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Family Reunification Visa = Reagrupamento familiar (D6 visa)

Step 1: Application for Family Reunification by the Resident in Portugal (with AIMA)

Who applies: The foreign citizen who is legally residing in Portugal (the "main applicant" or "resident") initiates this first step.

Where to apply: The resident applies at an AIMA service point (Loja AIMA) in their area of residence in Portugal.

Purpose: The resident requests AIMA to recognize the right to family reunification for their family member(s) abroad.

AIMA's Decision: AIMA will analyze the application and typically issue a decision within 3 months. If the case is complex, it might be extended for another 3 months. You will receive a notification from AIMA granting family reunification. This notification is crucial for the next step.

Step 2: Visa Application by the Family Member Abroad (at Portuguese Consulate/Embassy)

Who applies: The family member(s) who wish to join the resident in Portugal.

Where to apply: At the Portuguese Consulate or Embassy in their country of habitual residence. In some countries, visa applications are handled by external service providers like VFS Global.

Timeline: Crucially, the visa application must be submitted within 90 days of receiving the family reunification authorization from AIMA. Failure to do so can result in the forfeiture of the decision.

Visa Type: This is usually a Residence Visa for Family Reunification (D6 Visa).

Step 3: Entry into Portugal and Residence Permit Application (with AIMA)

Entry: Once the D6 visa is granted, the family member can enter Portugal.

Residence Permit: After entering Portugal, the family member must schedule an appointment with AIMA to apply for their residence permit. The D6 visa usually allows for a certain period (e.g., 120 days) to enter Portugal and complete this step. The residence permit issued will generally have the same validity as the resident's permit.

Thank you so much for this information. I will now go to AIMA on Friday and initiate the process from this end.