Portuguese Citizenship by Marriage or Civil Union
Marriage to a Portuguese citizen provides an accessible pathway to citizenship without requiring residence in Portugal, though specific requirements must be met.
Eligibility Requirements
You can apply for Portuguese citizenship if:
- You have been married to a Portuguese citizen for at least 3 years
- The marriage is legally recognized in Portugal
- You can demonstrate “effective ties” to the Portuguese community (with exceptions)
The “Effective Ties” Requirement
The “effective ties” requirement is automatically considered fulfilled if any of these apply:
- Marriage lasting 6+ years
- Marriage lasting 5+ years AND proof of Portuguese language knowledge
- Marriage lasting 5+ years AND being from a Portuguese-speaking country
- Having children who possess Portuguese citizenship
- Legal residence in Portugal for at least 5 years
- Legal residence in Portugal for at least 3 years AND proof of Portuguese language
Documentation Required
- Marriage certificate (legalized and registered in Portugal)
- Your spouse’s Portuguese birth certificate or citizenship certificate
- Your birth certificate
- Criminal record certificate from your country of residence
- Proof of effective ties to the Portuguese community (if required)
- Application form
Application Process
- Gather and authenticate all required documents
- Submit your application at a Portuguese consulate or Civil Registry Office
- Pay the €250 application fee
- Wait for processing (typically 25-30 months)
- Receive your citizenship certificate
- Apply for your Portuguese ID card and passport
Civil Unions (União de Facto)
Same-sex and opposite-sex civil partnerships receive the same treatment as marriage for citizenship purposes, but require:
- Judicial recognition of the partnership in Portugal
- Proof of at least 3 years of stable union
- All other requirements applicable to married couples
Important Considerations
- No residence in Portugal is required
- If divorce occurs after the 3-year period, the right to citizenship remains
- Portuguese language proficiency may be required depending on your circumstances
- Processing typically takes 25-30 months
