Civil union in Portugal

Civil unions in Portugal were introduced for opposite-sex couples in 1 July 1999 and extended to same-sex couples by the act of 15 March 2001.

The current legislation extends to same-sex couples the same rights as heterosexual couples living in a de facto union for more than two years. The law covers housing arrangements, civil servants and work benefits, the option to choose a fiscal regime as married partners, and welfare benefits. The difference in the civil union law between same-sex and opposite-sex couples is that only opposite-sex couples can adopt children together.

There is no registration on the process. An application of joint tax assessment can be made to prove the union but it is not required.

Also in 15 March 2001, a new multi-person law ("common economy") was also approved that protects two or more persons that live in common economy with most of the rights of the de facto union, except welfare benefits.

Since December 2006, same sex couples (and opposite sex couples) living in a civil union are also recognized in the same way as married couples for citizenship applications and when a public servant wants to extend healthcare protection to the partner.

Since 2007, a new Penal Code recognizes same-sex couples regarding; domestic violence, murder of partner, an equal and uniform age of consent at 14, refusal do testify in court against the partner and in all other situations where married couples are referred in the code.

ee also

* Same-sex marriage in Portugal
* LGBT rights in Portugal