Name and Surname Change in Portugal

Name and Surname Change in Portugal

Portugal has the possibility of changing the name and surname, but there are certain restrictions and requirements that must be met.

To change your name, you must file an application with the Civil Registry, which may be approved or rejected by the civil registry judge.

The request must include a reasonable justification for the name change, such as a need to protect privacy or to avoid confusion with another person.

It is also possible to change your name if you have undergone a sex change operation.

Regarding the change of surname, the rules are stricter. Changing the surname is only allowed in very specific cases, such as when the surname is offensive or embarrassing, or when there is a conflict between the parents’ surnames. In these cases, an application must be filed with the Civil Registry and a valid reason for the change must be demonstrated.

In short, it is possible to change the name and surname in Portugal, but only under certain specific circumstances and the approval of a civil registry judge is required.

What are the implications of a change of name and surname?

The change of name and surname may have several legal, social and personal implications, which may vary depending on the context and the reason for the change. Some of the most common implications include:

1. Identification: A name change may have implications for a person’s identification, as many documents and records may be associated with the former name. This may require an update of documents such as passport, driver’s license, credit cards, among others.
2. Credit History: If a person has established a credit history under their previous name, they may need to establish a new credit history under their new name.
3. Legality: A name change may have legal implications, such as the need to update civil registries, the need to change legal documents and the possible impact on property rights.
4. Personal relationships: A name change can also have social and personal implications, such as the impact on family relationships and sense of personal identity.
5. Job Search: A name change can have implications for job searches, as potential employers may not be able to adequately verify a person’s previous work history.

In general, a change of name and surname can have significant implications and it is important to carefully consider the possible consequences before making a final decision.

Countries where it is possible to change your name and surname

Most countries in the world make it possible to change the name and surname, although the requirements and the process for doing so may vary significantly.

Some countries, such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia, make the name change a little easier, being relatively simple and can be done with an application at the civil registry or at a court.

In other countries, such as France, Italy and Spain, the name change process is more complicated and may require judicial approval.

Germany only allows name changes in very specific circumstances, such as marriage or adoption.

In Latin America, most countries allow the change of name and surname, although the requirements may vary.

In Mexico, for example, you can change your name and surname with a request to the Civil Registry, while in Brazil a court order is required.

In summary, the possibility of changing the name and surname varies from country to country, but in most cases it is possible to do so with the fulfillment of certain requirements and legal formalities.