The Portuguese Marriage Visa for spouses is designed to allow foreigners to marry. This document is an important step for those who plan to start a family or strengthen their family ties abroad. However, due to the fact that some citizens may use this opportunity to enter into a fictitious relationship in order to subsequently obtain Portuguese citizenship through marriage, consular services often require documentary proof of reciprocity.
The pre-marital visa is usually granted for a short period of time, usually not exceeding three months. This period allows the party from another state to stay in the country where the marriage is planned for up to 45 days. In the event that the wedding does not take place within the stipulated period, the foreign national will have to return to his or her home country and reapply for a wife-husband visa in Portugal to continue the marriage process.
Preparing to apply for a spouse visa to Portugal
First of all, it is important to note that the initiative to collect the documents lies on the Portuguese side. This means that the bride or groom residing in Europe must apply for marriage registration with the local authorities. This process includes the collection of the necessary documentation that will be used for the subsequent spouse visa in Portugal and other legal procedures.
Next, once the documents are collected, the Portuguese party generates an invitation that specifies:
- Purpose of the visit
- Dates of the event
- Personal information and other details necessary for the wife-husband visa to Portugal.
One of the key points in this process is the provision of confirmation of the seriousness of the relationship by the Portuguese migration authorities. An important element of this confirmation can be a DNA test in case the bride is pregnant. In addition, in many cases, the applicant may need to consent to access to their personal correspondence and photographs.
On the requesting side, the bride or groom will assemble a complete package of documentation for the tourist visa, including any additional forms that may be required during the process. In addition, it is important for the foreigner to undergo a biometric data submission and a medical policy in order to successfully complete the visa application process.
Preparation also includes being ready for a detailed interview where questions may be asked about the nature and development of the couple’s relationship. This is an important stage that can have a significant impact on the decision to issue a Portuguese spouse visa. It is important to note that if the bride and groom have not met in person before, the likelihood of a refusal to issue this type of document increases significantly.
What documents are required
The procedure of applying for a Portuguese marriage visa with a citizen of this country has its own specificity, which includes a number of mandatory steps and necessary documents. The main responsibility for collecting the necessary documentation falls on the Portuguese party inviting the citizen. Among the necessary documents for inviting a foreigner to marry in Portugal, it is required to provide:
- Certificate of absence of other marriages
- Proof of financial solvency (bank statements or other documents certifying the existence of sufficient funds to cover the bride’s living expenses in Portugal)
- Personal data and permanent registration address indicated in the invitation
It is also required to provide proof that the forthcoming marriage is not a sham.
On the part of a citizen of another country, a dependant visa to Portugal will require:
- Valid passport, which must be valid for the entire period of stay abroad
- Completed application form stating the purpose of the visit to Portugal – marriage to a Portuguese citizen
- Certificate stating that the applicant has not yet been married or, in case of divorce, that at least 300 days have elapsed since the dissolution of the previous marriage
An apostilled birth certificate translated into Portuguese is also required.
Additionally, it is recommended to obtain a marriage license from the consulate. This document can be attached to the certificates to increase the likelihood of approval of the application for a Portuguese marriage visa.
Additional documents for Portugal marriage visa
When considering the process of preparing documentation for marriage to a Portuguese citizen, it is necessary to take into account many nuances and peculiarities, each case requires an individual approach. The additional set of documents, which is attached to the main package of official papers, can vary significantly depending on the specific circumstances and requirements for a Portuguese visa for husband and wife.
In general, the additional set of documents may include an invitation from the Portuguese side, which must be completed in the national language either manually or on a computer. In addition, photographs, letters, and other proof that the marriage is based on true love and is not a sham arrangement may be required to obtain Portuguese citizenship through marriage.
If the Portuguese party is not funding the trip, an extended package of documents may be required to prove the applicant’s financial status. It is important to take into account that the consular fee when applying for a spouse visa in Portugal for the bride or groom is 35 euros. Sometimes there is a desire to apply for accelerated consideration, but it should be borne in mind that the consulate will conduct a detailed study of both parties.
Things to consider when applying for a Portuguese spouse visa
The authorization process requires careful preparation and attention to detail. It is important to make sure that all documents are submitted in accordance with the Portuguese visa requirements for husband and wife. Here are additional steps and guidelines to consider:
- Checking the documents before submitting. Any errors or missing documents may result in a delay in processing or denial of a dependent’s visa in Portugal.
- Importance of meeting in person. As mentioned earlier, if the bride and groom have not met in person, this could be grounds for refusal of a spouse visa to Portugal. Therefore, if possible, it is worth organizing a meeting before applying for a permit to strengthen the evidence of the seriousness of the relationship.
- Additional evidence of the relationship. As well as face-to-face meetings, it is worth gathering additional facts such as correspondence, photographs together, tickets for joint trips and other documents to prove the length and seriousness of the relationship.
- Interview. Get ready in advance by thinking through possible questions and answers to avoid nervousness and misunderstandings.
- Medical insurance policy. This is not only a requirement for obtaining a Portuguese visa for dependents, but also an important aspect for personal safety.
- Final steps. Once the Portuguese visa for wife and husband has been processed and you have arrived in the country, you should immediately begin the process of registering your marriage with the appropriate local authorities. Keep in mind that this process may also take a few days to complete, so don’t put it off until the last minute.
The process can take from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the completeness and accuracy of the documents submitted, as well as the workload of the consulate. You will need a valid passport, a certificate of no other marriages, proof of financial solvency, and proof of the seriousness of the relationship. Yes, meeting in person increases the chances of visa approval as it is proof that the relationship is non-fictitious.
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