Family Reunification Visa: How to Take Your Family to Portugal

If you are planning to to move to Portugal it’s natural to want to take your family
to Portugal with you. Fortunately, family reunification is a process that allows family members of individuals who acquire residence visas in Portugal to join them in the country. The aim is to provide a more enjoyable and complete experience for expats, strengthening family ties with the country on a lasting basis.

Family reunification is a right guaranteed by law. It offers family members not only the opportunity to live in Portugal, but also to work legally. It also allows access to public services and national social benefits.

Find out all about the Family Reunification Visa (D6 Visa) and the Family Accompaniment Visa here. Find out the differences between them, who is entitled to apply for reunification in Portugal, what documents are required and how to apply.

Who can apply for family reunification in Portugal?

In Portugal, the following family members of the holder of the residence visa are entitled to family reunification:

Difference between Family Reunification Visa (D6 Visa) and Family Accompaniment Visa

There are currently two types of visa with the same objective, which is to bring families together. They are:

Which visas in Portugal allow family unions?

All residence visas
residence visas allow you to include your family in your move to Portugal.

It should be noted that the
work-seeker visa does not allow for this reunification
, as it is a short-term visa. In this case, the individual is required to obtain a work contract and a residence permit. Only then can they apply for the D6 visa.

What documents are required to take the family to Portugal?

It is currently possible to apply for the holder’s visa together with the accompanying family members. The documents required are:

Documents required in specific cases:

For those who are already living in Portugal and wish to bring their family, it is necessary to make an appointment for an interview at the SEF and obtain prior authorization, which must be included in the D6 visa application.

Please note: You must apply for the family reunification visa within 90 days of SEF issuing the permit. If you don’t apply in time, the favorable decision on family reunification will become invalid.

When to apply for a “family visa”?

Although it is possible to apply when you arrive in Portugal, whenever possible we advise you to apply together with your main visa application.

Where to apply for family reunification?

Family support and the new law on foreigners

With the changes to the law on foreigners that took place in 2022, it is now possible to apply for the residence visa of both the main holder and their accompanying family members.

The change has made the family reunification process more accessible, allowing all applications relating to family members to be submitted at the same time.

In the past, the application could only be started once the main visa applicant’s file had been approved. Only then was it possible to schedule an interview with the Immigration and Borders Service. Facing difficulties in finding an available time for this interview was a significant challenge and this difficulty still persists for those who do not apply in advance.

How long does it take to bring the family to Portugal?

The waiting time for the Family Accompaniment Visa has been long, up to a year.

For those who choose to apply for a D6 visa (after the main visa holder has traveled), the biggest difficulty is getting an appointment at SEF. You have to keep an eye out for new vacancies and call constantly to get an appointment.

Is it possible to work on a reunification visa?

Yes, reunited family members will have a residence permit and will be able to work, study and access local public services.

Taking the family to Portugal

On your journey to find a new life in Portugal, remember that reuniting your family is a fundamental step in realizing your dream. The Portuguese government values and supports family reunification. Be patient and persevere, because the result will be worth it.

Although the Atlantic Bridge does not carry out the family reunification service individually, we are available to help you with your project as a whole. We have experienced professionals to help you identify the best residence visa, choosing your new home and even prepare your pet for the trip. We are at your side to help make your dream of living in Portugal a reality. Contact us !