At Change Consulting, we help you to be a Portuguese citizen.
The recent reform of the Portuguese Nationality Law brings good news for families of Portuguese descent. Far from restricting access, the new law expands the right to citizenship, opening doors for even more descendants to reconnect with their Portuguese roots.
At Change Consulting, we help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence.
Balanced and Transparent Rules:
Dual Citizenship Protected:
Reasonable Requirements:
More Generations Included:
Portugal maintains an accessible and fair model of nationality, aligned with European standards but still welcoming to descendants and residents who share a link with the country.
Great-grandchildren of Portuguese citizens are now eligible — as long as they can demonstrate a genuine connection to Portugal.
Even with the adjustments, dual nationality continues to be possible. Loss of Portuguese citizenship is only considered in very specific judicial cases, such as convictions for serious crimes or terrorism.
Applications may only be denied in limited cases — such as serious criminal convictions or lack of proof of livelihood. For most families, the path remains clear and achievable.
Citizenship by Birth in Portugal:
Modernized Integration Requirements:
Updated Residence Periods:
Children born in Portugal to foreign parents now gain nationality if the parents have lived legally in the country for at least five years. This ensures stability and genuine connection with Portugal.
The residence requirement has changed to 10 years for citizens from any country or 7 years for EU citizens and nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries.
Applicants must now show not only Portuguese language knowledge but also an understanding of culture, democratic values, and civic principles — a reaffirmation of Portugal’s inclusive and open society.
*Children of Portuguese citizens are exempt from these requirements.
Giselle Leite is the founder of Change Consulting and a lawyer whose journey reflects both technical excellence and a deep sense of purpose. She began her legal career in the field of corporate and business law, working with large companies and developing a solid foundation in complex legal systems. It was through her specialization in International Law, however, that she discovered her true passion: immigration law.
For over seven years, she has been dedicated to immigration law with energy, commitment, and a unique ability to connect with each client’s reality. Her approach is personal and attentive, she listens carefully, acts strategically, and advocates with precision.
The founder’s profile is reflected in the work of her team, reinforcing Change Consulting’s position as a firm that combines legal excellence with genuine understanding of its clients. Every case is handled with technical rigor, strategic thinking, and a commitment to results, but also with the clarity that behind every process, there is a life. This alignment of expertise and human perspective is what distinguishes Change as a legal partner capable of delivering not only effective solutions, but also trust, transparency, and confidence throughout the journey.
Our firm specializes in Portuguese nationality and immigration law. We combine legal expertise with personalized guidance to make your citizenship journey simple, secure, and successful.
Proven experience with family descent and legal residence cases
Strategic approach to documentation and timing
Expert lawyers in nationality processes
Change Consulting's main objective is to ensure your visa process is well-organized and free of unexpected issues, making your journey smooth and stress-free.
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