Marrying someone from another nationality is not just about marriage, it’s about forming a relationship with a new nation and culture. In this journey, you have the opportunity to become a citizen of a second country, gain a new home, and become a member of a new nation which sounds pretty exciting. Portuguese Citizenship by Marriage is possible after 3 years.
Marriage to a foreign national can provide the opportunity to obtain a new citizenship. It is a proven and legitimate way of acquiring citizenship. For instance, if you are in love with a Portuguese citizen, you have the chance to become Portuguese, or your partner may have the opportunity to gain citizenship in your home country. However, in this article, we will focus specifically on obtaining Portuguese citizenship through marriage.
From History to Modern Times
Before diving into the requirements and application process for obtaining Portuguese citizenship through marriage, let’s first learn a bit about Portugal.
Portugal, a southwestern European country, has been a member of the European Union since 1986. Portuguese citizens can travel freely across Europe without a visa, and they also enjoy visa-free access to the USA and Canada.
The country boasts a rich culture and history. Portuguese is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, with over 250 million people speaking it as the official language in 9 countries.
Portugal has a population of over 10 million people, and its GDP was approximately $287 billion by the end of 2023. According to the IMF, the GDP growth rate is expected to be 2% in 2024 and 2.5% by 2025.
What Are the Benefits of Portuguese Citizenship?
If you are a non-EU national who needs a visa to visit Schengen countries, Portuguese citizenship will open the doors to all of Europe, and even to the United States.
As a Portuguese citizen, you are entitled to live and work not only in Portugal but also in other EU countries. This allows you to explore new opportunities and access some of the best and highest-paying economies in Europe.
Portugal offers a high-quality, free healthcare system, which ranks among the best in Europe. Education is also free for all citizens, giving you access to these essential services.
As a Portuguese citizen, you will have the ability to bring your family members, including your parents, to Portugal to live with you.
Portugal is a country that values freedom and democracy. You will enjoy freedom of speech, the right to own property and businesses, the ability to vote in elections, and even stand for election yourself.
Portuguese Citizenship by Marriage
A person married to a Portuguese citizen may request Portuguese citizenship if they meet the following conditions:
1. They have lived in Portugal for 3 years after their marriage. During this period, they must live together as a family.
2. The marriage must be officially registered in Portugal, and they must possess a Portuguese marriage certificate.
3. The applicant must have a clean criminal record. They should present a criminal record certificate from their home country and a police clearance certificate if they have lived in another country. These documents must be verified either by the embassy of their home country in Portugal or by the Portuguese embassy in their home country.
4. The applicant must learn and be able to communicate in Portuguese, demonstrating an interest in establishing ties with Portugal.
5. After marriage, a person can obtain a temporary residence permit in Portugal. They should first register their marriage and then apply for the temporary residence permit.
Which documents are required for Portuguese citizenship by marriage in 2024?
To apply for Portuguese citizenship by marriage in 2024, you will need to submit several key documents as part of your application.
- Marriage Certificate: An official marriage certificate issued by the relevant authority. If the marriage took place outside Portugal, it may need to be translated into Portuguese and legalised or apostilled.
- Proof of Residence: Evidence that you have been legally residing in Portugal or proof of your connection to the Portuguese community. This could include residency certificates, utility bills, or lease agreements.
- Spouse’s Portuguese Citizenship Document: A copy of your Portuguese spouse’s identification, such as their Citizen Card (Cartão de Cidadão) or Portuguese passport.
- Criminal Record Certificates: Criminal record certificates from your country of origin and any countries where you have lived for more than a year since the age of 16. These documents should be recent, translated into Portuguese if necessary, and properly legalised or apostilled.
- Declaration of Commitment to the Portuguese Community: A signed declaration stating that you have a genuine connection to the Portuguese community.
- Proof of Knowledge of the Portuguese Language: A certificate proving your proficiency in Portuguese at the A2 level or higher, such as a certificate from a recognised language school or institution.
- Proof of Marriage Duration: Documents proving that your marriage has lasted for at least three years if you do not have children who are Portuguese citizens. If you have Portuguese children, the three-year requirement is waived.
- Application Form: A completed application form for Portuguese nationality, which can be obtained from the Portuguese government website or consulate.
- Payment of Fees: Receipt of payment for the application fee, which must be submitted along with your application.
- Additional Considerations: Additional Documentation: Depending on your specific circumstances, you may be asked to provide additional documents, such as proof of income or assets, to demonstrate your financial stability.
- Interview: You might also be required to attend an interview as part of the process.
- It is advisable to consult with the local Portuguese consulate or a legal expert specialising in Portuguese nationality law to ensure you have the most up-to-date and specific requirements for your situation.
How to Apply for Portuguese Citizenship?
To apply for Portuguese Citizenship by Marriage in 2024, you must gather necessary documents, such as proof of legal residence, a clean criminal record, and evidence of ties to the Portuguese community.
If eligible for Portuguese Citizenship by Marriage, you submit your application either through the Portuguese Consulate in your country or directly in Portugal via the Civil Registry.
The Portuguese Citizenship by Marriage process typically requires filling out an application form, paying applicable fees, and possibly passing a language test or attending an interview.
It’s essential to check the latest requirements to ensure a smooth application for Portuguese Citizenship by Marriage.
Consulting legal advice can also help with the Portuguese Citizenship by Marriage process. Make sure all documentation is accurate and up to date when applying for Portuguese Citizenship by Marriage.
