---
title: Portuguese Citizenship Based on Marriage
description: Acquire Portuguese nationality through marriage. Explore citizenship by marriage process for foreigners married to Portuguese nationals.
---

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# PORTUGUESE NATIONALITY BASED ON MARRIAGE

##### We are experts in citizenship by marriage

[More info](https://attorney.defesalegal.pt/portuguese-citizenship-based-on-marriage#form)

##### PORTUGUESE NATIONALITY CAN BE ACQUIRED BY ORIGINAL ASSIGNMENT, WHICH IS RECOGNIZED AT THE DATE OF BIRTH OR BY ACQUISITION, WHICH WILL PRODUCE EFFECTS FROM THE REGISTRATION DATE.

By acquisition, it is possible to acquire the Portuguese nationality by wish effect**,** by adoption or by naturalization.

By wish effect the acquisition of Portuguese nationality is granted to:

- Minor children or incapacitated whose father or mother acquires the Portuguese nationality;
- Individuals who are married\* or cohabitating\*\* with a Portuguese citizen, for more than three years, provided it is judicially recognized.

\* In case of marriage, by means of a statement made during marriage.

\*\* In case of cohabitation, after action of recognition of this situation to be filed in the civil court.

##### THE FOREIGNER MARRIED TO A PORTUGUESE NATIONAL CAN ACQUIRE A PORTUGUESE NATIONALITY, BY INDICATING THE RENDERING OF EFFECT, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING PROVISION:

- Married more than three years;
- Active connection to the national community;
- Not to have committed a punitive crime with a prison sentence equal to or greater than the second year, according to Portuguese law (eg Homicide, physical offense, robbery, theft, drug trafficking);
- Not be a civil servant of a foreign State;
- Not to have rendered military service, not compulsory, to a foreign State.

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# Portuguese Citizenship Through Marriage: Requirements and Benefits

Portuguese citizenship by marriage allows spouses of Portuguese citizens to apply for citizenship after being married for a certain period of time. Requirements and procedures may vary, but generally include proof of marriage and residency.

The term "Portuguese citizenship marriage" is often used to refer to the process of obtaining Portuguese citizenship through marriage. It is an option available to foreign spouses of Portuguese citizens who meet the eligibility criteria set by Portuguese law.