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What steps must we take to get Portuguese residency?

My husband and I have been married for 20+ years. He has dual nationality – one is Portuguese, but he does not reside there. I am a non-EU citizen. We live in a 3rd country currently, and our marriage is registered in Portugal. We are considering retirement in Portugal. What steps can we take? How long can we be on a permanent resident visa to apply for citizenship? What are the required documents for this? I believe after a long marriage, there will be no language test? Will there be criminal record checks from his and my home (birth) country?


Answers
  • Lamares, Capela & Associados, Sociedade de Advogados
    May 26, 2025

    Family members from third countries of Portuguese nationals can apply for residence, namely through marriage. One of the required documents will be the marriage certificate, and the criminal background, among others. The residence card is valid for 5 years. After 5 years, you can apply for permanent residence and Portuguese citizenship. At the time of the application for a permanent residence permit or for Portuguese citizenship, you don't need to prove that you have a basic knowledge of the Portuguese language.