Patricia Casaburi
It’s easy to conclude that a citizenship law firm is one that specializes in Portuguese citizenship. While that is mostly true, there is so much more to helping you become a citizen of the beautiful Iberian country.
In this article, we’ll take a look at what these law firms do, how they can help you get citizenship after legal residency, and how to choose the best agency for your needs.
You’ll also find out more about:
What does a citizenship law firm do in Portugal?
The simple explanation is that a Portuguese citizenship law firm specializes in helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of acquiring Portuguese nationality and residency. However, that is only a small part of the entire nationality journey.
Initially, they comprehensively assess your background, considering factors such as ancestry, residency history, investment capability, and language proficiency. This evaluation determines your most suitable pathway and ensures that you meet all legal requirements.
A good law firm will also inform you at this stage about the timelines, costs, and documentation needed for the process.
The firm also manages all administrative steps on your behalf, including collecting and verifying civil status certificates, obtaining and legalizing foreign documents with apostilles, coordinating certified translations, and securing a Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF).
In addition to submitting applications, a citizenship law firm provides ongoing support, monitor residency or stay requirements, notifies you of renewal deadlines, and advises on compliance with tax and reporting obligations.
If circumstances change, such as the recent Portuguese nationality law updates, the firm adjusts its strategy to ensure your continued compliance with legal obligations.
Check out our Ultimate Guide on Portuguese Citizenship
Portugal immigration vs citizenship lawyer: what’s the difference?
Lawyers who specialize in immigration and citizenship might sound like the same job, but there are several differences. Depending on your situation, it’s crucial that you approach the right type of lawyer.
A Portugal immigration lawyer focuses on helping non-EU citizens and other foreign nationals legally enter, stay, and work in Portugal. They handle a broad range of cases related to long term visas, temporary residence permits, work visas, and work permits.
Whether you’re applying for a Portugal Digital Nomad Visa, D2 Entrepreneur Visa, or relocating through family reunification, immigration lawyers provide the legal support necessary to navigate AIMA procedures and meet specific requirements, including proof of clean criminal record, financial means, and a valid passport.
These professionals also assist international clients with Portugal’s Golden Visa Program, especially in matters related to capital transfers, property purchase for investment purposes, or legal clarification regarding the decree law governing the program. For entrepreneurs, immigration lawyers are often consulted on meeting the visa eligibility requirements, which may include professional experience, acceptance letters, or documents required to prove business intent.
On the other hand, a citizenship lawyer specializes in guiding clients through the final stage: becoming a Portuguese national. Whether you’re eligible through residency, ancestry, or investment purposes, citizenship lawyers handle the nuances that turn lawful residence into Portuguese citizenship — and with it, full European Union rights.
Citizenship lawyers typically take over once you’ve resided legally in Portugal for at least five years (or at least three years in some special family reunification cases). They manage complex applications that involve naturalization, dual nationality, and citizenship by descent, such as those involving the Sephardic community or other historical claims.
Their duties often include preparing for the Portuguese language test, assembling and legalizing civil status documents, handling applications before the conservatórias, and coordinating with the Portuguese consulate in your home country. If you’re applying from a different country, they ensure your paperwork is aligned with local and Portuguese law, especially when dealing with foreign citizens from jurisdictions with different civil registration systems.
Citizenship lawyers also assist in managing dual citizenship obligations, ensuring you comply with tax and documentation requirements across other countries. This may include issues around holding a Portuguese passport, navigating restrictions based on a criminal record, or managing family reunification under new citizenship status.
Advantages of Using a Citizenship Law Firm
In-depth legal expertise
Citizenship law firms maintain dedicated teams versed in Portuguese nationality law, administrative procedures, and recent legislative changes. They interpret requirements for diverse paths from the Portugal Golden Visa and the Portugal D7 Visa to naturalization and descent, ensuring your application aligns precisely with current standards.
Eligibility assessment
Each applicant’s situation is unique. A firm conducts a comprehensive eligibility review, which includes assessing investment options, residency history, family circumstances, and readiness for language tests. Based on this evaluation, the firm recommends the most efficient route to take, whether it involves contributing to an investment fund, pursuing entrepreneurship under the Portugal D2 Visa, or providing proof of Portuguese ancestry.
Comprehensive document management
Firms coordinate the entire paperwork process from gathering civil-status certificates to securing a NIF, opening local bank accounts, and legalizing foreign documents. They oversee translations, apostilles, and interactions with consulates or AIMA, minimizing the risk of missing or incorrectly formatted documents.
Due diligence
Due diligence is essential, particularly for investment-based routes. Law firms evaluate investment projects, confirm compliance with Portuguese regulations, and structure fund subscriptions or real estate purchases to meet eligibility criteria. This careful attention to detail minimizes the risk of facing administrative challenges or audits in the future.
Streamlined communication
Your legal team acts as the primary liaison with governmental authorities, submitting applications, responding to inquiries, and attending biometric appointments on your behalf. This on-the-ground presence avoids miscommunications and accelerates processing times, particularly in regions with scarce consular appointments.
Post-approval compliance
After securing residency or citizenship, firms provide ongoing guidance on renewal deadlines, stay requirements, and tax or residency obligations, helping you maintain status, plan for permanent residency or naturalization, and even assist with family reunification applications.
Check out our Ultimate Guide on the Portugal Golden Visa
Cost of Hiring a Citizenship Law Firm
Law firm fees for handling a Portuguese citizenship application typically range from €1,000 to €3,000 per applicant, depending on the complexity of the case and whether dependents are included.
Other firms advertise slightly higher flat fees of around €2,500 to €3,000 per person, often with family discounts. Smaller boutique practices sometimes undercut these rates, but you’ll want to verify their track record and service scope before opting for a bargain option.
In addition to legal fees, you must pay the official government processing charge, which is currently €175 for standard citizenship applications (rising to €225 if born in Portugal to non-Portuguese parents).
Some law firms bundle the civil-registry charge (around €250) into their final-stage package, so be sure to clarify whether your quoted fee is “all-in” or excludes these statutory costs.
How to Choose the Best Citizenship Law Firm
It is crucial to hire the correct law firm to represent you in legal and citizenship matters. The firm must be familiar with your situation, understand your needs, and communicate effectively. Here are some aspects to consider when choosing the best citizenship law firm:
Specialized expertise: Look for firms whose primary focus is Portugal citizenship law and residency requirements, rather than general immigration or corporate practice.
Proven track record: A firm that publishes client success stories and statistics is more likely to have the processes and expertise you need, so if it’s not publicly available, request verifiable results.
Transparent fee structure: Fees for citizenship services can vary widely. The best firms clearly summarize legal fees, government charges, translation/apostille costs, and any retainer or advance payments.
Ethical standards: Citizenship law firms must adhere to stringent anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-client (KYC) regulations. Transparent, ethical firms will explain these procedures without hesitation.
Personalized attention: Citizenship applications are intensely personal. During your initial consultation, observe whether the firm assigns you a dedicated attorney or team, takes time to understand your background, and proposes a strategy tailored to your circumstances.
Why choose Global Citizen Solutions for your Immigration Visa?
GLOBAL APPROACH BY LOCAL EXPERTS
- GCS has offices located across Portugal.
- Members of the US-Portugal and UK-Portugal Chambers of Commerce in Portugal, and the Investment Migration Council (IMC).
- Our expert team can help you throughout your journey to secure your Visa.
100% APPROVAL RATE
- Our successful track record in applications provides reassurance to applicants.
- We have helped clients from more than 35 countries secure residency in Portugal.
ALL-ENCOMPASSING SOLUTION
- With a single channel of communication, our approach ensures that you have complete clarity on your application.
- Our BeGlobal® Onboarding System allows for a total flow of information.
TRANSPARENCY AND PRIVACY
- Our pricing is clear and detailed, you will not face any hidden costs.
- All data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Citizenship Law Firm in Portugal
What does a citizenship law firm in Portugal do?
A citizenship law firm in Portugal helps clients obtain Portuguese nationality through ancestry, residency, marriage, or investment. The firm prepares documentation, submits applications, ensures compliance with legal requirements, and communicates with government agencies like AIMA and IRN throughout the citizenship process.
How can a Portuguese citizenship law firm help me get citizenship?
A Portuguese citizenship law firm helps you get citizenship by verifying eligibility, gathering required documents, submitting your application to authorities, and tracking its progress. They manage legal translations, ensure compliance with law, and represent you before agencies like social security, AIMA or IRN to avoid delays or rejections.
Do I need a lawyer to apply for citizenship in Portugal?
You do not need a lawyer to apply for citizenship in Portugal, but hiring one can reduce errors, speed up processing, and ensure legal compliance. Lawyers help navigate complex cases, especially for ancestry-based claims or if your documents need authentication or translation.
What services do citizenship law firms in Portugal offer?
Citizenship law firms in Portugal offer services such as eligibility assessment, document preparation, application submission, legal translations, and representation before AIMA and IRN. They also assist with ancestry research, appeals for rejected applications, and navigating dual citizenship or investment-based routes.
How much do Portuguese citizenship law firms typically charge?
Portuguese citizenship law firms typically charge between €1,000 and €5,000, depending on case complexity, ancestry documentation, translation needs, and appeal requirements. Fees may be higher for expedited services or complex claims involving Sephardic heritage or investment-based citizenship.
How do I choose the best law firm for Portugal citizenship?
Choose the best law firm for Portugal citizenship by checking their success rate, verifying experience with similar cases, reviewing client testimonials, and confirming fluency in Portuguese and English. Prioritize firms with transparent pricing, government registration, and expertise in ancestry or residency-based applications.
What are the advantages of hiring a citizenship law firm in Portugal?
The advantages of hiring a citizenship law firm in Portugal include expert legal guidance, faster application processing, reduced risk of rejection, and personalized support for complex cases. Firms also handle document translation, communicate with government offices, and ensure full compliance with Portuguese nationality laws.
Can a Portugal law firm help with dual citizenship cases?
Yes, a Portugal law firm can help with dual citizenship cases by confirming eligibility, managing legal risks, preparing documentation for both countries, and advising on tax or military obligations. They ensure compliance with Portuguese law and coordinate with foreign authorities if needed.
Are there English-speaking citizenship lawyers in Portugal?
Yes, there are English-speaking citizenship lawyers in Portugal who assist international clients with nationality applications. These lawyers provide legal advice, translate documents, and communicate with Portuguese authorities while ensuring non-Portuguese speakers clearly understand each step of the process.
Can a Portuguese citizenship lawyer speed up the process?
Yes, a Portuguese citizenship lawyer can speed up the process by avoiding documentation errors, ensuring timely submissions, and maintaining direct communication with government offices. Their experience helps prevent delays caused by incomplete forms or missing legal requirements.
What documents do law firms require to process citizenship in Portugal?
Law firms require documents such as a valid passport, birth certificate, criminal background check, proof of legal residence, and ancestry records if applicable. Additional items may include marriage certificates, language proficiency proof, and tax or social security records depending on the citizenship route.
What's the difference between an immigration and citizenship lawyer?
While immigration lawyers help you get in and stay, citizenship lawyers help you belong, offering full integration and all the privileges that Portugal offers. For many, especially international clients seeking long-term integration, both professionals will likely play a critical role at different stages. The choice depends not only on your current visa type — be it an entrepreneur visa, digital nomad, or Golden Visa — but also on your long-term plans, including whether you plan to stay for one year, five years, or permanently.
What's the benefit of Portuguese citizenship?
A successful citizenship application, supported by a skilled lawyer, grants you not just a Portuguese passport, but full access to EU member states, unrestricted EU-wide mobility, and protection under EU laws. These include the right to vote, the ability to move for employment within the bloc, and broader civil rights that do not extend to holders of just a permanent residency or temporary residence permit.
