A Portuguese Marriage Certificate, known as Certidão de Casamento, is an official document that serves as legal proof of a marriage registered in Portugal. This certificate is issued by the Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN).
What the marriage certificate can show
The official marriage-certificate service states that the certificate includes:
- Identification details of both spouses
- The marriage modality
- The property regime
- The place where the marriage was celebrated
The receiving authority decides which details, format and freshness it needs for a particular procedure.
Official ways to request the certificate
You can request a Portuguese civil-registry certificate online or in person at a Civil Registry service.
For an online request, complete the certificate details and payment. The request is validated by a Registry service. When the certificate becomes available, you receive an access code for online consultation.
The official service does not publish one guaranteed instant processing time. The six-month period applies to the access code, not to universal acceptance of the certificate by a foreign authority.
Official Prices (2026)
The cost of a Portuguese marriage certificate depends on the format. Here are the official fees set by the Portuguese government:
| Type of Certificate | Official Cost |
|---|---|
| Online certificate (6-month access code) | €10 |
| Paper certificate | €20 |
Source: justica.gov.pt
Using the certificate outside Portugal
Apostille is not automatically required for every foreign use.
For public documents covered by Regulation (EU) 2016/1191 and presented between EU Member States, apostille is not required. A multilingual standard form may also help reduce translation requirements and is attached to the public document rather than replacing it.
For other destinations or procedures, confirm whether the receiving authority requires apostille, certified translation, a paper version or another preparation step.
Portugal Papers can obtain and prepare the certificate
You can use the official self-service route. Our service is for people who prefer the request handled remotely or need the complete document prepared for another authority.
We can arrange:
- Portuguese marriage certificate request
- Online access or paper certificate where required
- Apostille when required
- Certified translation when required
- European postal or worldwide courier delivery
Planning a future civil marriage in Portugal? See our guide to documents for civil marriage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone request a Portuguese marriage certificate?
Yes. The official service states that any person can request their own marriage certificate or the certificate of another person.
Is the online certificate valid for only six months?
The access code is valid for six months. This is the period for online access to the issued certificate, not a universal six-month acceptance rule for foreign authorities.
Is the online certificate issued instantly?
The official service does not promise one guaranteed instant processing time. The request is validated by a Registry service and the access code is provided when the certificate becomes available.
Do I always need apostille?
No. The receiving authority and applicable legal framework determine whether apostille is required.
Can I use the certificate in another EU country?
For marriage-related public documents covered by Regulation (EU) 2016/1191 between EU Member States, apostille is not required. A multilingual standard form may also help with translation.
Related Guides
Birth Certificate Guide
How to get a Portuguese birth certificate
Apostille Guide
Everything about apostilles in Portugal
Criminal Record Guide
Get your Portuguese criminal record certificate
NIF Guide
Portuguese tax identification number
Documents for civil marriage in Portugal
Foreign couples preparing a civil marriage in Portugal may also need to check the required documents.