Stable Union

Those living in a stable union in Brazil whose relationship has already been recognized judicially or extrajudicially may request the review of that recognition in Portugal. To do so, it is mandatory to bring an action for Recognition (Review) of a Foreign Judgment before the competent Court of Appeal (Tribunal da Relação), through a lawyer duly registered with the Portuguese Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados).

Those living in a de facto union in Portugal may, as a rule, prove it by a statement from the parish council (Junta de Freguesia) (Art. 2-A of Law 7/2001 (Lei)). For citizenship purposes, however, a court decision of recognition is required, obtained in a declaratory action before the competent civil court. Notably, unlike Brazil, where there is no minimum period of cohabitation, in Portugal a de facto union requires the parties to have lived in conditions similar to those of spouses for more than two years (Art. 1(2) of Law 7/2001). For the acquisition of citizenship, the law requires more than three years of de facto union with a Portuguese citizen (Art. 3(3) of the Nationality Act (Lei da Nacionalidade), as amended by Organic Law 1/2026 (Lei Orgânica)).

Recognition of a stable union in Portugal brings numerous benefits, such as the possibility of acquiring Portuguese citizenship (once the legal requirements are met), the possibility of family reunification, joint taxation for IRS purposes, the benefit of a legal regime equivalent to that applicable to married persons bound by an employment contract, protection of the family home, and social protection in the event of the death of the beneficiary, under the general social security scheme or special schemes, among others.

We at Sene & Araújo Advogados are here to answer your questions and help you with this next step!