Getting married in Portugal as an expat can be a daunting task, especially if you are unfamiliar with Portuguese paperwork and procedures. This guide is made to answer any questions you may have regarding the documentation, timeline and planning needed to get married in Portugal while being an expat.
Getting married in Portugal
Step 1: How to Request a Portuguese Marriage License
Very often, couples who are planning to marry in Portugal, encounter roadblocks because they don’t actually know what is needed when requesting a marriage license. If you are planning on getting married in Portugal, you will need a Portuguese marriage license from the Civil Registry Service. Here’s everything you need to know about this important document and how to navigate the process of acquiring it.
Where to request your Portuguese Marriage license.
At your local Civil Registry Office (Conservatória do Registo Civil).
Do I need a Marriage license if it is a civil wedding?
Yes, you need a Portuguese marriage license wether it is a religious or civil wedding.
When can I set my wedding date?
Once you have your Portuguese marriage license you can choose your wedding date.
How long does it take to get your Marriage license in Portugal?
It takes about one month for the request to be processed.
How long before the wedding date should I request the marriage license?
We’d recommend you start the process 6 weeks before the day you want to get married.
When does the marriage license expire?
You marriage license is valid for 6 months, so you should get married no later than 6 months from when it gets approved.
What do they ask when you apply for the Marriage license?
If the wedding is civil or religious.
The day, time, and location of your wedding ceremony.
What do I do if I need a prenup?
The Civil Registry Office can draw up a prenup. This should cost you around €160. If you have it drawn up elsewhere, you will have to pay an extra €30.
What do I do if I need a prenup?
The Civil Registry Office can draw up a prenup. This should cost you around €160. If you have it drawn up elsewhere, you will have to pay an extra €30.
How much does it cost to apply for a marriage license in Portugal?
You will pay €120 for the application fee if you get married in the registry office. This includes the application for the license and the marriage registration.
How much does it cost to apply for a marriage license in Portugal?
You will pay €120 for the application fee if you get married in the registry office. This includes the application for the license and the marriage registration.
Weekend and away weddings cost more.
If you get married on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, after office hours or somewhere besides the Civil Registry Office, it will cost you €200. If the marriage is not celebrated at the Civil Registry Office, you will need to pay for transportation for the Registrar.
How do I make sure my Portuguese wedding is valid outside of Portugal?
You don’t have to worry about this. Once the ceremony is over, an international wedding certificate will be granted.
Step 2: Get The Documents Needed Ready For Your Portuguese Marriage License
Wondering what documents you need to request a portuguese wedding license? Put together the documents below, and after a few emails (and sometimes faxes) you will have everything in order so you can get married in Portugal.
Passports or a National Identity Document for EU citizens.
Make sure that your passports expire more than 6 months after the wedding date.
Birth Certificates
- Full length.
- Must show the names of both parents.
- Must be issued no more than 6 months before your wedding date.
- Must be apostilled.
- Must be translated if not in Portuguese.
Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage
It must issued not more than 3-6 months before your wedding date.
Depending on the country that is issuing it, you may need an apostille.
You can’t get this document at your country’s Consulate in Portugal.
Must be apostilled.
Must be translated if it is not in Portuguese.
***HOWEVER, if you are a US Citizen, this document is not issued by the US Embassy, this just does not exist in the US. You will need to ask for a statement of eligibility to marry at the US Embassy in Lisbon. This will be requested of a consular officer. You then present this document to the Civil Registrars Office.
Divorce decree or a death certificate if you have been previously married.
These documents must be issued no more than six months before your wedding date.
The wedding ceremony MUST be performed by a celebrant from the registry office in order for it to be legally binding.