Registration of União de Facto in Portugal

This service is designed for individuals in Portugal – including foreign residents – who are living with their partner in a committed relationship but are not legally married. Often referred to in English as a “common law partner” relationship, a união de facto in Portugal offers a legally recognised alternative to marriage for couples who have cohabited for at least two years.

If you wish to access legal rights similar to those of married couples – whether related to social security, tax benefits, housing, or even Portuguese nationality – then having your relationship formally recognised as a união de facto may be an essential legal step.

This service is ideal for:

• Foreign nationals cohabiting with a Portuguese citizen

• Expats seeking tax and residency benefits available to recognised partners

• Unmarried couples seeking inheritance or housing protection rights

• Individuals applying for Portuguese nationality based on their partnership

To have your união de facto legally recognised in Portugal, the following conditions must be met:

• Cohabitation: You and your partner must live at the same official address (proved via fiscal records or residency certificates).

• Duration: You must have lived together for at least two consecutive years.

• Legal Capacity: Neither party can be married to or in another registered union with someone else.

• Proof of Relationship: Typically demonstrated through a declaration from the local Junta de Freguesia, signed under honour and accompanied by birth certificates, fiscal records, or shared utility bills.

• Portuguese Residency: At least one member of the couple must be legally resident in Portugal.

Our local English-speaking lawyers will assist you through every step of the process to establish and formalise your união de facto:

1. Initial Consultation: We begin with a review of your personal situation and determine if you meet the eligibility requirements.

2. Document Preparation: Assistance in collecting and preparing all necessary documentation, including declarations, ID, birth certificates, and proof of cohabitation.

3. Junta de Freguesia Process: We coordinate with your local parish council (Junta de Freguesia) to issue the formal declaration of união de facto.

4. Legal Advice on Rights: We advise on the legal effects of the union, including taxation, inheritance, social security, and housing rights.

5. Further Legal Applications: If desired, we can assist with related applications such as joint tax filing, residency extensions for non-EU partners, or nationality based on the union.

• Legal Recognition: Ensure your relationship is legally recognised under Portuguese law, opening access to social, fiscal, and immigration rights.

• Expert Legal Guidance: Our experienced bilingual lawyers simplify complex bureaucratic steps and ensure compliance with all formal requirements.

• Protection of Rights: Recognition as an unmarried partner (união de facto) can secure housing rights, access to survivor pensions, and more in the event of a partner’s death.

• Immigration & Nationality Support: Recognition of the union can support a foreign partner’s residency renewal or application for Portuguese nationality after three years.

• Tax and Social Benefits: Couples in a união de facto may benefit from joint tax filing, dependent deductions, and access to family-related benefits.

• Expert legal advice from English-speaking Portuguese lawyers on eligibility and legal implications

• Preparation of all required documentation for Junta de Freguesia declaration

• Guidance through the cohabitation proof process (utility bills, financial statements, etc.)

• Coordination and representation with local authorities

• Assistance with related applications (tax, residency, nationality)

• Ongoing legal support regarding inheritance, separation, or dispute resolution (if needed, billed separately)