Getting married in Portugal as a foreigner is entirely possible and relatively straightforward when the required documents are properly prepared and legalized. With careful planning, you can have a smooth and legally recognized wedding in one of Europe’s most romantic destinations.
Whether you're marrying a Portuguese citizen, another foreigner, or planning a wedding in Portugal as non-residents, this guide covers all legal steps, timelines, and documents you’ll need to tie the knot.
Who Can Get Married in Portugal?
Anyone (whether a Portuguese citizen, a foreigner residing in Portugal, or a non-resident foreigner) can legally marry in Portugal. The law allows for:
- Marriage between two foreigners;
- Marriage between a foreigner and a Portuguese citizen;
- Marriage between residents and non-residents.
Portugal legally recognizescivil marriages, religious marriages with civil effect, andcivil marriages performed abroad(if legally valid in the country of origin).
Types of Marriage
- Civil Marriage:The most common for foreigners, performed at the Portuguese Civil Registry Office ("Conservatória do Registo Civil").
- Religious Marriage with Civil Effect:For example, a Catholic wedding that is later registered at the Civil Registry Office.
- Marriage by Proxy:Possible in some situations, with prior approval from the authorities.
Starting the Marriage Process
You must start the marriage process at a Civil Registry Office (Conservatória) in Portugal. If you are abroad, you may also start the process at the Portuguese Consulate in your country of residence.
You are free to choose any registry office in Portugal; it does not have to be based on your place of residence.
Portugal Marriage Requirements: Documents You’ll Need
Foreigners must submit properly translated, legalized, and apostilled documents, typically including:
- Valid passports or residence permits;
- Birth certificates;
- Certificate of no impediment or single status;
- Divorce or death certificates (if previously married).
Always check requirements at the registry office where you plan to marry.
What are the property sharing regimes in marriage?
Portuguese legislation provides for three regimes for sharing property in a marriage. They are:
- Communion of acquired property- This is the most common regime, where the assets acquired by both spouses during the marriage are jointly owned, but the assets that each had before the marriage continue to be individually owned.
- General community of property- In this regime, all assets, whether acquired before or after marriage, are shared without any division of property.
- Separation of property- In this regime, each spouse retains exclusive ownership of the assets acquired before and during the marriage, without any division of the assets.
- Couples may also create a custom agreement if all terms comply with the Portuguese law.
How Long Does It Take to Get Married in Portugal?
The timeline depends on how complete and accurate your documentation is, and on the availability of the registry office:
- Administrative process:Usually 1 to 3 months if all documents are in order;
- Scheduling the ceremony:From 1 week to 2 months, depending on the registry office’s schedule and the type of ceremony.
On average,the full process takes between 3 to 5 months.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Married in Portugal?
Costs may vary, but typical expenses include:
- Opening the marriage process:€120 to €200;
- Additional costs for:Document translations; Legalizations and apostilles; Ceremonies outside the registry office or on weekends.
Marriage and Residency Rights
Marrying a Portuguese citizen does not automatically grant residency.You must apply for a residence permit through AIMA (Portugal’s Immigration and Borders Service), providing proof of marriage, cohabitation, and relationship stability.
Tips for a Smooth Marriage Process in Portugal
- Start early, especially if applying from abroad.
- Consider consulting a family law attorney or a legal advisor familiar with international documents.
- Always check with the local registry office for updated requirements.
- Don’t forget!To get married under civil law, you need two witnesses - one for each member of the couple. The witnesses confirm that the marriage has taken place and that both parties married of their own free will. Anyone can be a witness - Portuguese or any other nationality - as long as they are 18 years old or older.
A marriage in Portugal is not just legally recognized but can also open doors to residency and civil rights for foreign spouses. With the right documents and planning, getting married in Portugal is a beautiful and feasible option for international couples.
