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Nationality · Citizenship by marriage

Portuguese Citizenship through Marriage.

Spouses of Portuguese citizens can obtain Portuguese nationality through a simplified naturalization process. Gain full EU citizenship rights through your marriage.

Overview

Citizenship by marriage.

Portugal allows foreign spouses of Portuguese citizens to apply for citizenship after being married for at least 3 years. This is one of the most accessible paths to EU citizenship for those with a Portuguese spouse.

i

Simplified process

Marriage to a Portuguese citizen provides a faster path to citizenship than standard naturalization.

ii

No residency required

You do not need to live in Portugal to apply—you can apply from anywhere in the world.

iii

Full EU citizenship

Obtain a Portuguese passport and enjoy all European Union citizenship rights.

Benefits

Benefits of Portuguese citizenship.

i

EU passport

Hold a Portuguese passport with visa-free travel to 188 countries worldwide.

ii

Live & work in EU

Live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union without restrictions.

iii

Dual citizenship

Portugal allows dual citizenship—no need to renounce your current nationality.

iv

Pass to children

Your children can inherit Portuguese citizenship and pass it to future generations.

v

Healthcare & education

Access Portugal's public healthcare and education systems.

vi

Same rights as spouse

Enjoy the same citizenship rights as your Portuguese-born spouse.

Requirements

Eligibility criteria.

  • iMarriage duration — you must be married to a Portuguese citizen for at least 3 years at the time of application.
  • iiValid marriage — the marriage must be legally recognized. If married abroad, the marriage must be registered in Portugal.
  • iiiConnection to Portuguese community — you must demonstrate effective ties to the Portuguese community (this does not require residency in Portugal).
  • ivClean criminal record — no serious criminal convictions in Portugal or your country of residence.

How we help

Citizenship application process.

  1. Eligibility assessment. We review your marriage documentation and situation to confirm eligibility for citizenship by marriage.
  2. Document collection. Gather marriage certificates, spouse Portuguese documents, criminal records, and proof of connection to Portuguese community.
  3. Marriage registration. If married abroad, we assist with registering your marriage at the Portuguese Civil Registry (Conservatória).
  4. Application submission. Submit your citizenship application to the Portuguese Civil Registry Office with all required documentation.
  5. Approval & passport. Receive your Portuguese nationality certificate and apply for your Portuguese passport.

Related services

  • →Citizenship by residency — after five years of legal residence, you may also qualify for citizenship through naturalisation.
  • →Family reunification visa — join your spouse in Portugal through the family reunification process.
  • →Sephardic citizenship — if your spouse has Sephardic ancestry, they may have a separate claim to nationality.

Common questions

Citizenship by marriage FAQs.

Processing times typically range from 12 to 24 months, depending on document complexity and current processing volumes.
No Portuguese language requirement for citizenship by marriage, unlike citizenship by residency.
No. You can apply from anywhere in the world. There is no residency requirement for citizenship by marriage.
Marriages performed abroad must be registered at a Portuguese Civil Registry (Conservatória) before applying for citizenship.
Yes. As long as your spouse is a Portuguese citizen at the time of application, you may be eligible.
This can be demonstrated through family ties, visits to Portugal, participation in Portuguese cultural activities, Portuguese language knowledge, or other evidence of connection.
No. Portugal allows dual citizenship. You can keep your current nationality.
Yes. Once you obtain Portuguese citizenship, any children born after your naturalization are automatically Portuguese. Children born before may also qualify through descent.

Book

Ready to apply for citizenship through marriage?

Contact us to evaluate your eligibility for Portuguese citizenship by marriage. We'll guide you through the entire process.

Schedule consultation →
or call +351 222 084 267