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Last Updated 19-May-2026

Portugal Dependent Visa

Portugal is one of the safest and most welcoming countries in Europe. Many Indians are now moving to Portugal for jobs, study, business and the Golden Visa. If you are already living in Portugal, you can bring your family to stay with you. The Portugal Dependent Visa, also called the D6 Family Reunification Visa, helps your spouse, children and parents join you in Portugal.

As per the Ministry of External Affairs, over 1,03,000 Indians are now living in Portugal. Around 45,000 Indians moved to Portugal between 2018 and 2023. With more Indians choosing Portugal each year, the demand for the dependent visa is also growing fast.

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Why apply for a Portugal Dependent Visa?

Bring your spouse, children, or parents to live with you in Portugal.
Stay together with your family while living in Portugal legally.
Live, work, and study in Portugal with a Portugal Dependent Visa.
Apply for a D6 Family Reunification Visa and stay in Portugal for up to 2 years with renewal options.
Get access to Portugal's National Health Service (SNS) for your family.
Children aged 6 to 18 can study in public schools for free.
Spouses can work full-time in Portugal without applying for a separate work permit.
Receive family and child support benefits from Segurança Social (Social Security), if eligible.
Enjoy a high quality of life, safe environment (Portugal ranks 7th safest in the world), and better future opportunities for your children.
Get a chance to apply for permanent residence and Portuguese citizenship after staying in Portugal for 5 years, if eligible.

Why apply for Portugal dependent visa

What is the Portugal Dependent Visa?

The Portugal Dependent Visa, known as the D6 Visa or Family Reunification Visa, is a long-stay visa given to family members of a person legally living in Portugal. With this visa, your family can live, work and study in Portugal. They will also get the same rights as the main visa holder.

This visa is given by the Portuguese Embassy in India through the VFS Global office. Once the family member reaches Portugal, they can apply for a residence permit. After 5 years of legal stay, they can apply for permanent residency. After that, they can also apply for Portuguese citizenship.

Key Highlights of Portugal Dependent Visa

Feature	Details
Visa Name	D6 Family Reunification Visa
Visa Type	Long-stay national visa
Visa Fee	EUR 90 per person (approx. INR 8,500)
Processing Time	60 to 90 days
Validity	4 months (entry visa); residence permit valid for 2 years, renewable
Work Rights	Yes, dependents can work
Study Rights	Yes, dependents can study
Healthcare	Access to Portugal’s National Health Service
Path to PR	Yes, after 5 years of stay
Path to Citizenship	Yes, after 5 years of legal residence

Who Can Apply for the Portugal D6 Visa?

The main applicant must already be living in Portugal with a valid residence permit. The sponsor can be a Portuguese citizen, an EU/EEA citizen, or a non-EU citizen with a valid residence card. The following family members can apply for the D6 visa.

Spouse or legal partner: husband or wife of the main applicant.
Children under 18 years: biological or legally adopted.
Children over 18 years: if single, studying in Portugal, and financially dependent.
Parents: if over 65 years, or under 65 years if financially dependent.
Minor siblings: if under the legal custody of the main applicant.
Adopted children: with valid legal adoption papers.

Eligibility for Portugal Dependent Visa

To apply for the Portugal D6 Dependent Visa, you must meet the following conditions.

The main applicant must hold a valid Portuguese residence permit.
The main applicant must have legally lived in Portugal for at least 2 years (in some cases, this rule is waived for minor children or Golden Visa holders).
You must prove your family relationship with valid documents.
The main applicant must have enough income to support the family.
The main applicant must have proper accommodation in Portugal.
All applicants must have a clean criminal record.
All applicants must have valid health insurance.

Portugal D6 Visa Requirements

Financial Requirements for Portugal Dependent Visa

The main applicant must show that they earn enough to support the family in Portugal. The current rule is based on the Portuguese minimum wage, which is EUR 870 per month in 2026. For example, if you want to bring your spouse and one child, your monthly income must be at least EUR 1,566 (approx. INR 1,48,000). The income can be from salary, business, savings, or pension.

Family Member	Extra Income Needed
Main Applicant	100% of minimum wage
Spouse / Second Adult	50% of minimum wage
Each Child	30% of minimum wage

Documents Required for Portugal Dependent Visa

You will need the following documents for the Portugal D6 visa. All documents in Indian languages must be translated into Portuguese or English and attested.

Documents from the Applicant (in India)

Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)
Two recent passport-size photos
Completed and signed D6 visa application form
Proof of family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate)
Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from India
Travel health insurance (minimum EUR 30,000 cover)
Round-trip flight booking
Proof of accommodation in Portugal
Apostille of all civil documents

Documents from the Sponsor (in Portugal)

Copy of valid Portuguese residence permit
SEF/AIMA approval letter for family reunification
Proof of income (salary slips, tax returns, bank statements)
Proof of accommodation (rent agreement or property deed)
Portuguese tax number (NIF)
Portuguese social security number (NISS)

Portugal Dependent Visa Application Process

The Portugal Dependent Visa has two stages. The first stage is done in Portugal by the sponsor. The second stage is done in India by the applicant.

In Portugal (Done by Sponsor)

Step 1: Apply with AIMA. The sponsor in Portugal applies to the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) for family reunification.

Step 2: Submit all required documents proving income, address and family link.

Step 3: AIMA reviews and gives an approval letter. This takes 2 to 3 months.

Step 4: The approval letter is sent to the family in India.

In India (Done by Applicant)

Step 1: Book a slot at the Portugal VFS Global office in India.

Step 2: Complete the D6 visa application form online.

Step 3: Pay the visa fee of EUR 90 plus VFS service charges.

Step 4: Submit all documents and biometrics at the VFS centre.

Step 5: Attend a short interview at the Portuguese Embassy if asked.

Step 6: Wait for 60 to 90 days for the visa decision.

Step 7: Collect your visa and travel to Portugal.

Step 8: Within 4 months in Portugal, apply for a residence permit at AIMA.

Portugal Dependent Visa Application Process

Portugal Dependent Visa Fees

The cost of applying for a Portugal Dependent Visa in 2026 includes visa application charges, VFS service fees, residence permit costs, health insurance, and document-related expenses. The total amount may vary depending on the applicant’s nationality, the number of documents submitted, and the type of insurance selected. Applicants should also keep additional funds ready for travel, accommodation, and miscellaneous processing expenses during the application process.

Type of Fee	Amount (EUR)	Amount (INR – Approx.)
D6 Visa Fee	EUR 90	INR 8,500
VFS Service Fee	EUR 25	INR 2,400
Residence Permit Fee (in Portugal)	EUR 84	INR 7,900
Health Insurance	EUR 30 to 60	INR 2,800 to 5,700
Document Translation	EUR 20 to 40 per page	INR 1,900 to 3,800

Portugal Dependent Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a Portugal Dependent Visa (D6 Visa) usually takes around 4 to 6 months from the date of application. The complete process happens in two stages.

First, the sponsor living in Portugal must get approval from AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum). This step generally takes about 2 to 3 months, depending on the number of applications being processed and the documents submitted.

After AIMA approval is received, the dependent visa application is processed by the Portuguese Embassy or VFS center in the applicant’s home country. This stage normally takes around 60 to 90 days for visa approval and stamping.

The processing time may become longer if:

Additional documents are requested
Documents are incomplete or incorrect
Background verification takes more time
There is a high number of visa applications during peak seasons

To avoid delays, applicants should submit all required documents correctly and attend appointments on time.

Validity of Portugal Dependent Visa

The Portugal D6 Dependent Visa is first issued as an entry visa that is valid for 4 months. The visa holder must travel to Portugal within this validity period. This visa mainly allows dependents to enter the country legally and complete the next steps of the residency process. After arriving in Portugal, the applicant must attend an appointment with AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum) to apply for a residence permit. The first residence permit is generally granted for 2 years.

Before the residence permit expires, it can be renewed for another 3 years if the applicant continues to meet the visa and residency requirements. During this period, dependents can legally stay, live, study, and in some cases work in Portugal. After completing 5 years of legal stay in Portugal, eligible applicants may apply for permanent residency. They may also become eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship, subject to meeting all legal conditions and residency requirements.

Benefits of Portugal Dependent Visa

The Portugal Dependent Visa gives many benefits to your family. Here are the top benefits.

Right to live in Portugal: Your family can stay with you legally.
Right to work: Your spouse and adult children can work in Portugal without any extra permit.
Right to study: Children can study in Portuguese schools and universities. Public school is free.
Free healthcare: Access to Portugal’s National Health Service (SNS).
Travel in Europe: Visa-free travel to all Schengen countries.
Path to PR and citizenship: Permanent residency after 5 years; citizenship after 5 years.
Social security benefits: Access to pension, unemployment and child support.
Safe and peaceful country: Portugal is ranked the 7th safest country in the world.
Family is together: You can live with your spouse, children and parents.
Tax benefits: Portugal offers good tax benefits for new residents.

Why Portugal is a Great Choice for Indian Families?

Portugal is becoming the top European country for Indian families. Here are the reasons.

Portugal is ranked 7th safest country in the Global Peace Index 2024.
Cost of living is 30% lower than the UK and Germany.
English is widely spoken in big cities like Lisbon and Porto.
Indian schools and Indian community are growing fast.
Portuguese citizenship gives access to all EU countries.
Children get high-quality, low-cost education.
Public healthcare is among the best in Europe.
Indian food, temples and grocery stores are easy to find.

Portugal Dependent Visa vs Other Country Visas

Choosing the right dependent visa depends on factors such as processing time, visa cost, work rights, permanent residency options, and citizenship pathways. Portugal, Germany, and France are among the popular European countries for family reunification visas. However, each country has different eligibility rules and long-term settlement benefits.

Portugal is considered one of the most attractive options because it offers a faster path to citizenship, flexible residency benefits, and comparatively easier language requirements for permanent residency and citizenship applications. Portugal stands out because it offers citizenship in just 5 years, which is the shortest in Europe. The basic language test is also easier compared to Germany or France.

Feature	Portugal D6	Germany Family	France Family
Processing Time	4–6 months	3–6 months	2–3 months
Visa Fee	EUR 90	EUR 75	EUR 99
Work Right	Yes	Yes	Yes
PR After	5 years	5 years	5 years
Citizenship After	5 years	8 years	5 years
Language Test	Basic A2 for PR	A1 for spouse	A2 for PR

How Y-Axis Can Help You?

Y-Axis is the world’s No.1 overseas immigration consultant with 26 years of experience. We have helped over 10 lakh customers with their visa and immigration needs. Our team of trained experts can help you at every step of your Portugal dependent visa journey.

Our Services for Portugal Dependent Visa

Free eligibility check
Document checklist and review
Visa application form filling
Apostille and translation help
VFS appointment booking
Interview preparation
Post-landing services in Portugal
Residence permit support

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Portugal Dependent Visa?

The Portugal Dependent Visa, also called the D6 Family Reunification Visa, is a long-stay visa given to family members of a person legally staying in Portugal. With this visa, your spouse, children and parents can live, work and study in Portugal. The visa is valid for 4 months as an entry visa. After arriving in Portugal, you must apply for a residence permit. The permit is valid for 2 years and can be renewed.

Who can sponsor a Portugal Dependent Visa?

Anyone with a valid Portuguese residence permit can sponsor a dependent visa. This includes Portuguese citizens, EU/EEA citizens, and non-EU citizens like Indians who have a legal residence card in Portugal. The sponsor must have lived in Portugal for at least 2 years. This rule is waived for minor children, Golden Visa holders, EU Blue Card holders, and highly skilled workers. The sponsor must also have enough income and a place to stay.

Which family members are eligible for Portugal Dependent Visa?

The Portugal D6 visa covers spouses, children under 18, children over 18 who are single and studying in Portugal, adopted children, minor siblings under custody, and parents above 65 years. Parents under 65 can also apply if they are financially dependent on the sponsor. Legal partners in a civil union are treated the same as spouses. The relationship must be proved with valid certificates that are apostilled and translated.

How much does the Portugal Dependent Visa cost?

The basic D6 visa fee is EUR 90 (around INR 8,500) per person. You will also pay a VFS service fee of about EUR 25. Once in Portugal, the residence permit fee is around EUR 84. Other costs include health insurance (EUR 30 to 60), document translation (EUR 20 to 40 per page), and apostille fees. The total cost for one applicant is around INR 25,000 to INR 40,000. The cost may vary based on your case.

How long does it take to get the Portugal Dependent Visa?

The total processing time for Portugal Dependent Visa is 4 to 6 months. First, the sponsor in Portugal applies to AIMA, which takes 2 to 3 months. After approval, the family in India applies at the Portuguese Embassy through VFS. The embassy then takes 60 to 90 days to decide. Total time depends on the case, document quality and embassy workload. Y-Axis helps you submit a clean file to reduce delays.

Can my spouse work in Portugal on a Dependent Visa?

Yes, your spouse can work in Portugal on the D6 visa. After arriving in Portugal and getting the residence permit, your spouse can take any job in any field. There is no need for a separate work permit. Self-employment and business are also allowed. Your spouse will also be added to Portuguese social security and will get the same job rights as locals. This makes Portugal a great country for working families.

Can my children study in Portugal?

Yes, your children can study in Portugal on the D6 dependent visa. Public school is free for children from age 6 to 18. There are also many private and international schools that teach in English. Portugal has top universities like the University of Lisbon and the University of Porto. International students get the same fees as local students. Indian school certificates are accepted with proper translation and apostille.

What is the income requirement for the sponsor for Portugal Dependent Visa?

The sponsor must earn at least the Portuguese minimum wage, which is EUR 870 per month in 2026. For a spouse, an extra 50% (EUR 435) is needed. For each child, an extra 30% (EUR 261) is needed. So, to sponsor a spouse and one child, the sponsor must earn at least EUR 1,566 per month. The income can be from job, business, savings or pension. Bank statements and tax returns are needed as proof.

Do I need to know the Portuguese language for the Dependent Visa?

No, you do not need to know Portuguese to apply for the D6 dependent visa. There is no language test for the entry visa or the first residence permit. However, after 5 years, when you apply for permanent residence or citizenship, you must pass a basic A2 level Portuguese language test. Many free language classes are offered by the Portuguese government to help new immigrants learn the language.

Can I travel to other European countries on a Portugal Dependent Visa?

Yes, the Portugal Dependent Visa is a Schengen-zone visa. Once you have the visa or residence permit, you can travel freely to all 27 Schengen countries. This includes France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, and many more. You can stay for up to 90 days in 180 days in any Schengen country. This is a great benefit for families who want to travel and explore Europe.

Can my parents come to Portugal on a Dependent Visa?

Yes, you can bring your parents on the Portugal D6 visa. Parents above 65 years are eligible without any extra condition. Parents below 65 can also apply if they are financially dependent on you. You must show proof of regular money transfers to them. The same income and accommodation rules apply. Parents will also get free healthcare in Portugal. After 5 years, they can also apply for permanent residency in Portugal.

What is the validity of the Portugal Dependent Visa?

The D6 entry visa is valid for 4 months. You must enter Portugal within these 4 months. After landing, you must apply for a residence permit at AIMA. The first residence permit is valid for 2 years. After 2 years, you can renew it for 3 more years. After 5 years of legal residence, you can apply for permanent residency. Permanent residency can be renewed every 5 years.

Can I apply for permanent residency after the Dependent Visa?

Yes, after 5 years of legal stay in Portugal on the D6 visa, you can apply for permanent residency (PR). You must show a clean criminal record, proof of income, and a basic A2 level Portuguese language test. PR allows you to live in Portugal forever and gives you almost the same rights as a Portuguese citizen. After PR, you can also apply for Portuguese citizenship in the same year.

Can I apply for Portuguese citizenship through the Dependent Visa?

Yes, after 5 years of legal residence in Portugal, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship. You must pass a basic A2 Portuguese language test and have a clean criminal record. Portuguese citizenship is one of the strongest in the world. The Portuguese passport gives visa-free travel to over 190 countries including the UK, USA (with ESTA), and all EU countries. Dual citizenship with India is not allowed, so you must give up your Indian citizenship.

What is AIMA in Portugal?

AIMA stands for the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo). It is the main government office for immigration in Portugal. AIMA replaced the old SEF in 2023. The sponsor in Portugal must apply to AIMA for family reunification before the family applies at the embassy in India. AIMA also issues residence permits, renewals and PR cards. AIMA offices are located in all major Portuguese cities.

Do I need health insurance for the Portugal Dependent Visa?

Yes, you must have valid health insurance to apply for the D6 visa. The insurance must cover at least EUR 30,000 of medical costs. It must be valid in all Schengen countries. The insurance must cover the full stay until you get the Portuguese residence permit. After getting the residence permit, you will be added to Portugal’s National Health Service (SNS) and will get free or low-cost healthcare like local residents.

Can I work for an Indian company while on a Portugal Dependent Visa?

Yes, you can work remotely for an Indian company while living in Portugal on the D6 visa. Portugal allows remote work and has a strong digital nomad culture. You will need to pay tax in Portugal on your global income after 183 days of stay. Portugal has a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with India, so you will not be taxed twice. Many Indians work for Indian or US firms while living in Portugal.

What is the difference between D6 visa and Golden Visa?

The D6 visa is a family reunification visa for people with a family member already in Portugal. The Golden Visa is an investment visa for those who invest in Portugal. The D6 has no investment requirement but needs a family link. The Golden Visa needs a minimum investment of EUR 500,000 but does not need a family link. Both visas give a path to PR and citizenship in 5 years. The D6 is more affordable for Indian families.

Can my unmarried partner come on the Dependent Visa?

Yes, Portugal recognises unmarried partners under the D6 visa. You must prove that you have lived together for at least 2 years in a stable relationship. You can show joint bank accounts, rent agreements, photos and other proof. Same-sex partners are also covered under the D6 visa, as Portugal allows same-sex marriage and civil unions. The partner will get the same rights as a legal spouse, including the right to work and study.

What if my Portugal Dependent Visa is rejected?

If your D6 visa is rejected, you will get a rejection letter with the reason. Common reasons are weak income proof, missing documents, or a wrong family link. You have 15 days to appeal the decision at the Portuguese embassy. You can also apply again after fixing the issues. Y-Axis helps you check your file before you apply, so the chance of rejection is very low. We also help with appeals if needed.

Do I need to apostille my documents for the Portugal Dependent Visa?

Yes, all Indian civil documents must be apostilled before they are submitted for the D6 visa. This includes the marriage certificate, birth certificate, and police clearance certificate. The apostille is done by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India. After apostille, the documents must also be translated into Portuguese or English by a certified translator. Y-Axis offers full apostille and translation help to make this process easy for you.

Can I include my newborn child in the Portugal Dependent Visa?

Yes, you can include your newborn child in the Portugal D6 visa. The child must have a valid passport and an apostilled birth certificate. There is no waiting period for children born in India. If the child is born in Portugal while you are on a residence permit, the child can get a Portuguese residence permit directly. Children born to legal residents may also be eligible for Portuguese citizenship by birth in some cases.

Where do I apply for the Portugal Dependent Visa in India?

You can apply for the Portugal Dependent Visa at any VFS Global office in India. VFS centres are in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad and Goa. You must book an appointment online before visiting. The Portuguese Embassy in New Delhi and the Consulate in Goa are the final decision makers. Y-Axis helps you book appointments at the nearest VFS office and prepares your full file for submission.