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Gaining Portuguese citizenship by marriage is possible if you have been married to, or in a legally recognized cohabitation with, a Portuguese citizen for at least three years. Applicants must also demonstrate an effective connection to the Portuguese community and maintain a clean criminal record.
Required documents typically include your birth certificate, criminal records, and your marriage certificate—especially if the marriage took place abroad, in which case it must be registered in Portugal.
What is Portuguese Citizenship Through Marriage?
Portuguese citizenship through marriage is a pathway that allows the spouse or long-term partner of a Portuguese citizen to apply for citizenship based on their relationship.
It’s one of the most flexible routes in Europe, as Portugal recognizes both legal marriage and officially registered long-term partnerships (união de facto). Rather than focusing on long residency periods, this pathway emphasizes the stability and authenticity of the relationship.
Once approved, it gives you the same rights as any Portuguese citizen, including the Portuguese passport and the freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union .
Living in a de facto partnership in Portugal
Living in a de facto partnership in Portugal—known locally as união de facto—gives couples many of the same rights as marriage, as long as they can prove they’ve lived together for at least two years.
This status can be used for things like residence permits, family reunification, tax benefits, healthcare access, and inheritance rights. To formalize it, couples usually present proof of shared residence (such as utility bills, rental contracts, or joint accounts) and request an official certificate from their local parish council (Junta de Freguesia).
It’s a practical option for couples who prefer not to marry but still want legal recognition and stability while living in Portugal.
Portuguese Citizenship by Marriage Eligibility
To qualify for citizenship through marriage or partnership, you must meet several key requirements:
- Be married to a Portuguese citizen for at least three years, or be in a legally recognized de facto union for at least three years.
- If applying through a de facto union, you must have lived together for a minimum of three years, even if that time wasn’t spent in Portugal.
- Demonstrate A2-level Portuguese language proficiency.
- Provide a clean criminal record from Portugal and your country of residence.
- Present a health certificate confirming you have no serious communicable diseases.
- Show evidence of ties to the Portuguese community, such as visits, family connections, property, or other meaningful links.
Required Documents for Portuguese Citizenship by Marriage
The required documents closely mirror those used for standard naturalization, with the addition of proof of your marriage or de facto partnership. You’ll typically need:
- Your birth certificate or a valid government-issued ID such as a passport
- A marriage certificate dated at least three years, or documentation proving a de facto union of three years or more
- Criminal record certificates from Portugal and your country of residence
- A health certificate confirming no serious communicable diseases
- Portuguese language certificate (A2 level), usually the CIPLE exam
- Evidence of ties to Portugal, such as memberships, property records, frequent visits, or other connections
- Proof of payment of the required fees
How to Apply for Portuguese Nationality Through Marriage
The application process largely follows the same steps as standard naturalization, with a few additional requirements related to your relationship:
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Collect all required documents, including proof of marriage or de facto partnership, identification, criminal records, and any supporting paperwork.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Apply online through NacionalidadeOnline with the help of a lawyer or solicitor, or submit your application in person at a Registry Office in Portugal or at a Portuguese consulate/embassy abroad.
Step 3: Pay the Application Fee
Pay the €250 fee when submitting your application.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
Processing usually takes 24 to 29 months, depending on the workload of the civil registry and the complexity of your case.
How Long Does Portuguese Citizenship by Marriage Take to Process?
The processing time usually ranges from 24 to 29 months, depending on the workload of the civil registry, the complexity of your case, and how complete your documents are when you submit them. Some applications move a bit faster, while others take longer if additional checks or clarifications are required.
Currently, due to the backlog within the Portuguese authorities—largely caused by the influx of new foreign residents and Golden Visa investors reaching the five-year mark—the average timeline is around 2 years, which remains the most common experience for applicants.
How Much Does it Cost to Apply for Portuguese Citizenship by Marriage?
Applying for Portuguese citizenship by marriage generally costs €250 for the official application fee. Beyond that, you should also plan for extra expenses such as translating and notarizing required documents, as well as the transcription of your marriage into the Portuguese system, which is mandatory before applying.
If you choose to work with a immigration lawyer or a specialist to coordinate and submit your application, professional fees typically range from €1,000 to €2,000, depending on the level of support and complexity of your case.
What to Do if You Cannot Obtain Portuguese Citizenship by Marriage?
If you’re not able to obtain Portuguese citizenship by marriage, there are still solid alternatives available.
1. Apply for Permanent Residency
After 5 years of legal residence, you can apply for permanent residency without relying on marriage. This offers long-term stability, the right to work, access to healthcare, and the freedom to live in Portugal without frequent renewals.
2. Apply for Citizenship Through Long-Term Residency
Even if the marriage route isn’t possible, you can still qualify for citizenship through the standard naturalization process after 5 years of residence, as long as you meet the general requirements such as clean criminal records and basic Portuguese language skills.
3. Explore Other Residency Options
If you haven’t yet reached the 5-year mark, visas like the D7 Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, D2 entrepreneur visa, or the Portugal Golden Visa can help you obtain and maintain residency, eventually allowing you to transition to citizenship later on.
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Your Questions Answered
Do I need to live in Portugal to apply for citizenship by marriage?
No. Physical residence in Portugal is not required. However, you must prove the relationship is real and stable, and show community ties such as visits, family links, or cultural involvement.
How long do I need to be married before I can apply?
You must be married or in a registered de facto union with a Portuguese citizen for a minimum of three years before applying.
Do I need to speak Portuguese to apply for citizenship through marriage?
Yes. Applicants must demonstrate A2-level Portuguese language proficiency, typically through the CIPLE exam or an equivalent accepted certificate.
What does “ties to the Portuguese community” mean?
Ties can include visits to Portugal, family connections, property ownership, memberships in Portuguese organizations, or other meaningful links that demonstrate integration.
Does my marriage need to be registered in Portugal?
If you were married abroad, your marriage must be registered in Portugal before applying for citizenship.
Can you have dual citizenship with Portugal and the USA?
Yes. Both Portugal and the United States allow dual citizenship, so you can legally hold both passports.
Can I live in Portugal if my husband is Portuguese?
Yes. You can apply for a family reunification residence permit, which allows you to live, work, and access services in Portugal.
How quickly can you get citizenship after marriage?
Marriage to a Portuguese citizen does not grant automatic citizenship. You can apply after 3 years of marriage or de facto partnership, but processing typically takes 24–29 months.
Is Portugal allowing dual citizenship?
Yes. Portugal fully recognizes dual citizenship and places no restrictions on holding multiple nationalities.
Will I lose my US citizenship if I apply for dual citizenship?
No. The United States allows dual citizenship, and applying for Portuguese citizenship does not cause you to lose your US citizenship.
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