A Portuguese citizen living abroad who wishes to update their marital status must go to the Consulate or the Portuguese Embassy in the country where they are located. The declaration of the requested change should be made promptly. It is important to emphasize that, according to the Portuguese legislation, this change must be communicated to the competent authorities as soon as possible in order to update the public civil registry and avoid future legal problems.

Portuguese citizens living abroad must submit specific documents to the consulate or Portuguese embassy, including the Birth Certificate, Marriage and Divorce Certificates, and the death certificate of the deceased spouse, if the change in marital status is due to widowhood, as well as other supplementary documents. It should be noted that each case is unique and there may be specific requirements, therefore it is advisable to contact the Portuguese diplomatic representation to obtain accurate information about the procedures and necessary documents to carry out the change.

Given the complexity of the legal procedures involved, it is recommended to hire a lawyer specialized in international law to provide legal advice. A specialized professional can guide you on obtaining the required documentation, deadlines, procedures, and ensure that all legal procedures are correctly fulfilled. Additionally, having the legal assistance of a specialized lawyer brings more security to the process, avoiding future problems and ensuring the protection of the rights of the Portuguese citizen living abroad.

In summary, it is legally mandatory to keep the marital status updated at all times. Despite the distance, Portuguese citizens living away from their country should not overlook this obligation, seeking out the help of an international law specialist can be crucial to ensure the legal security of the process and the protection of the rights of the Portuguese citizen living abroad.