I Do Abroad

Written and checked by the I Do Abroad team · Last updated 10 November 2026 · Sources listed at the end of this page

Usually, yes. The guides agree that two visitors can open a marriage file in Portugal without living there. Where they split is one document: published guides say British couples need a certificate of no impediment, and a notice on GOV.UK says some do not. Everything below is what usually applies. The Conservatória do Registo Civil that handles your file is the authority that confirms it, not a planner, a venue or this page.

Can two British citizens who live in the UK marry in Portugal

THE-Ö Legal, whose guide to marriage in Portugal was updated in September 2026, puts it plainly: “Residence in Portugal is not a general condition for two foreign citizens to marry here.”

Portugal’s justice portal says the process can be started “pelos noivos ou por um procurador que os representa”, by the couple or a proxy who represents them, at any civil registry office. Once the file is approved, the couple “têm até 6 meses para se casarem”: up to six months to marry.

Do UK couples need a certificate of no impediment for Portugal

The sources split, so put them side by side.

Source What it says What it leaves open
Notice published on GOV.UK, June 2025 British nationals “resident in Portugal or in another country outside the United Kingdom” do not need one. Agreed by Portugal’s Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado in August 2013 and reconfirmed in April 2025 It says nothing about British nationals who live in the UK
Translayte, updated 30 July 2026 “Since Brexit, UK nationals are required to obtain a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) before marrying in Portugal” It does not mention the GOV.UK notice
THE-Ö Legal, updated September 2026 Lists a “certificate of matrimonial capacity issued by the competent authority less than six months earlier” It does not say which UK document a registry accepts as one

Read together, a couple living in the UK should expect to be asked for one, and should have the registry’s answer in writing first. The notice itself advises: “make early contact with the Portuguese registration authorities”.

What paperwork usually applies

Step What it usually is Who confirms it
Identity THE-Ö Legal lists an identification document and a birth certificate The Conservatória
Proof you are free to marry A certificate of no impediment from your local register office. Wandsworth Council says it “can only be issued for certain countries” Your register office issues it. The Conservatória says whether it wants it
Legalisation An apostille. GOV.UK lists £45 on paper, usually up to 25 working days, or £35 as an e-Apostille in up to 2 working days FCDO Legalisation Office. The Conservatória says which format it accepts
Translation THE-Ö Legal says foreign documents “should be accompanied by a certified Portuguese translation”, with exceptions where the officer understands the language The Conservatória
The marriage file Opened at a civil registry office. The justice portal says: “O registo do casamento custa 120 euros” The Conservatória

One gap to raise. For foreign citizens the justice portal lists “a autorização de residência e o passaporte ou documento equivalente”, a residence permit and a passport or equivalent. It does not say what a visitor with no residence permit presents instead. Ask.

Is a wedding in Portugal recognised in the UK

GOV.UK says a foreign marriage is recognised in the UK if “it was lawful in the country where it took place” and “it would be allowed under UK law”. It also says: “You cannot get a UK marriage or civil partnership certificate if your marriage or civil partnership happened abroad.” The Portuguese certificate is your proof.

Civil, Catholic or symbolic: which one is legal

The justice portal names three forms that begin at the registry: “casamento civil, católico ou civil sob a forma religiosa”. Translayte shortens that to two: “Only civil and Catholic religious ceremonies are legally recognised.” For a religious ceremony that is not Catholic, ask the Conservatória whether the third form is open to you.

A symbolic ceremony is not legal anywhere, and that is its strength. GOV.UK names the route: “you can choose to have a legal ceremony in the UK and a commitment ceremony abroad”.

How long does the legal process take

THE-Ö Legal says “IRN recommends organising the marriage process at least one month before the intended date”. Translayte says: “Allowing 3 months is strongly recommended.” Work back from the longer, add the paper apostille and your register office’s timetable, and you have your start date.

Who confirms it

In Portugal, the Conservatória do Registo Civil where you open the file. In the UK, your register office for the certificate of no impediment and the FCDO for the apostille. Ask each in writing and keep the replies.

I Do Abroad Top Tip

Before you pay a deposit, email the Conservatória with one question: “We are two British citizens who live in the UK. Do you require a certificate of no impediment from us, and must it be apostilled and translated?” The published sources do not agree for couples like you, so the reply is your answer and your evidence.

Sources

Not sure whether Portugal is your country, or whether a legal ceremony abroad suits you at all? Take the two-minute Dream Wedding Quiz and find your view.