Joana Mendonça Embarking on a journey to relocate, establish a business, or acquire Portuguese nationality can be complex and demanding, especially if you’re a foreign national. That’s why it is a good idea to consult with a seasoned Portugal immigration lawyer who brings their expertise to streamline the often intricate legal matters associated with moving abroad.
Specializing in immigration and residency law, these professionals offer comprehensive legal solutions to third-country nationals moving to Portugal. From essential visas and residency permits to addressing real estate investments and intricate tax matters, immigration specialists offer comprehensive legal solutions.
In this guide, we’ll explain the advantages of enlisting immigration law services in Portugal and provide insights into the essential factors to consider when selecting the right lawyer to navigate the legal intricacies of your Portuguese journey.
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What does a Portuguese immigration lawyer do?
A Portuguese immigration lawyer specializes in legal matters related to immigration, residence permits, nationality, and Portugal citizenship.
Their role includes offering detailed legal advice, preparing and submitting essential documentation, and representing clients throughout the immigration process.
This involves selecting the suitable type of visa, residence permit, or citizenship application based on each client’s unique circumstances, such as retirement, employment, entrepreneurship, investment, education, or family reunification.
These lawyers frequently handle applications for various residency pathways, particularly the Portugal Golden Visa program, which involves securing residency through the Portugal Golden Visa investment fund or investing in businesses in Portugal.
They ensure that all supporting documents—such as proof of income, bank statements, criminal records, medical insurance certificates, and property purchase contracts—are accurately prepared, translated correctly, and submitted in accordance with the standards set by Portuguese authorities, particularly the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA).
Additionally, when issues arise, such as administrative delays, residency denials, or disputes with immigration authorities, these lawyers represent and advocate for their clients through appeals, hearings, and any necessary legal procedures to secure or maintain lawful residency or citizenship in Portugal.
Their services often extend to advising clients on related legal areas, including the tax implications of residency, social security obligations, healthcare enrollment, and practical matters related to integration into Portuguese society.
Benefits of Hiring an Immigration Specialist Lawyer
Obtaining a visa, legal residency permit or citizenship can be difficult if you are unfamiliar with Portugal’s processes and procedures.
Our team has first-hand experience in immigration, buying property abroad, and moving between European and non-European countries. We understand how daunting the processes can be.
Having an expert on hand every step of the way to advise you on tax liability, necessary contracts, and legal obligations prevents you from making what could be a costly misstep.
It also means you know exactly what to expect, as tax and legal technicalities vary widely depending on the market and your financial circumstances.
- Expertise and experience: Specialized knowledge of complex immigration laws, regulations, and procedures, reducing errors and improving success rates.
- Personalized legal advice: Tailored guidance based on the client’s specific situation, helping to select the most suitable immigration pathway or visa type.
- Documentation accuracy: Ensures accurate preparation, review, translation, and submission of required documents, minimizing delays or rejections due to paperwork issues.
- Faster processing: Experienced lawyers streamline processes, anticipate potential issues, and communicate directly with immigration authorities, speeding up application times.
- Legal representation: Professional representation in interactions with authorities, appeals, and hearings if disputes or complications arise.
- Compliance assurance: Keeps clients informed about changing laws and regulations, ensuring ongoing compliance and avoiding penalties.
- Strategic planning: Advises clients on long-term planning for residency renewals, citizenship eligibility, investments, and family reunification.
How to Choose the Right Immigration Specialist Lawyer in Portugal
Choosing the right lawyer is crucial when navigating the complexities of the Portuguese legal system.
To facilitate clear communication, it is important to find experienced lawyers who serve both domestic and international clients, particularly English-speaking immigration lawyers. Additionally, evaluating the associated fees is vital for ensuring transparency throughout the legal process.
Here are some useful tips for finding the best immigration specialists to help you become a Portuguese citizen:
What to Look for in an Immigration Lawyer | Mistakes When Choosing an Immigration Lawyer |
Once you have decided on an immigration attorney to work with or if you would like to gauge if they would be the right fit, here are a few essential questions to ask:
- Do they specialize in immigration?
- What is their experience level with immigration?
- How much does their service cost?
- What actions and procedures will be undertaken on your behalf?
- What is their opinion on the best strategy for you to move to Portugal?
- In their view, how likely is a successful outcome?
- What is the timeline for your immigration process?
- What will they need from you to work on this process successfully together?
Immigration Lawyer Fees
Immigration attorney fees vary depending on your chosen company or law firm. There are many immigration firms in Portugal, so working out the best one for your needs is crucial.
Some lawyers offer initial consultations for free, while others may charge a nominal fee for an initial meeting.
Hourly rates for immigration to Portugal lawyers range from €100 to €300 or more per hour. This mainly depends on the lawyer’s or law firm’s experience, expertise, and location.
Lawyers may offer flat fees for specific immigration services, such as visa applications, residence permits, citizenship applications, or appeals. Depending on the case’s complexity, these flat fees can range from a few hundred to several thousand euros.
Immigrate to Portugal: Explore your Visa Options
Now that we’ve covered the benefits of seeking out professional legal services to assist you with your immigration journey to Portugal, it’s time to take a look at the visa options. Each option can help foreign nationals obtain their residence permit and, eventually, citizenship in this beautiful European country.
Portugal Golden Visa
The Portugal Golden Visa Program, also known as the residence permit for investment activity (ARI), is a five-year residency-by-investment scheme for non-EU citizens.
The Golden Visa is one of the easiest ways to immigrate to Portugal. This program allows the visa holder to become a permanent resident or a Portuguese citizen if the qualifying investment made is kept for at least five years and additional requirements set forth by the Portuguese immigration and nationality laws are obeyed.
Consider hiring an accredited Portugal Golden Visa lawyer to help you navigate Portugal’s famous residency-by-investment program for a seamless experience to acquire your residence permit.
Portugal D1 Visa
Also known as the Portugal Work Visa, the Portugal D1 Visa allows non-EU citizens who have accepted a job offer from an employer in Portugal. Once you receive your job offer, you can apply for a work visa in Portugal. When your request for a work visa in Portugal gets approved, you can travel to Portugal and begin obtaining a residence. After five years of living legally and working in Portugal, you can apply for permanent residency.
Portugal D2 Visa
The Portugal D2 Visa, also referred to as the Portugal Entrepreneur Visa or the Immigrant Entrepreneur Visa, is for non-EU entrepreneurs who intend to start a new business or purchase an existing business in the country. The visa is valid for four months, during which the entrepreneur must enter Portugal and apply for a residence permit. This permit is valid for two years and can be extended for three years. After five years of residency, applying for Portuguese citizenship or permanent residence is possible.
Portugal D3 Visa
The Portugal D3 Visa, also known as a Highly Qualified Activity Permit, is a residence visa for highly qualified professionals who are non-EU citizens and have a valid employment contract or a self-employed contract with a company based in Portugal. It allows holders to apply for a residence permit that is initially valid for two years. After this, the holder of the D3 Visa can apply for a temporary Portuguese residence permit.
Portugal D6 Visa
The Portugal D6 Visa, also called the Family Reunification Visa, allows family members of Portuguese residents to move to Portugal. If you live in Portugal on another visa or have a settled status or residence permit as an EU citizen, you can apply for a D6 visa to bring your spouse, partner, or family to live with you in the country.
Portugal D7 Visa
The Portugal D7 Visa, also known as the Portugal Retirement Visa or Passive Income Visa, enables non-EU, non-EEA, or non-Swiss citizens to apply for temporary residency in Portugal. To be eligible for the D7 visa, you must meet the monthly minimum income requirements of €870.
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8 Visa) allows digital nomads to live or work in Portugal for a set period. Remote workers can use the Digital Nomad Visa to apply for a residency permit extended to five years or a temporary stay visa with a maximum validity of one year. You are eligible for Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa if you earn four times Portugal’s minimum wage or more.
Portugal Student Visa
Non-EU students considering studying in Portugal can apply for the Portugal Student Visa. The short-term student visa (Type C) is for non-EU citizens who plan to undertake a course or a research project in Portugal for less than 90 days. The long-term student visa (Type D) is for students and researchers undertaking studies or research projects in Portugal for over 90 days.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Portugal Immigration Lawyer
What does a Portuguese immigration lawyer do?
Immigration law firms and attorneys are essential in simplifying the complex immigration process for individuals, families, and businesses. With a focus on the Portuguese legal system and immigration laws, these legal professionals provide expert guidance across various legal areas.
Why work with an immigration lawyer?
Seeking professional legal help from immigration attorneys will make moving to Portugal hassle-free and give you peace of mind. Your lawyer will also ensure you receive current and relevant advice throughout the process. You can also keep up with the latest immigration news on the AIMA website.
Do I need an immigration lawyer to move to Portugal?
Experienced immigration lawyers can provide valuable expertise, help you navigate potential challenges, manage paperwork, and ensure clear communication with the relevant authorities. They can also guide you through specific requirements and assist in overcoming any obstacles you may encounter. If you are not fluent in Portuguese, hiring a lawyer who is can be particularly beneficial.
How much does an immigration lawyer cost in Portugal?
Legal fees vary depending on the location, specialist company or law firm you choose to work with. There are many law firms in Portugal, so it’s crucial to find the best one for your needs and personal circumstances, such as a residence permit, work visas or Golden Visa.
Can an immigration lawyer assist with family reunification in Portugal?
Yes, most Portuguese national visas allow for family reunification, which means you can bring your spouse, minor children (including adopted children), or dependent parents with you. Law firms in Portugal can assign you a lawyer who can assist with all processes and procedures in this matter.
How can an immigration law firm help with the Portuguese immigration process?
An immigration law firm can guide you through the immigration process. They can ensure you know all of the visa requirements, have the correct documents, and avoid any costly mistakes or omissions that could lead to visa rejections or delays.
