Family reunification visa in Portugal: Requirements for Americans

Portugal is an amazing place to call home, with a warm climate, delicious food, and a relaxed lifestyle, but joining family there isn’t as simple as packing your bags and taking a flight. However, applying for the D6 Portugal family reunification visa makes it possible for Americans to live together legally with close relatives.

Our guide covers everything you need to know about the visa, what the requirements are, its benefits and costs, and a step-by-step guide on how to apply successfully.

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Table of contents
Understanding family reunification visa in Portugal: what is it and why is it useful? Family reunification visa requirements for Americans Benefits of getting family reunification visa in Portugal How to apply for family reunification visa as an American: Step-by-step guide Costs for family reunification visa in Portugal

Understanding family reunification visa in Portugal: what is it and why is it useful?

The Portugal family reunification visa is a legal pathway that allows certain family members of legal residents or Portuguese citizens to move to Portugal.

For the applicant, only your spouse or partner, underage children (of you or your partner), adult children who lack legal capacity, and your parents or legal guardians (if you are under 18 years old) are eligible.¹ The visa is designed to keep families together, whether moving for retirement, work, or just because.

Once the application is approved, family members who receive the D6 visa, as it’s also known, can live, study, and usually work in Portugal without worrying about obtaining multiple permits or overstaying.

While it does require paperwork, proof of relationship, and an often lengthy process, the visa is the ideal route to access resident rights and legally build a stable life in the country.

The most common reasons people apply for family reunification visa in Portugal

Most people apply for a family reunification visa to simply be and live with their spouse, partner, or children. Let’s take a look at these common scenarios:

• Raquel is a Portuguese resident living in Lisbon and has an American husband, Carl. She applies for the D6 visa so he can move to Portugal and work legally
• Lucas, an American dad, gets a work permit in Portugal. He applies for the visa so his three children can attend school and live with him legally
• Delia has been living in Portugal on a long-term residency permit. She applies for the visa so that her spouse and children can join her, and the family can settle permanently

Other unique scenarios also exist. Perhaps a family member requires care, reunification is desired after a divorce or separation, or legal guardianship responsibilities require a minor to join a resident.

Family reunification visa requirements for Americans

To get started, there are a few requirements for Americans. Only eligible family members can reunite with the resident in Portugal.

Note that the family reunification process is initiated by the applicant living in Portugal and needs to apply at the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA), formerly the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF). Here’s what’s needed:²

• National Visa application form
• Two recent and identical passport-sized photographs
• Passport or other travel document valid for at least three months beyond the intended period of stay
• Proof of address in the USA
• Valid travel insurance
• Police clearance certificate issued less than 90 days before submission of the application (by the FBI)
• Proof of stable and regular income with bank statements from the last three months
• Verification of identification of family members seeking reunification
• Proof of legal guardianship (for minors)
• Travel authorization issued by the parents or a court decision (for minors not traveling with both parents)
• Photocopy of the parent’s national identity card (for minors)

All of these documents need to be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the country of issuance and legalized by the Portuguese embassy before submission. Only documents in Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French are permitted.

Otherwise, they need to be officially translated.¹

Other checklist items may include proof of income in the form of salary slips or bank account records, a valid passport, and a rental contract.

Consulting a Portuguese consulate or an immigration lawyer can help you gain peace of mind and clarity that you meet all the requirements and have all the necessary documents.

Benefits of getting family reunification visa in Portugal

The advantages of getting the Portugal family reunification visa range from improved quality of life to long-term stability, but it also has legal, social, and financial benefits that make settling in much more seamless.

• Healthcare coverage: D6 visa holders can access Portugal’s public healthcare system (Serviço Nacional de Saúde) as long as they register with their local health center and obtain a health card³
• Social support services: Residents can use social support services like child benefits, parental leave, and even housing subsidies. There are even free and subsidized language courses to help immigrants integrate into Portuguese society⁴
• Path to permanent residency and citizenship: After residing in Portugal for 5+ years, D6 visa holders can apply for permanent residency⁵
• Access to work and study: Adults can work or start their own businesses, while children can enrol in schools under the same rights as other residents
• Being able to freely move within the Schengen Area: Those with D6 visas can travel without additional visas across the 29 Schengen Area countries, making trip coordination much easier⁶
• Better financial planning opportunities: Residents can explore Portugal’s tax environment more freely, enabling them to optimize their finances as expats. Read about how U.S. citizens are taxed as expats in Portugal so you can better prepare for life there

How to apply for family reunification visa as an American: Step-by-step guide

If moving your family to Portugal isn’t something you’ve done before, the entire process can feel a little overwhelming.

With this step-by-step guide, family members in America and residents in Portugal can come together to navigate the application process more smoothly.

Let’s begin.

Step 1: Confirm eligibility

Before even starting the visa application process, you’ll want to make sure the family member you want to bring qualifies. You can apply for a:¹

• Spouse
• Partner
• Dependent child (minor or adult)
• Dependent parent
• Minor sibling
• Other close relatives in special circumstances

Afterward, the sponsor will need to get preliminary approval from the AIMA.

Step 2: Gather documents

Prepare the paperwork required for your application. Make sure documents that aren’t in English, Portuguese, Spanish, or French are translated into Portuguese and, if required, apostilled. Take note of any documents listed above specifically for minors.

The document-gathering stage is arguably the most important part of the visa process, so make sure you get it right the first time.

Step 3: Submit your application

Where you submit your application depends on your location.

If you’re submitting within the U.S., you need to submit the application to the Service Centers of VFS Global. Centers are located in Houston, Miami, New York, San Francisco, and Washington DC, and an appointment is required.²

If you’re submitting in Portugal, you can submit at the AIMA.

Step 4: Pay the application fee

The D6 visa typically costs €90, although there may be exemptions.⁷

Step 5: Provide additional information or attend an interview

In some cases, you or your family member may be asked to submit extra documents or asked to go in for an interview.

Step 6: Wait for processing

The Portugal family reunification visa can take around 2 to 6 months to process a D6 visa, but the exact timeline will depend on application volume, document accuracy, and any delays or added requirements.

Step 7: Receive visa and travel to Portugal

Once approved, your family member will receive the D6 visa to enter Portugal and can apply for a residence card at AIMA.

Tip: If you are faced with a denial, you must draft a formal appeal letter addressed to the consulate or embassy that issued the rejection. Attach any documents that will help support your case. It’s also wise to seek legal assistance.

Costs for family reunification visa in Portugal

The costs for the D6 visa are straightforward, with a flat fee of €90 for the application.⁷ However, there may be other fees to consider, such as legal fees, fees for document translation, apostille costs, and paying for faster processing.

FAQ

How long does it take to get a family reunification visa in Portugal?

The time it takes between submitting the application to getting the visa typically takes 2 to 6 months, but it will depend on the completeness of your documents, whether additional information is needed, and any potential backlogs.

It will also take time for the sponsor to get pre-approved by the AIMA and to apply for a residence card once the visa is approved.

Can I bring my brother or sister to Portugal?

The family reunification visa is typically meant for spouses, partners, dependent children, or dependent parents.

Siblings can be included but only in special circumstances, such as being dependent on the sponsor for financial support or care. The AIMA evaluates applications on a case-by-case basis, but it can also help to contact a lawyer for advice.

Can digital nomads reunify their family in Portugal?

Yes, both remote workers and digital nomads residing in Portugal with a legal residency permit are eligible to apply for a D6 visa.

As long as they show sufficient income and accommodation to support the family, they can bring eligible relatives to live with them in the country.

How long can family members stay in Portugal on this visa?

Family members can use the D6 visa to enter Portugal. Once they register for their residence permit, it is typically valid for around 1 to 2 years and can be renewed. After 5 years of legal residence, they can apply for permanent residency.

If you’re considering purchasing property after becoming a permanent resident, it’s worth learning about how property tax works in Portugal.

Start your family’s journey in Portugal

Portugal’s family reunification visa makes it possible for families to settle together in the country, but also to live, work, and grow together legally.

The process involves paperwork and a lengthy timeline, just like any other visa application, but with preparation and strong advice, you can secure a residence permit and allow your family to enjoy healthcare access, a rich culture, and quality opportunities.

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Sources

1. UNHCR – Family Reunification
2. Embassy of Portugal to the United States of America – Residency Visa for Family Reunification
3. Movingto – What are the healthcare benefits for D6 visa holders?
4. Movingto – What community resources are available to help D6 families integrate in Portugal?
5. Movingto – Can D6 visa holders apply for permanent residency or citizenship?
6. European Commission – ​​Schengen area
7. VFS Global – Visas Fees
8. Movingto – How long does the D6 visa application process usually take?

Sources checked 01/30/2025