Acquiring Portuguese nationality through marriage is one of the mechanisms provided for by the Nationality Law, which allows citizens to apply to Portuguese citizenship by showing an “effective link to the national community”, a process that reflects the union between cultures and the promotion of social integration.
This nationality route, provided for by Law, allows foreign spouses of Portuguese citizens to gain citizenship, thus promoting greater family and social cohesion in the country. However, in order for the application to be successful, a series of legal requirements must be met and documentation must be submitted, including the necessary and prior transcription in the Portuguese Civil Registry, of the marriage solemnized abroad, which is a fundamental stage for the subsequent formalization of the nationality application itself.
With the implementation of digital platforms that allow remote filing, the process has become more agile and accessible for processing and monitoring these applications.
Based on the provisions of article 3 of the Nationality Law, the applicant needs to prove that he/she has been married to a Portuguese citizen for at least three years, as well as show a connection to the Portuguese community, which will involve having a residence in Portugal. If there is no such connection, the applicant must alternatively prove that there is at least one common child of the couple who already holds Portuguese nationality; or if this is not the case, the applicant needs to prove that the marriage has occurred at least 6 years prior to applying for nationality.
The application can be made online by a lawyer or legal executive or, alternatively, in person by the applicant at the IRN offices.
The most relevant documents include the marriage and birth certificates of the Portuguese citizen, showing that the marriage was duly registered in Portugal. In addition to these essential documents, it will also be necessary to file criminal records from the country of origin and the country(ies) of residence.
The process is currently being carried out in 4 stages, and it is estimated that in the near future it will become faster due to the automation of the stages.
October 9, 2024
Employment Department
⚡️ BY DEEPATTITUDE
