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Table of contents

What Is a Marriage Certificate in Portugal?
What Information Does a Portuguese Marriage Certificate Contain?
What Documents Are Needed for a Marriage Certificate?
How to Obtain a Marriage Certificate in Portugal Online
Processing Time & Costs (Overview)
Types of Portuguese Marriage Certificates
Can Foreign Nationals Get Married in Portugal?
Is a Marriage in Portugal Legal in the US?
How to Get a Duplicate Marriage Certificate
Is União de Facto the Same as Marriage?

Portuguese

Marriage

08/01/2026

How To Get Your Portuguese Marriage Certificate Online

While it was once necessary to visit a civil registry office in person, it is now possible to obtain a Portuguese marriage certificate online—saving both time and effort.

This guide explains how to request a marriage certificate in Portugal, what documents are needed, how long the process takes, and which type of certificate you may need. Whether you live in Portugal or abroad, this article will help you get started.

What Is a Marriage Certificate in Portugal?

A Portuguese marriage certificate (certidão de casamento) is an official legal document that records the marriage of two people in Portugal. This document is issued by the civil registry office (Conservatória do Registo Civil) and serves as legal proof of marital status.

It includes key information such as:

Names of both spouses
Date and place of marriage
Type of ceremony performed (civil or religious)

This document is required for many legal and administrative procedures in Portugal.

Common use cases

Applying for a spouse or family reunification visa
Obtaining or updating residency permits
Changing your name on official documents
Applying for Portuguese citizenship through marriage
Accessing social security or legal benefits

What Information Does a Portuguese Marriage Certificate Contain?

A standard certidão de casamento usually includes:

Full names of both spouses
Date of the marriage
Place of the marriage
Marital status before marriage
Nationality of each spouse
Parents’ names
Marriage property regime (e.g. comunhão de adquiridos, separação de bens)
Date and place of civil registry registration

It may also include, depending on the situation:

Names of witnesses
Prenuptial agreements
Previous marriages or divorces
Annotations (divorce, death of a spouse)

What Documents Are Needed for a Marriage Certificate?

To request a Portuguese marriage certificate, you typically need:

Citizen card or valid ID of at least one spouse
Birth certificates of both spouses
Full names and dates of birth
Date and place of marriage registration
Power of attorney (if applying through a third party)

For foreign nationals, additional documents may be required, such as an authenticated document from your consulate or the Portuguese Consulate General.

How to Obtain a Marriage Certificate in Portugal Online

Follow these steps to request your certificate online:

Access the official online platform
Enter personal details of both spouses
Provide the date and place of marriage
Upload any required documents
Pay the fee by credit or debit card
Receive the certificate by email

You can also apply in person at a Conservatória or through the Portuguese Consulate if you live abroad.

Processing Time & Costs (Overview)

Request Type	Estimated Time	Cost
Online request	24–48 hours	~€20
In-person request	Same day	~€20
Urgent request	Faster processing	Extra fee
Certificate with apostille	3–10 business days	€50–€100
Marriage registration (ceremony)	N/A	~€120

⚠️ Older or archived records may require additional processing time.

Types of Portuguese Marriage Certificates

1. Full Marriage Certificate (Certidão de Casamento Completa)

Includes all recorded details: spouses, parents, witnesses, property regime, and annotations (divorce, death, amendments).

2. Short Marriage Certificate (Certidão Narrativa / Simplificada)

Contains essential information only—often used for basic administrative tasks.

3. International Model Certificate (Modelo Internacional)

Designed for international use, recognized in CIEC countries, and does not require translation.

4. Legalized Certificate with Apostille

Required for international use outside the EU, such as immigration procedures or foreign marriage recognition.

Can Foreign Nationals Get Married in Portugal?

Yes. Foreign nationals can legally marry in Portugal if they meet legal requirements, including:

Valid passport or ID
Birth certificate (translated & apostilled)
Certificate of no impediment
Proof of legal residence (if applicable)

Once registered, the marriage is legally recognized internationally, including in the EU and the United States.

Is a Marriage in Portugal Legal in the US?

Yes. A marriage legally performed in Portugal is recognized in the US, provided you obtain a certified marriage certificate with apostille.

How to Get a Duplicate Marriage Certificate

You can request a duplicate by:

Applying online
Visiting a civil registry office
Contacting the Portuguese Consulate abroad

You will need:

Names of both spouses
Date of marriage
Place of registration

An apostille can be added if needed for international use.

Is União de Facto the Same as Marriage?

No. União de facto (domestic partnership) is not equivalent to marriage in Portugal. While it grants limited rights after two years of cohabitation, it does not replace a civil marriage, and no marriage certificate is issued.

Key Takeaways

Obtaining a Portuguese marriage certificate online is a convenient and efficient option for proving your marital status. Whether you are a resident of Portugal, a foreign national, or living abroad, you can request your certidão de casamento through the official online portal or at a civil registry office.

Don't forget to take advantage of the tips and resources provided here at AnchorLess to ensure a smooth and successful application process.

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