Portuguese Citizenship through Marriage

To qualify for citizenship through this pathway, you must meet specific criteria regarding the length of your relationship and your connection to Portugal.

1. Duration of the Union

• Marriage: You must have been married to a Portuguese citizen for at least three years at the time of your application.
• De Facto Union (União de Facto): If you are not married but live in a civil partnership, you must have lived together for at least three years. This union must be legally recognized by a civil court in Portugal.

2. Effective Ties to Portugal

The Portuguese government may oppose your application if they believe you do not have a sufficient connection to the country. However, these ties are legally presumed (meaning you do not need to provide extra proof) in the following scenarios:

• 6 Years of Union: If you have been married or in a union for at least six years, the requirement for ties is automatically waived.
• 5 Years + Language: If you have been together for five years and can prove A2 level proficiency in the Portuguese language.
• Common Children: If you have children together who are already Portuguese citizens, the three-year minimum applies, but your ties are generally presumed.
• Legal Residence: If you have lived legally in Portugal for at least three years and provide proof of language proficiency.

3. Disqualifiers and Security

Under the 2025 legal amendments, the government has strengthened its ability to reject applicants who pose a risk. You will be disqualified if:

• You have been convicted of a crime that carries a prison sentence of three years or more under Portuguese law.
• You are deemed a threat to national security or have ties to terrorism.
• You hold a non-technical public office or perform voluntary military service for a foreign state.