Updating marital status in Portugal

If you are a Portuguese citizen, it is essential to update your marital status with the Civil Registry in Portugal. This update is an obligation of every Portuguese citizen and ensures that your civil status is duly informed to the Portuguese government, in accordance with the legal procedures.

Why update your marital status?

1. Legal obligation:
   • Reporting changes in marital status is a legal duty in Portugal. This includes all relevant civil events, such as:
     • Weddings;
     • Divorces;
     • Separations;
     • Widowhood.
2. Protection of Rights:
   • Updating the civil registry is essential to protect rights that may be invoked by third parties in the future. For example, issues related to inheritance, nationality rights, etc.
3. Maintenance of Chronological Regularity:
   • All civil acts must be reported to the Portuguese government in chronological order, guaranteeing the accuracy of the history and avoiding inconsistencies that could lead to legal or administrative problems.

How do I update my marital status?

1. identify all relevant civil events

Make sure you gather documentation for all previous marriages, separations, divorces and deaths of spouses. This documentation must be presented in chronological order.

2. Obtain the necessary documents

Depending on the civil event, the following documents may be required.

• Marriage certificate (issued in the country where the marriage took place);
• Certificate of divorce or legal separation;
• Spouse’s death certificate (in case of widowhood).

3. Translation and Apostille of Foreign Documents

If the events took place outside Portugal, it is necessary:

• Translate the documents into Portuguese (by a sworn translator);
• Apostille the documents in accordance with the Hague Convention.

4. Submit the documentation to the Civil Registry

• Submit the documents to the competent Civil Registry Office in Portugal.
• Make sure that all civil events are recorded in chronological order.
• There are legal acts that must first be recognized in court in Portugal.

5. Wait for the Official Update

Once submitted, the Portuguese authorities will analyze the documents and update the marital status in the official register.

Examples of the consequences of not updating marital status

• Problems in legal transactions: Failure to update marital status can cause impediments in making contracts, changing civil names, establishing parentage, etc.
• Inheritance issues: The absence of up-to-date records can lead to disputes or difficulties in sharing assets in the event of death.
• Administrative complications: Incomplete or outdated records can make it difficult to issue documents such as passports or certificates.

Advice from a lawyer with expertise in the area, qualified in Portugal, will make the process safer. This professional can:

• Guidance on obtaining and validating documents;
• Ensuring that legal procedures are followed correctly;
• Represent you in Portugal if you are not present.

Conclusion

Updating your marital status is a responsibility that every Portuguese citizen must fulfill before the Civil Registry. As well as being a legal obligation, this measure protects your rights and avoids future complications.