How to Get Portuguese Citizenship Through Marriage: Step-by-Step

Portuguese citizenship by marriage offers a pathway for foreign spouses of Portuguese citizens to gain citizenship and enjoy the rights of EU membership. Unlike residency-based applications, this process grants citizenship more directly to those with a marital connection to Portugal. Here’s a detailed guide covering eligibility, required documentation, application steps, and the benefits of becoming a Portuguese citizen through marriage.

Table of Contents

1. What is Portuguese Citizenship by Marriage?

Portuguese citizenship by marriage allows foreign nationals married to Portuguese citizens to apply for naturalization. This citizenship path grants full Portuguese rights, including the freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union, plus access to Portugal’s healthcare and social benefits.

Key Benefits of Portuguese Citizenship by Marriage:

Full citizenship rights, including the ability to vote and access public services.
Freedom of movement, residence, and employment within the European Union (EU) and Schengen Zone.
Dual citizenship allowed, meaning applicants can keep their original citizenship in most cases.

Portuguese citizenship by marriage can be pursued without the applicant needing to live in Portugal, but meeting eligibility and proving the marriage’s authenticity is essential.

2. Eligibility Requirements for Portuguese Citizenship by Marriage

To qualify for Portuguese citizenship by marriage, applicants must meet specific requirements related to the marriage and prove integration into Portuguese society.

Key Requirements:

Marital Duration: The applicant must be married to a Portuguese citizen for at least three years before applying.
Proof of Connection to Portugal: Applicants may need to demonstrate integration into Portuguese society, such as knowledge of the Portuguese language or regular visits to Portugal.
Legal Residence: Though residency in Portugal is not required, proof of some connection to Portugal, such as joint bank accounts, property ownership, or joint children, can strengthen the application.
Good Character Requirement: Applicants must have no serious criminal record.

While some applicants may not need to prove integration if they meet the marital duration requirement, showing a strong connection to Portugal can enhance the application’s chances.

3. Required Documents for Portuguese Citizenship by Marriage

Applicants need to provide various documents to support their Portuguese citizenship by marriage application. Here’s a list of essential documentation:

Personal and Marital Documents:

Passport: A valid passport as proof of identity.
Marriage Certificate: An official marriage certificate proving the marriage to a Portuguese citizen.
Birth Certificate: A certified copy of the applicant’s birth certificate.
Portuguese Spouse’s Birth Certificate: Proof of the spouse’s Portuguese citizenship status, typically obtained from the Portuguese civil registry.

Proof of Connection to Portugal:

Proof of Residence or Property Ownership: If applicable, documents showing the couple’s residence in Portugal or property owned there.
Joint Bank Account Statements: Evidence of a shared financial relationship.
Joint Children’s Birth Certificates: If applicable, birth certificates of any children from the marriage, especially if they hold Portuguese citizenship.

Criminal Background Check:

Police Clearance Certificate: Required from the applicant’s country of residence and any other country where they have lived in the last five years, showing a clean criminal record.

Language Requirement (if needed):

Portuguese Language Certificate: Some applicants may need to provide proof of basic Portuguese language proficiency if requested.

Having these documents organized and authenticated will help avoid delays during the application process.

4. Application Process for Portuguese Citizenship by Marriage

Applying for Portuguese citizenship by marriage involves several steps, typically starting with document collection and registration at the Portuguese civil registry.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Prepare Required Documents: Collect and prepare all necessary documents, ensuring they are translated into Portuguese (if needed) and certified by relevant authorities.
Submit Application to the Civil Registry: Submit the application and all required documents to the Conservatória dos Registos Centrais (Portuguese Central Registry Office) in Portugal or a Portuguese consulate abroad.
Pay the Application Fee: The fee for a Portuguese citizenship application by marriage is approximately €250.
Undergo Background Checks and Verification: The Portuguese authorities will verify the documents, conduct background checks, and assess the marriage’s authenticity.
Receive Approval and Take the Oath: Once approved, the applicant may need to take an oath of allegiance, which can typically be done at a Portuguese embassy or consulate.
Receive Portuguese Citizenship: Upon completing these steps, the applicant will officially become a Portuguese citizen and can apply for a Portuguese passport.

The processing time for Portuguese citizenship by marriage is generally 12-24 months, depending on case complexity and document verification.

5. Portuguese Language Requirement for Citizenship by Marriage

Language proficiency is sometimes required for applicants to prove integration into Portuguese society. However, if the marriage has lasted for over three years and strong connections to Portugal can be demonstrated, this requirement may be waived.

When a Language Test May Be Required:

If the applicant has no tangible connection to Portugal, such as residency, property ownership, or regular visits.
For those applying under a waiver where additional proof of integration is requested.

Portuguese language proficiency is typically demonstrated through recognized tests, such as CIPLE (A2 level), offered by the Instituto Camões.

6. Advantages of Portuguese Citizenship for Married Couples

Becoming a Portuguese citizen through marriage provides various benefits:

EU Mobility: Portuguese citizens can live, work, and travel freely across the European Union and the Schengen Zone.
Dual Citizenship: Portugal allows dual citizenship, so applicants can retain their original citizenship if permitted by their home country.
Access to Public Services: Portuguese citizens receive access to healthcare, education, and social benefits.
Family Sponsorship: Portuguese citizens can sponsor family members for residency and citizenship pathways more easily than non-citizens.

These benefits make Portuguese citizenship by marriage an attractive option for those seeking EU rights and freedoms.

7. Processing Time and Costs for Portuguese Citizenship by Marriage

Processing Time:

The processing time for Portuguese citizenship by marriage typically ranges from 12 to 24 months. Delays can occur due to document verification or complex cases requiring additional background checks.

Application Costs:

Application Fee: Approximately €250 for the standard citizenship application.
Additional Costs: Translation, certification, and potential legal fees, depending on document requirements and where the application is filed.

Applying early and ensuring all documents are correct can help expedite the process.

8. Maintaining Portuguese Citizenship

Once citizenship is granted, it does not require renewal. However, if a Portuguese passport is issued, it must be renewed every 5 years (for minors) or 10 years (for adults).

Portuguese citizenship by marriage is generally retained even if the couple separates or divorces, as long as the marriage was genuine at the time of application. Citizenship may be revoked only in rare cases of fraud or misrepresentation.

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I apply for Portuguese citizenship if my spouse is a Portuguese citizen by descent?
Yes, you can apply as long as your spouse is a registered Portuguese citizen, whether by birth or descent.

2. Do I need to live in Portugal to apply for citizenship by marriage?
No, residency in Portugal is not required, though demonstrating a connection to Portugal may strengthen the application.

3. How long does Portuguese citizenship by marriage take?
The process usually takes 12-24 months, depending on the complexity and completeness of the application.

4. Can I apply for Portuguese citizenship by marriage if I am separated from my spouse?
No, the marriage must be valid and subsisting at the time of application. Separation or divorce after obtaining citizenship does not impact citizenship status.

5. Do I need to speak Portuguese to become a citizen through marriage?
Basic Portuguese proficiency may be required if the applicant has no strong ties to Portugal, though it’s often waived for applicants married for over three years.

6. Will my children automatically get Portuguese citizenship if I become a citizen?
Children may be eligible for Portuguese citizenship, but a separate application is usually required unless they are born in Portugal after citizenship is granted.