Joana Mendonça
Moving abroad is daunting at the best of times. It can be even more challenging if you’re not familiar with government processes or don’t speak the local language. While it is possible to get all your documents in order by yourself to apply for a visa, there’s a lot that can go wrong. That’s where a Portugal immigration agency comes in.
Whether you’re applying for a retirement visa, launching a business, or moving under a family reunification visa, a qualified agency can streamline the process and reduce the risk of costly delays or rejections.
In this article, we’ll take a look at how an immigration agency takes the headache out of relocating overseas and immigrating to Portugal.
You’ll also find out more about:
What is a Portugal Immigration Agency?
Essentially, a Portugal immigration agency helps people, businesses, and investors move to Portugal legally. They are not part of the Portuguese government, but have in-depth knowledge of all the processes, documentation, and requirements set out by the government.
They provide guidance on residency, citizenship, investments, and how to start a new life abroad.
For example, Global Citizen Solutions is focused on finding the right residency or citizenship by investment program and provides expert advice on global freedom, mobility, taxation, and security. We also have a real estate division to provide successful immigration and relocation services.
To put it simply, an immigration agency simplifies and manages the entire immigration process. This includes helping you choose the right visa, preparing your paperwork, communicating with Portuguese authorities, and ensuring your application meets all the criteria.
Who would use an immigration agency?
Most people who use an immigration agency want to ensure everything is done correctly before applying for a visa or investing in Portugal. Here are a few examples of what people would use an immigration agency for:
- Visa applications: Advice on which visa is appropriate and checking documentation.
- Residence permits: Renewal, change of status, and family reunification.
- NIF and bank setup: Assisting in obtaining a Portuguese tax identification number and opening a local bank account, both required for most visas.
- Legal advice: Many agencies work with or have in-house lawyers to offer help with compliance, property law, or even inheritance and tax matters.
- Citizenship pathways: After residency, they assist with naturalization or dual citizenship applications.
“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 specific financial circumstances,” explains Global Citizens Solutions’ General Counsel Joana Mendonca.
This is incredibly important, for instance, for entrepreneurs and investors applying under the Portugal D2 Visa or the Portugal Golden Visa. They would need to know which investment options are available, what the business requirements are, and how long the process will take. This is in addition to filing taxes and ensuring that the government requirements are met.
Read about the Portugal Golden Visa
Benefits of Using an Immigration Agency
Many people globally choose to go through the immigration journey by themselves. This can be unnecessarily stressful, as there are far more benefits to using an immigration agency than not using one. Some of the benefits include:
Personalized guidance: Immigration involves legal, financial, and bureaucratic complexities. Agencies streamline the process by assessing your profile, recommending the best visa options (such as D2, D7, or Golden Visa), and identifying potential issues before you apply.
Application accuracy: Mistakes in paperwork are a primary cause of rejections and delays. Agencies meticulously verify every detail – from NIF registration to bank documentation – to ensure your file complies with legal and procedural standards.
Speed and efficiency: Agencies are familiar with the system and know how to prevent unnecessary delays. They often maintain direct contact with government bodies or legal partners to expedite communication and submissions.
Multilingual support: Portuguese bureaucracy does not always provide translations or support in English. Agencies help bridge the language gap, ensuring you understand forms, laws, and obligations clearly.
Legal compliance and updates: Immigration laws change rapidly, and agencies stay updated to quickly adapt your application to meet new requirements, such as those introduced during AIMA’s transition from SEF, and when Portugal Non-Habitual Residency applications closed.
How to Choose the Right Agency
While choosing an agency that suits your needs and financial standing is incredibly important, not all agencies are created equal. For example, Global Citizen Solutions is a member of the Global Investment Counsel and has various partners worldwide.
Choosing the right immigration agency can make or break your move to Portugal. With dozens of firms offering similar services, it’s important to focus on credibility, transparency, and experience, not just branding. Here are a few tips on how to choose the right immigration agency:
Start by confirming that the agency is legally registered in Portugal. If they provide legal services, their Portugal immigration lawyers should be officially certified by the Portuguese Bar Association.
Beyond credentials, look at the agency’s track record. A reputable firm will have years of experience, clearly defined visa specializations (such as the D2 Visa for entrepreneurs or the D7 Visa for retirees), and documented success stories.
Local presence is another key factor. Agencies with offices in Portugal are better equipped to handle appointments, translations, and on-the-ground logistics like NIF registration and opening a Portuguese bank account. Their familiarity with ongoing updates from AIMA can also help you avoid delays.
Ensure they offer clear pricing, outline what’s included in their service, and explain what happens if an application is delayed or denied. Avoid agencies that make unrealistic guarantees or push for upfront payments without explaining the full process.
Finally, pay attention to how they communicate. You should have access to a dedicated point of contact, receive timely responses, and feel that your case is being handled professionally. A good agency won’t just file paperwork—they’ll guide you every step of the way.
Do | Don't |
Verify the agency is legally registered in Portugal. | Trust agencies that do not show proof of licensing or legal registration. |
Choose an agency experienced with your specific visa type. | Assume all agencies have the same level of expertise for every visa. |
Look for transparent pricing and clear service descriptions. | Work with agencies that offer vague pricing or hidden fees. |
Ensure the agency has a physical office in Portugal. | Rely solely on agencies that operate 100% remotely with no in-country support. |
Check real client testimonials and success stories. | Base your decision only on website claims without independent reviews. |
Expect detailed, timely communication from a dedicated advisor. | Accept poor communication, delayed responses, or frequent staff changes. |
Confirm legal professionals are involved if legal advice is offered. | Assume immigration consultants without legal accreditation can give legal advice. |
Ask about their strategy if an application faces delays or issues. | Choose agencies that promise guaranteed approval or unrealistically fast timelines. |
Understanding Portugal’s Immigration System
Portugal’s immigration system treats you differently based on your citizenship. For example, if you are from an EU country and want to live in Portugal, you can do so visa-free. The only requirement is that you register with the local city council.
However, if you are from a non-EU country and want to move to Portugal long-term, you’ll need a visa. Some of the most popular routes are the Portugal Golden Visa, the Portugal D7 Visa, and the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa.
But even then, there are still a few hoops to jump through and the process is a bit more nuanced. Portugal’s immigration system (as with much of the EU) works on a visa and residency permit basis.
Once you’ve applied for and been granted your chosen visa, you can enter Portugal. The entry visa is usually valid for four months, during which time you must apply for temporary residency through AIMA.
After five years of temporary residency, you can apply for permanent residency and eventually citizenship.
It all sounds easy on paper, but the biggest hurdle for most people is securing the funds and paperwork for the respective visas. That is where an immigration agency can help.
Read more about the different Portugal Visas
Moving to Portugal With Pets
Relocating abroad is incredibly stressful, but even more so when you decide to take your pets with you. While not all, there are some immigration agencies that can assist you with the administrative tasks of moving to Portugal with pets.
They check that your pet meets all the legal requirements for entry into Portugal, such as microchip verification and vaccinations, and also help with airline and crate compliance.
Crucially, they are familiar with Portugal’s customs clearance procedures and will keep you in the loop with any news. Depending on your home country and the agency you go through, many local affiliates will transport your pet from the airport to where you are.
In addition to a valid EU health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of microchipping, and a current rabies vaccination certificate, it can be rather expensive. Flying a dog from the US to Portugal typically costs between $200 and $1,000, depending on the airline, dog size, and transport method.
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 Portugal Immigration Agency
What does a Portugal immigration agency do?
A Portugal immigration agency assists with visas, residency permits, citizenship applications, and legal compliance. Services include documentation support, AIMA appointment scheduling, translation help, and guidance on investment or retirement-based relocation. Agencies simplify complex processes and ensure applicants meet all legal and procedural requirements.
How do I choose the best immigration agency in Portugal?
Choose the best immigration agency in Portugal by verifying licenses, checking client reviews, comparing services, and confirming experience with your visa type. Prioritize agencies that offer transparent pricing, bilingual support, and legal expertise. A free consultation can help assess their reliability and communication style before committing.
Are immigration companies in Portugal licensed and regulated?
Yes, immigration companies in Portugal must be licensed and are regulated under Portuguese and EU law. Legitimate firms are often registered with the Portuguese Bar Association or hold specific legal credentials. Always verify licensing status and avoid unregistered consultants to ensure legal compliance and protection.
What services do Portugal immigration companies typically offer?
Portugal immigration companies typically offer visa assistance, residency applications, citizenship services, legal representation, AIMA appointment scheduling, NIF registration, and document translation. They guide clients through D7, Golden Visa, and Digital Nomad programs. Services aim to simplify immigration procedures and ensure full legal compliance.
How much do Portugal immigration agencies charge for visa services?
Portugal immigration agencies typically charge €500 to €2,000 for visa services, depending on the visa type and complexity. D7 and Digital Nomad visas usually cost around €800 to €1,200. Premium packages with legal review, translations, and AIMA support may increase the price beyond €2,000.
Can a Portugal immigration company help with residency permits?
Yes, a Portugal immigration company can help with residency permits by preparing applications, scheduling AIMA appointments, gathering documents, and ensuring legal compliance. They assist with various permits, including D7, Digital Nomad, and Golden Visa. Expert guidance increases approval chances and simplifies the process for expats.
What is the difference between an immigration lawyer and an immigration agency in Portugal?
The main difference between an immigration lawyer and an immigration agency in Portugal is legal authority. Immigration lawyers are licensed to provide legal advice, represent clients in court, and handle complex legal issues. Immigration agencies assist with paperwork and procedures but cannot offer legal representation or court advocacy.
