, family member can enter Portugal. Upon arrival, they must go to AIMA to register as a resident and obtain a long-term residence permit.
   
5. Travel options during processing: While the Family Reunion Visa application is being processed, the family member can enter Portugal using another visa, such as a Schengen Tourist Visa.

Portugal D6 Visa Application Costs and Processing time

Understanding the costs associated with the Portugal D6 Visa application is crucial for effective planning. Here’s a breakdown of the main expenses you can expect:

• D6 Visa application fee: The application fee for the D6 Visa is approximately €90. This fee is required when submitting your application and is essential for processing.
• Residence permit registration fee: Once the D6 Visa is approved, you will need to register for a residence permit, which incurs an additional fee of around €85.
• Additional costs: If you choose to work with immigration professionals to assist with your application, their fees can start at approximately €1,500. This can be a worthwhile investment if you seek expert guidance through the process.

Timeline for processing

The processing time for a D6 Visa application is typically around 60 days.

Portugal D6 Visa Renewal and Extensions

The validity of the D6 Visa depends on the residency status of the Portuguese resident (the sponsor). If the sponsor holds a temporary residence permit, the family members will receive a Family Reunification Visa valid for the same duration as the sponsor’s permit. In cases where the sponsor has a permanent residence permit, the family members will receive a residency permit valid for two years.

After the initial two-year period, family members may qualify for an independent residence permit, provided that the family relationship is still intact.

How to renew the Portugal D6 Visa

Renewing the D6 Visa is an important step to maintaining legal residency status in Portugal. Here’s how the process works:

1. Initial temporary residence permit: Upon arrival in Portugal, the D6 Visa holder will receive a temporary Portuguese valid residence permit from AIMA, typically within four months.
2. Renewal process:
   1. First renewal: The D6 Visa can be renewed after two years.
   2. Second renewal: A further renewal is possible after an additional three years.
3. Requirements to renew the Family Reunification Visa: To renew the D6 Visa, applicants will generally need to provide documentation that proves the continuation of the family relationship and evidence of financial stability and adequate housing in Portugal.

Can I apply for permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship with the D6 Visa?

Yes, holders of the Portugal D6 Visa can apply for permanent residency after five years of legal residence in the country.

This transition grants you a long-term residence permit, allowing you to live in Portugal without the need for renewals.

In addition to permanent residency, D6 Visa holders may also pursue Portuguese citizenship after the same five-year period.

To qualify for citizenship, you’ll need to demonstrate proficiency in the Portuguese language and show knowledge of Portuguese culture and history.

It’s important to note that Portugal permits dual citizenship, so you can retain your existing citizenship(s) while becoming a Portuguese citizen, provided your home country allows for dual nationality. This opens a pathway to fully integrate into Portuguese society while maintaining your original ties. Portuguese citizens have access to a wide range of perks, including the ability to live, work, and study in any EU member country.

Not sure how to navigate Portugal’s residency options? Contact our residency and citizenship partner, Global Citizen Solutions, for expert guidance.

They provide expert guidance tailored to your specific needs, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the residency pathways available in Portugal

Goldcrest: How We Can Help You 

Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent that is based in Lisbon. We provide expert, impartial advice on real estate investments and how to buy property in Portugal. From scouting out the perfect property through to property acquisition, we have you covered throughout the process.

If you are looking to purchase property in Portugal, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team of skilled experts is available to solve all your real estate doubts, helping you with the property search and offering insightful expertise and strategic advice.

Why choose Goldcrest?

• Local knowledge: With offices located across Portugal, our presence nationwide allows us to assist you personally across the country.
• Independent service: As an independent buying agent, we do not represent any development or project. Our service is entirely tailored toward each individual client, providing you with everything you need to secure the perfect property at the best possible price. As an impartial advisor on the market, we work solely on behalf of our client and provide a service tailored to your needs and requirements.
• Streamlined process: Our real estate agents speak English and Portuguese, and our service is completely focused on providing you with a hassle-free buying experience, saving you time.
• Experienced team: Our expert real estate team has a vast local knowledge of the Portuguese property market. We have cutting-edge technology and metasearch tools at your disposal to provide full market coverage, ensuring the best investment choices and negotiated prices.
• Network of partners: We have a close network of partners, including lawyers, property management services, builders, architects, designers, and landscape gardeners, again saving you time and hassle by providing you with trusted experts in their field of work.