Are you dealing with the harsh reality of getting divorced while living in Portugal? You’re not alone. Every week I sit across from people just like you – expats caught between two worlds, trying to figure out how Portuguese divorce laws apply to their situation.
In fact, as a country, Portugal has one of the highest divorce rates in the European Union, as of 2021, second only to 60%! But that’s misleading because the same figures can also be expressed as 1.6 people per 1000 get divorced, which sounds much lower!
Those that do want to start divorce proceedings usually come to my office thinking their home country’s laws will protect them, only to find out that Portugal has its own way of doing divorce. This gap in understanding can lead to costly mistakes, unnecessary stress and unfair outcomes. For example, many don't realise that legal separation is a distinct option from divorce in Portugal, with its own set of rules and consequences."
As someone who guides foreigners through Portuguese family law regularly, I’ve seen how proper legal guidance can turn a chaotic experience into a structured process with clear expectations. Let’s go through what you need to know about divorce in Portugal to protect yourself, your children and your assets.
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1. Divorce Options in Portugal
The Portuguese legal system has two main ways to divorce: divorce by mutual consent or contested divorce. Almost 70% of my clients qualify for the faster, cheaper divorce by mutual consent option – but many don't realise they're eligible.
With mutual consent divorce, both spouses agree to end the marriage and have agreed on the main issues like parental responsibilities, family home usage, spousal support and division of assets. These cases can be handled at a civil registry office if there are no minor children involved, making the process very straightforward. An amicable divorce is always the preferred route, not just for emotional wellbeing but also for keeping costs manageable and proceedings swift.
Throughout the divorce process, remember that spousal support (alimony) can be included in the agreement, but Portuguese courts only award maintenance in limited cases. It’s meant to cover basic needs, not to maintain the standard of living from the marriage.
If you have children under 18, your mutual agreement divorce application must include a written agreement about parental responsibilities. The public prosecution service will review these to ensure children's interests are protected.
When couples can't agree on one or more issues, litigious divorce becomes necessary. In these cases, one spouse files a petition at the family proceedings court, outlining the legal grounds for divorce.
2. Legal Grounds for Divorce
Portuguese law has specific grounds for divorce that may differ from your home country. The most common I see in my practice is “de facto separation” for more than a year, meaning spouses have lived apart without intention to resume normal married life.
Other legal grounds include:
- Changing mental faculties of one spouse lasting more than a year
- Absence without contact for more than a year
- Other factors making continued married life impossible
In these situations, only one party needs to demonstrate these conditions for the court to grant the divorce. Note that Portugal moved away from fault-based divorce many years ago after the Vatican church prohibited divorce was abolished. Today, the Portuguese civil code governs these matters with a focus on resolving, rather than assigning blame.
3. Divorce Procedures Step by Step
For divorce by mutual consent divorces without minor children, the divorce process usually follows these steps:
- Both parties prepare a written agreement stating their wish to divorce
- The couple submits their application to the civil registry office
- Required documents are provided (including marriage certificate)
- A single appointment finalizes the divorce
In divorce cases involving children or in contested cases, the family and minors court handles the divorce. This process includes:
- Filing the initial petition
- Court notification to the other spouse
- Response period for the other party
- Potential preliminary court hearing
- Main court hearing if issues remain unresolved
- Court decision
Most of my clients are surprised to learn that litigious divorces in Portugal typically take 6-12 months, while divorce by mutual agreement can be completed in as little as 2-3 months.
4. Child Matters in Portuguese Divorce
Divorce cases involving children require special attention from the courts and all parties involved. When minor children are involved, Portuguese courts prioritize their well-being above all else. The concept of “parental responsibilities” (rather than custody) governs these arrangements.
Portuguese law strongly favors joint parental responsibility arrangements where both parents remain involved in major decisions about their children’s lives. However, the court usually establishes a primary residence with one parent while ensuring the other maintains regular contact.
The parent with whom the child doesn’t primarily reside must regularly contribute to expenses through child support payments. These amounts are calculated based on:
- The child’s needs
- Each parent’s financial capacity
- The child’s previous standard of living
I find that courts are increasingly open to shared physical custody arrangements where children spend equal time with both parents, especially when both demonstrate cooperation and live relatively close to each other.
5. Dividing Assets and Debts
The division of a couple’s assets depends largely on the matrimonial property regime chosen at marriage. Under the Portuguese civil code, without a prenuptial agreement, most marriages fall under the community property regime, whereby common assets acquired during marriage are split equally.
However, certain assets remain separate property, including:
- Pre-marital assets
- Inheritances and gifts
- Personal items and clothing
- Assets specifically designated as separate in a prenuptial agreement
I often advise clients to gather documentation for any assets they brought into the marriage or inherited, as these should remain their separate property after divorce.
It's important to note that divorce also affects civil liability for debts contracted during the marriage.
6. Foreign Citizens
As an expat in Portugal, you face special challenges during divorce. Foreign citizens often struggle with understanding how local laws apply to their international situation. First, you must determine whether Portuguese courts have jurisdiction over your case, which typically requires:
- Both spouses residing in Portugal, or
- The last common marital residence was in Portugal, or
- One spouse resides in Portugal (with certain additional conditions)
Your residency status can also affect the proceedings. For instance, if you’re living in Portugal on a D7 visa Portugal residency permit or another type of visa, a divorce may have implications for your continued right to remain in the country, particularly if your permit was granted based on family reunification.
For long-term residents who have obtained a Portuguese citizenship card through naturalization, the process may be more straightforward, as they have the same legal standing as native Portuguese citizens. However, international elements of the divorce may still require special attention, particularly regarding assets held abroad or child custody arrangements that cross borders.
Understanding Portuguese divorce procedures is especially important for foreigners, as they may differ significantly from those in your home country.
EU citizens benefit from clearer rules under Brussels II bis regulations, while non-EU foreign citizens may face more complex jurisdictional questions..
7. Financial Aspects of Divorce
The divorce cost in Portugal varies greatly depending on the process chosen. A mutual divorce handled through the civil registry office typically costs between €280-400 in official fees.
Contested divorces involve court fees starting around €600, plus legal representation costs. If you qualify for legal aid based on your economic situation, the Portuguese state may cover some or all of these expenses.
Beyond the immediate costs, divorce can have long-term financial implications. I always advise clients to consider:
- Capital gains tax implications when transferring property
- The impact on inheritance rights
- Pension and retirement account divisions
- Changes to tax filing status
Note also that any maintenance obligations can be reduced or terminated if the recipient finds employment, remarries or receives an inheritance. Courts assess these changes upon request. If you are in a civil partnership rather than a legal marriage you are not entitled to spousal support after separation.
Foreign residents should also be aware that they may need to update their financial information with the Portuguese authorities. Your tax identification number Portugal (NIF) may need to be updated to reflect your new marital status which can affect how your taxes are calculated going forward.
8. When Divorce Isn't the Answer
Sometimes couples need space without ending their marriage permanently. In those cases legal separation is an option. While divorce resolves both personal status and civil matters between spouses, legal separation maintains the marriage bond while addressing practical arrangements. This legal separation status:
- Ends cohabitation duties
- Divides assets
- Sets up child arrangements
- Preserves inheritance rights
- Allows for reconciliation
This is particularly useful for those with religious concerns or who want time to consider reconciliation.
For couples who want to avoid court altogether family mediation is an option. A neutral third party helps spouses agree on all divorce issues, often resulting in more sustainable solutions with less conflict.
9. Finding Your Way
Going through divorce in Portugal as a foreigner can be daunting but you don’t have to do it alone. Many foreign citizens find that having a dedicated legal advisor who understands both Portuguese law and their home country's regulations makes all the difference. Every situation is unique and has its own solutions.
Finding divorce lawyers in Portugal who specialise in expat family law is often the first step to navigating this complex process successfully.
The most successful divorces I have handled share one common factor: clients who sought a divorce lawyer's advice early before making major decisions or agreements. This early advice helps prevent mistakes that can be hard to correct later.
Whether you are just considering divorce or ready to start the divorce process understanding these basics of Portuguese divorce law will give you a foundation to make informed choices. The end of a marriage is a difficult transition but with the right support it can also be the beginning of a new positive chapter in your life.
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10. Frequently Asked Questions
What are the rules for divorce in Portugal?
Divorce in Portugal can occur by mutual consent or through a contested process. Mutual consent requires agreement on key issues like property and custody and is handled at the Civil Registry. Litigious divorces, filed in court, may be based on grounds such as one year of separation, desertion, mental illness affecting the marriage, or irretrievable breakdown. Legal representation is not mandatory for mutual consent but is recommended for contested cases.
How long does a divorce take in Portugal?
A mutual divorce in Portugal typically takes 3 to 6 weeks once all documents are submitted to the Civil Registry Office. Contested divorces, often handled in court, may take several months to over a year depending on complexity, such as disputes over assets or child custody. International divorces can also extend the timeline.
Why is Portugal's divorce rate so high?
Portugal's high divorce rate is partly due to how it's calculated—divorces divided by marriages in a given year. With fewer people marrying, the rate appears inflated. It doesn't mean nearly all marriages end in divorce. Social shifts, easier legal procedures, and changing cultural norms have also contributed to the rise.
Is divorce easy in Portugal?
Divorce in Portugal can be relatively straightforward, especially if both spouses agree. An uncontested divorce is processed at the Civil Registry and usually takes a few weeks. Contested divorces, handled by the courts, involve longer timelines and more complexity. Simplified legal procedures have made the process more accessible in recent years. These streamlined divorce procedures have contributed to reducing the stress associated with ending a marriage
