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Can I Get Married in Portugal as a Foreigner?

Big things ahead. Do you have plans of marrying and moving for good to Portugal? Yes, you can get married in Portugal as a foreigner and live permanently there. Even though planning huge things such as your special day and the relocation to Portugal simultaneously sounds extremely intimidating. That’s why we have decided to discuss both subjects in our new article. While you pick the buffet and flowers, we’ll handle the logistics of your move. Don’t worry about customs clearance, taxes, or the submission of your papers to the customs officials. Before embarking on your new life, you must know a few details before saying “Yes!”.

How Do Foreigners Get Married in Portugal?

To get married in Portugal as a foreigner, you must declare your intent at a Civil Registry Office or online, specifying the type of wedding, property regime, and ceremony details. Required documents include valid passports, birth certificates issued within the last six months, and a testimony of marriage eligibility, all translated and certified if not in Portuguese. Apply for a marriage license (valid for six months) at least six weeks before the wedding. Fees start at €120, rising to €200 for weekend or out-of-hours weddings. For Catholic weddings, additional religious documents are needed.

Can You Get Married in Portugal and Apply for a Residence Permit Afterwards?

Indeed, non-residents can get married in Portugal and apply for a residence permit afterwards. The process is accessible to anyone, regardless of their residency status. You must provide the required documents and a testimony of marital status from your home country, translated into Portuguese and certified. If you fly to Portugal to marry and decide to become a resident, follow these steps:

Applying for a Residence Permit & Required Documents:

• After marriage, you must apply for a residence permit at the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras, SEF)
• You will need to provide proof of your marriage
• Valid passport
• Proof of income (e.g., bank statements, employment contract)
• Health insurance
• Proof of accommodation (e.g., rental contract, property deed)

Register With Local Authorities & Obtain a Tax Identification Number (NIF):

• Register your address at the local city hall (Câmara Municipal). This is important for obtaining a residence certificate (Certificado de Registro de Cidadão da União Europeia).
• Apply for a NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) at the local tax office (Serviço de Finanças). This number is essential for various administrative tasks, including opening a bank account.

Health Care and Social Security

• Once you have a residence permit, you can register with the Portuguese National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde, SNS) to access public healthcare services.
• Apply for a social security number at the Instituto da Segurança Social. This is necessary if you plan to work in Portugal.

Employment and Integration

• If you plan to work, you can start looking for a job beforehand. Portugal has various job portals and recruitment agencies, which can increase your chances of finding employment.
• Learning Portuguese will help you integrate better into the local community. Many language schools and online courses are available.

Legal and Administrative Requirements

• If you have a driver’s license from your home country, you can exchange it for a Portuguese one at the Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT).
• Open a bank account in Portugal. Having a local bank account will make managing your finances easier.

Staying Informed and Connected

• Keep yourself informed about any changes in immigration laws and regulations. The SEF website is a valuable resource for the latest information.
• Connect with other expats in Portugal through social media groups, forums, and local meetups. They can provide valuable advice and support.

What Are the Rules for Marriage in Portugal?

• Both parties must be at least 16 years old, with those under 18 requiring parental consent.
• Necessary documents must be submitted in original form, translated into Portuguese if necessary, and certified.
• Different matrimonial regimes can be chosen, including the general community of property, separation of property, and the default regime of acquired property.
• Additional documents are required for religious ceremonies, particularly Catholic weddings.

Can I Get My Unmarried Partner to Portugal?

If you are not yet married but wish to bring your partner to Portugal, you might consider entering a de facto union (união de facto). This status provides some of the same rights as marriage after two years of cohabitation, such as tax benefits, inheritance rights, social security and pension benefits. For example, Partners can file joint tax returns, leading to tax advantages. This includes sharing tax deductions and benefits related to dependents​. Inheritance rights partners are entitled to inheritance rights. If one partner passes away, the surviving partner has legal claims to the deceased’s estate, similar to a spouse. Social security and pension benefits ensure that partners can receive social security benefits and pensions in the event of a partner’s death or disability. They are also entitled to healthcare benefits as dependents of each other​. However, it does not allow for automatic surname sharing or the same level of legal protection in case of separation. It gives couples some of the married couple’s rights until they are prepared, whether financially or mentally, to officialise their union.

Recent Developments

The Portuguese government has made significant strides in making the marriage process more accessible and efficient for expats. Recent updates have introduced online platforms allowing couples to initiate the marriage process digitally, significantly reducing bureaucratic delays. This modernisation effort includes more access to necessary translation services, ensuring all required documents are accurate and certified.

Moreover, the application for a marriage license has been expedited, allowing couples to book their wedding dates more flexibly. The entire process, from document submission to obtaining a marriage certificate, has been optimised to ensure that marriages can be performed within a reasonable timeframe, typically within six months of initiating the process. This approach reduces the waiting time and enhances the overall user experience for foreign couples.

These improvements reflect Portugal’s commitment to providing a more user-friendly and efficient system for expats, facilitating transitions and lessening the administrative burden of getting married in a foreign country​.

Tips for Managing Relocation and Marriage

Planning a wedding while relocating can be overwhelming. The stress and the inability to invite all friends and family because of the distance can make it even worse. Here are some tips and strategies to cope with this situation:

Start planning early and Use Professional Services: Create a wedding and move timeline. An experienced removal company like VanOne can handle the logistics of your move, from customs clearance to door-to-door delivery, allowing you to focus on your wedding plans.

Stay Organised and Delegate Tasks: Keep a checklist of all required documents and deadlines for the move and the marriage. Assign tasks to friends and family or hire a wedding planner to manage details.

Live Streaming and Virtual Receptions: Set up a live ceremony stream using Zoom or YouTube Live. This way, friends and family who cannot attend in person can still be part of the special day. Host a virtual reception where remote guests can join the celebration, give toasts, and interact online with the couple and other guests​.

Engagement Party or Bridal Shower: These pre-wedding events can be a good opportunity for friends and family to celebrate with you before the wedding​.

Explain the Situation: Be open and honest with your friends and family about why you decided to have a destination wedding and the limitations it imposed. Show appreciation for their understanding and support. Personalised thank-you notes or small tokens of appreciation can go a long way​.

Incorporate Their Presence: Include something from home in your wedding, like letters, video messages, or even a photo montage of friends and family.

Acknowledge Feelings and Stay Positive: It’s natural to feel sad about not having everyone present. Acknowledge these feelings and discuss them with your partner or a close friend. Focus on the positives of your special day and the new memories you are creating. Remember why you made this decision, whether to adventure or achieve higher professional and personal goals.

Moving With Vanone International Movers

VanOne International Movers is dedicated to providing seamless removal services across Europe. We handle everything from customs clearance to door-to-door collection and delivery. Our expertise ensures your transition to Portugal is untroubled, allowing you to concentrate on what matters to you and your partner. If you’re wondering, “Can I get married in Portugal as a foreigner?” Rest assured, your journey will have a happy ending. With planning and the proper help, your special day will happen as you wish.