Family Reunification Visa

Disclaimer

Distinction of Legal
Services It is crucial to emphasise that Crown Consulting does not offer legal services. Our activities are purely advisory and do not cover the following: Legal Advice: We do not provide legal opinions, interpret laws, or advise clients of their legal rights or obligations. Instead, we provide general guidance on procedural matters based on publicly available information. Legal Representation: We do not represent clients in legal proceedings or communicate with legal authorities in a capacity that requires a licensed attorney. Preparation of Legal Documents: We do not draft or prepare documents such as contracts, petitions or any other formal legal instrument requiring legal expertise.

Nature of Consulting
Services Crown Consulting specialises in providing consulting services to assist clients in various administrative and procedural matters. Our services include but are not limited to Consulting on Administrative Procedures. We provide guidance on the procedural steps necessary to obtain multiple documents and manage requests for entry, stay and residence of foreign citizens in Portugal. This includes helping to understand the requirements, accessing education and eligibility for the necessary documentation, providing guidance on essential documents, collecting documents, and directing them to the correct path. Our role is to enable accurate decisions to be made during administrative processing. Assistance with Information and Documentation: We offer information on obtaining the necessary permits, visas, and other educational, skills, and knowledge documents. Our role is to assist clients in collecting and organising the required materials, ensuring they meet all administrative criteria.

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What is the D6 Visa?

The D6 Visa is part of Portugal’s immigration policy aimed at promoting family unity. It is issued to non-EU citizens who are immediate family members (spouse, children, dependent parents, etc.) of someone who already holds legal residency in Portugal. This visa enables them to travel to Portugal and obtain their own residence permit for a period corresponding to the primary resident’s stay.

The D6 visa ensures that families can be together in Portugal, which is essential for maintaining family cohesion and supporting the integration of foreign residents into Portuguese society.

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Who is Eligible for the D6 Visa?

The D6 Family Reunification Visa is available to non-EU nationals who wish to join a family member residing legally in Portugal. The following family members are eligible to apply for the visa:

1. Spouse or Registered Partner: This includes both married spouses and those in legally recognized partnerships.
2. Minor Children: Biological or adopted children under the age of 18 are eligible to join their parent(s) in Portugal.
3. Dependent Adult Children: Children over the age of 18, but who are financially dependent and enrolled in an educational institution in Portugal, can also apply.
4. First-Degree Relatives: Parents or other first-degree relatives who depend on the Portuguese resident for financial support may also qualify for the visa.
5. Minor Siblings: Minor siblings who are under the legal custody of the resident may be reunited with their sibling in Portugal.

It’s important to note that those holding a student visa, undergoing unpaid traineeships, or involved in voluntary services may only bring their spouse, children, and adopted children under the family reunification visa program.

How to Apply for the D6 Visa

The process for obtaining a D6 Visa for family reunification involves two main steps: the initial application by the resident in Portugal and the final application by the member of family at the Portuguese embassy in their home country.

Step 1: Application by the Resident in Portugal

• Submission to AIMA: The Portuguese resident must initiate the process by submitting an application to the , the Agência para a Integração Migrações e Asilo – AIMA, on behalf of their family member(s).
• Documentation: The resident will need to provide proof of their legal residency in Portugal and documentation about their relationship with the family members they wish to bring.
• Processing Time: AIMA typically processes the initial application within 60 days. Once approved, the family member will be notified.

Step 2: Application by the Family Member at the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate

• Submission of Documents: After the initial approval by SEF, the family member must then apply at the nearest Portuguese consulate or V in their home country. They will need to present the necessary documents, including their passport, relationship proofs (birth certificates, marriage certificates), and financial evidence.
• Document Translation: Any documents not in Portuguese must be translated by an authorized translator and Apostilled by foreign authority of home country .
• Appointment: The applicant must schedule an appointment with the embassy or VAC to submit the documents.
• Visa Approval: Once approved, the family member can travel to Portugal. Upon arrival, they must register with AIMA to obtain their long-term residence permit.

Required Documents for the D6 Visa Application

To successfully apply for a D6 Family Reunification Visa, the following documents are required:

1. Proof of Legal Residency in Portugal: The Portuguese resident must provide proof of their legal status, such as their residence permit.
2. Proof of Relationship:
   • For spouses, a marriage certificate or proof of a de facto union.
   • For children, a birth certificate or adoption certificate.
   • For dependent relatives, evidence of dependency and financial support may be required.
3. Valid Passport or Travel Document: The family member must provide a copy of their valid passport or travel document.
4. Proof of Accommodation: Evidence that the resident has suitable housing for the family members.
5. Proof of Financial Means: The resident must show they can support their family members financially during their stay in Portugal.
6. Criminal Record Certificate: A criminal record certificate for the family member(s) is required. This must be from the country where they have lived for the past year.
7. Proof of Legal Residence: The family member must provide proof of their legal residency in the country.
8. Economic Dependency Proof: For dependent family members, documentation showing their financial reliance on the resident is necessary.
9. Educational Enrollment (for students): For children studying in Portugal, proof of enrollment in a Portuguese educational institution is required.
10. Guardianship Documents: If applying for minor siblings under the applicant’s guardianship, legal guardianship documents must be submitted.

Costs and Processing Time for the D6 Visa

• Fees: The family reunification visa application fee is typically around €90.
• Processing Time: The processing time for the D6 Family Reunification Visa is generally 60 days. However, the time may vary depending on the workload of SEF and consular services. In some cases, the process may take longer.

Duration and Validity of the D6 Visa

The D6 Family Reunification Visa is generally issued for a period corresponding to the Portuguese resident’s status:

• For Temporary Residence Permits: If the primary resident holds a temporary residence permit (typically valid for up to five years), the family member’s visa will be valid for the same duration.
• For Permanent Residence Permits: If the resident has a permanent residence permit, the family reunification visa will be valid for up to two years. After this period, the family member can apply for an independent residence permit.

Family members must comply with the visa requirements and renew their permits when applicable. The validity and renewal of the visa are directly tied to the family relationship being maintained.

Citizenship Pathway After Family Reunification

• After living in Portugal for five consecutive years, family members who have obtained a residence permit through the D6 visa may apply for permanent residency.
• Once they hold permanent residency for an additional year, they may be eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship. To qualify for citizenship, applicants must demonstrate:
• No criminal convictions during their time in Portugal.
• Basic Portuguese language proficiency (A2 level or higher).

FAQ About family reunification

1. What is the D6 Family Reunification Visa?

The D6 Visa is a residence permit that allows non-EU nationals to join their family members already residing legally in Portugal. It is designed for spouses, children, dependent parents, and other close family members.

2. Who is eligible to apply for the D6 Visa?

Non-EU family members of a Portuguese resident, including: Spouses or registered partners. Minor children or adopted children. Dependent adult children (financially dependent and enrolled in education). First-degree dependent relatives (like parents). Minor siblings under legal guardianship.

3. How do I apply for the D6 Visa?

Step 1: The resident in Portugal submits an application to SEF (Portuguese Immigration and Border Service). Step 2: Once approved, the family member applies at a Portuguese consulate in their home country with the necessary documents.

4. What documents are required for the D6 Visa application?

Required documents include: Proof of relationship (birth, marriage, or adoption certificates). Valid passport or ID. Proof of accommodation and financial means in Portugal. Criminal record certificate. Proof of legal residence (if applicable).

5. How much does the D6 Visa cost?

The visa application fee is approximately €90 per applicant.

6. How long does it take to process the D6 Visa?

Processing typically takes about 60 days, though it can vary depending on the workload of AIMA and consular services.

7. How long is the D6 Visa valid for?

The validity of the visa matches the Portuguese resident’s status: For temporary residence (valid up to 5 years). For permanent residence (valid for up to 2 years, renewable).

8. Can I apply for Portuguese citizenship with a D6 Visa?

Yes. After living in Portugal for 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency. After another year, you can apply for citizenship, provided you meet language and legal requirements.

9. Can I work with a D6 Family Reunification Visa?

Yes, once granted, the family member can work and live in Portugal under the same rights as the Portuguese resident.

10. Can I renew my D6 Visa?

Yes, the D6 visa can be renewed depending on the resident’s status in Portugal. After two years, family members may apply for an independent residence permit.