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Portuguese Citizenship by Marriage: 2024 Requirements and Process
Complete guide to acquiring Portuguese citizenship through marriage to a Portuguese national, including timeline, documentation, and recent updates.
Marriage to a Portuguese citizen provides a pathway to Portuguese nationality, though the process requires meeting specific criteria.
Basic Requirements
To apply for citizenship by marriage:
- Marriage Duration: At least 3 years of marriage
- Valid Marriage: Marriage must be legally recognized in Portugal
- Effective Connection: Must demonstrate genuine ties to Portugal and the Portuguese community
Documentation Required
Applicants must provide:
- Marriage certificate (Portuguese or apostilled foreign certificate)
- Birth certificates of both spouses
- Criminal record certificates from all countries of residence
- Proof of Portuguese language proficiency (A2 level)
- Evidence of connection to Portuguese community
Demonstrating Connection
The “effective connection” requirement can be shown through:
- Residence in Portugal
- Portuguese language proficiency
- Children born of the marriage (especially if Portuguese)
- Participation in Portuguese community life
- Property ownership or business interests in Portugal
- Regular visits to Portugal if residing abroad
Process and Timeline
- Submit application to Conservatória dos Registos Centrais
- Application review (currently 12-24 months due to backlog)
- Interview may be scheduled
- Decision notification
- Registration of Portuguese nationality if approved
Citizenship by marriage remains one of the more accessible paths to Portuguese nationality for those with Portuguese spouses.