Getting married abroad is a big event and, if you plan on residing in Portugal or with a Portuguese citizen, it is crucial to confirm that your marriage is legally recognized in Portugal. Foreign marriage registration in Portugal is essential to avoid complications and access the due rights and benefits; with our guide you’ll be informed of various steps and procedures that should be followed to ensure your marriage is recognized in the country and all over the world!

When do I need to register my foreign marriage?

In Portugal, the registration of a foreign marriage must follow specific procedures and timelines, which can vary depending on the circumstances. Portuguese citizens who get married outside Portugal need to have their marriage legalized as soon as possible, as it is the only way to avoid problems with the legality of the marriage and other issues related to name changes, inheritances and various legal concerns

Why register your foreign marriage in Portugal?

• Legal Recognition: Registering your foreign marriage ensures it is legally recognized in Portugal; this way, you will be considered married for all legal effects, and will be able to access the rights associated to this status.
• Administrative Convenience: In a broader sense, registering a marriage can simplify a variety of official activities such as paying taxes, obtaining Social Security numbers, insurance, and legal residence.
• Access to Legal Rights: Registering your marriage allows you and your spouse to achieve legal recognition, including the rights that may pertain to you as an heir, or for certain applications like Family Reunion and citizenship through marriage.

How to register a foreign marriage in Portugal?

1. Prepare the documentation: the procedure of foreign marriage registration in Portugal requires that all documents are recent and contain no errors, such as an incomplete or mistaken name for one of the spouses. The required documents may need to be translated to the Portuguese language and, depending on the original language, they might also need to be certified by the original country or by Portugal, depending on each case.
2. Get in touch with the appropriate authority: foreign marriage registration in Portugal can be taken care of by the spouses or by their legal representative, either in Portugal or at a Portuguese Consulate abroad. These offices will assist in the registration process and provide extra information.
3. Submit your paperwork: you should present copies of the relevant documents prepared earlier and complete any formalities necessary for the office to proceed with the marriage registration. They will review the documents to confirm everything is in order.
4. Double-Check the requirements: It may also be useful to verify if the particular office you’re working with needs any additional documents or information beyond those provided, in order to avoid delays later in the process.
5. Wait for processing: there may be a waiting period after submitting the mandatory paperwork, either for the documents to be processed or for the marriage to be recognized. The duration can vary, so keep that in mind before proceeding and request the estimated time for completion.
6. Pay the required fees: After the application is submitted and approved, the spouses or their legal representative should verify the Portuguese marriage affidavit, to confirm the truthiness of the legal document and to look for any mistakes, so those can be corrected before the issuance of the official Portuguese Marriage Certificate. The applicable fee should also be paid at this point to complete the process and receive the final document.
7. Keep Copies: it is always important to maintain a record of all the documents and correspondence related to the marriage registrations. This can come in handy in the future or if any problems arise.

Registering a foreign marriage and obtaining legal recognition of it in Portugal is a critical step for those planning to live in the country. By following the steps above and getting acquainted with the process beforehand, you can ensure that you and your spouse will have access to the various legal rights and benefits of being married.
If you encounter difficulties or have any questions, consider getting in touch with a lawyer or solicitor who can provide guidance and resolve any issues. Feel free to contact us at Visas in Portugal for further assistance and the best legal advice, specially tailored to your needs and circumstances!