Who Is Entitled to Portuguese Nationality by Marriage or Civil Union
Spouses of Portuguese Citizens
Main criteria:
The marriage must have occurred at least 3 years before the application.
The marriage must be registered in Portugal.
Partners in De Facto Unions with Portuguese Citizens
Main criteria:
The union must be formalized and recognized by a decision of a Portuguese court or registry office.
The union must have lasted at least 3 years at the time of the application.
Applicants with More Than 6 Years of Marriage/De Facto Union
Additional benefits:
Exemption from the requirement to prove a connection to the Portuguese community.
The process may be simpler in terms of documentation.
Applicants Who Do Not Live in Portugal
It is possible to obtain nationality as long as the link with the Portuguese spouse is proven and maintained.
Cases with Proof of Connection to the Portuguese Community
Applicants who do not meet the 6-year criterion, but who demonstrate an effective connection to Portuguese society, such as:
Residence in Portugal.
Common children registered as Portuguese citizens.
Important Observations:
The marriage or de facto union must be genuine and must not be dissolved at the time of the application.
The decision to grant nationality is assessed by the Institute of Registries and Notary (IRN).
In cases of suspected convenience marriages, further investigations may be carried out.
Documents Required to Obtain Portuguese Nationality by Marriage or Civil Union
Birth Certificate of the Applicant
Original and legalized/apostilled (if issued outside Portugal).
Sworn translation, if not in Portuguese.
Marriage Certificate or Declaration of De Facto Union
For marriage:
Updated marriage certificate, issued by a Portuguese registry, if registered in Portugal.
Foreign marriage certificate legalized/apostilled and translated, if not yet registered in Portugal.
For de facto union:
Declaration issued by a Portuguese court or registry confirming the existence of the de facto union for at least 3 years.
Birth Certificate of the Portuguese Spouse or Partner
Document proving the Portuguese nationality of the spouse or partner.
Criminal Record Certificates
Certificates issued by:
The applicant's country of origin.
Countries where the applicant has lived after the age of 16.
Portuguese authorities (Judiciary Police).
Must be legalized/apostilled and translated, if necessary.
Proof of Connection to the Portuguese Community (if applicable)
This requirement may be waived if the marriage or de facto union is more than 6 years old.
Examples of connection include:
Residence in Portugal.
Participation in cultural, social, or professional activities in Portugal.
Declaration Under Honor
A declaration stating that the applicant maintains the marital or de facto union and meets the requirements for the application.
Photocopy of Identification Document
Passport or equivalent document.
Proof of Payment of the Fee
Receipt or proof of payment of the administrative fees, typically between €175 and €250.