Portuguese Citizenship by Marriage: Requirements and Timeline

Portugal allows foreign spouses of Portuguese citizens to apply for nationality after three years of marriage or partnership, with proof of connection to the Portuguese community.

The process requires legal documentation, potential language skills, and compliance with updated nationality laws.

This article covers:

• What is the new citizenship law in Portugal for citizenship through marriage?
• What is the Portuguese citizenship by marriage processing time?
• What Portuguese citizenship by marriage language requirements?
• What is the fastest way to get citizenship in Portugal?

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The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.

What is the new law for Portuguese citizenship by marriage?

Portugal simplified the path to citizenship for foreign spouses of Portuguese nationals with reforms introduced in 2020.

Before these changes, applicants needed at least three years of marriage or a civil union before applying, and the Public Prosecutor’s Office could oppose an application if the authorities believed there was no effective connection to Portugal.

Under the updated law:

• A spouse may apply after three years of marriage or civil union.
• If the marriage has lasted more than six years, the Public Prosecutor can no longer oppose the application on the grounds of lack of ties.
• If the couple has children with Portuguese citizenship, the Public Prosecutor also cannot interfere.

This change reduces bureaucratic hurdles and gives greater certainty to spouses in long-term and genuine family relationships with Portugal.

How can I get Portuguese citizenship through marriage?

To apply for marriage citizenship in Portugal, a foreign spouse must:

1. Be legally married or in a civil partnership with a Portuguese citizen for at least three years.
2. Apply through the Portuguese Civil Registry Office with proof of the marriage.
3. Provide documents showing ties to the Portuguese community, especially if the couple lives abroad.
4. Undergo background checks to ensure no serious criminal history.

Approval is not automatic; citizenship is granted at the discretion of the authorities after due diligence.

What documents are needed to apply for Portuguese citizenship by marriage?

Applicants for citizenship by marriage in Portugal must typically submit:

• Valid passport and birth certificate (translated and legalized)
• Marriage certificate recognized under Portuguese law
• Proof of Portuguese spouse’s nationality (ID card or passport)
• Criminal record certificates from Portugal and the applicant’s country of residence
• Proof of residence or evidence of ties to Portugal (if living abroad)

All documents must usually be translated into Portuguese and certified.

How long does it take to have Portuguese citizenship?

On average, standard Portugal citizenship applications last 12–24 months.

• Applications with children or long-standing marriages are often faster.
• Complex cases with missing documents or checks abroad are possible for longer delays.

Processing times vary overall for Portugal citizenship by marriage.

Do I need to speak Portuguese to get citizenship by marriage?

No, Portuguese language proficiency is not a mandatory requirement for citizenship by marriage. The law mainly focuses on the duration and authenticity of the marriage or civil union.

However, demonstrating Portuguese language ability can strengthen your application, especially if you live outside Portugal.

By contrast, applicants for naturalization through residency must prove at least A2 level Portuguese.

What is the easiest way to become a Portuguese citizen?

The easiest way to obtain Portuguese citizenship often depends on personal circumstances, but descent and ancestry remain the most straightforward route for those with Portuguese parents or grandparents.

For others, the most accessible options include:

• Naturalization after five years of legal residency, one of the shortest residency requirements in the EU.
• Marriage to a Portuguese citizen, which can provide a pathway after years of marriage or partnership, with additional benefits if the couple has children.
• The Portugal Golden Visa program, offering residency through qualifying investments and eventual eligibility for citizenship.

Marriage can be a faster path than residency-based naturalization, but only when all documentation and legal requirements are fully satisfied.

How powerful is a Portuguese passport?

The Portuguese passport ranks among the top 5 strongest passports globally, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to nearly 190 countries and full EU citizenship rights.

According to the Henley Passport Index (2025), Portugal holds the 6th position worldwide, while the Arton Passport Index ranks it 3rd, and the Nomad Capitalist Passport Index also places it at 4th, factoring in mobility, taxation, and dual citizenship.

Holders can live, work, and travel freely across the EU and Schengen Area, while also enjoying access to Portugal’s strong healthcare, education, and social welfare systems.

What are the benefits of having Portuguese citizenship?

• EU mobility: Citizens gain the right to live, work, and study in any EU or Schengen country, making it easier to build careers or pursue education across Europe.
• Security: Portugal offers a stable political and economic environment, with strong legal protections and a high standard of living compared to many non-EU countries.
• Family benefits: Citizenship can be passed down to children, ensuring future generations inherit the same rights and opportunities within the EU.
• Investment opportunities: Portuguese nationals enjoy smoother access to European property markets, as well as favorable conditions for starting or expanding businesses within the EU.
• Global mobility: With one of the world’s strongest passports, Portuguese citizens can travel visa-free or visa-on-arrival to nearly 190 countries.

What are the disadvantages of Portuguese citizenship?

• Dual taxation issues: Depending on your home country’s tax treaties with Portugal, you may face overlapping tax obligations, especially on worldwide income. It’s important to check double taxation agreements in advance.
• Bureaucracy: Portugal is known for slow and complex administrative procedures. From paperwork to processing times, dealing with government offices can be time-consuming and frustrating.
• Residency obligations: Some visa categories, such as the Golden Visa, require applicants to meet minimum residency requirements before becoming eligible for naturalization. This can affect those who plan to live abroad long-term.
• Cultural and language adaptation: Although many Portuguese people speak English, integrating fully into society often requires learning Portuguese and adjusting to cultural norms, which can be challenging for newcomers.

Conclusion

Citizenship by marriage in Portugal is a viable path for expats with genuine family ties to Portugal.

While the process requires time, documentation, and due diligence, the reward is a highly valuable EU passport and access to the many social and economic advantages Portugal offers.

For expats willing to commit, it represents both stability and opportunity.

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