Are you searching for the best immigration lawyers in Lisbon, Portugal, or the best law firm to advise on visa matters?
Lawyers can advise on various topics such as real estate purchases, taxes, securing work permits and professional visas, or attaining a residence permit.
Perhaps you’re considering becoming a Portuguese citizen and require assistance with your Portuguese citizenship application to start a new life in this vibrant European city.
Legal needs and immigration services can make immigrating to a different country seem daunting, sometimes even overwhelming.
In this ‘Immigration Lawyer Lisbon Guide,’ we’ll explore how an immigration lawyer can provide the legal solutions, advice, professional guidance, and assistance you might need to make the process easier and smoother from the beginning. We will also explore:
⚠️ Portugal Nationality Law Changes 2025
On June 23, 2025, the Portuguese Government announced plans to amend the Nationality Law and the legal framework governing immigration. The proposals have passed the plenary vote on October 28, 2025, which marks a significant step forward in the legislative process.
Among the measures under discussion are an increase in the residence requirement for nationality from five years to ten years – seven years for nationals of CPLP and EU countries – and a change to how residency time is calculated, so that the clock would start when residency is issued rather than when the application is submitted.
These changes are not yet law. They must still undergo Presidential review. At that stage, the President may promulgate the law, issue a veto, or request a review by the Constitutional Court. The final text may still be amended, including any transitional provisions or possible grandfathering rules, but they might not be enacted because the law is not final until its promulgated.
For the latest information regarding these changes, read Portugal Nationality and Citizenship Changes 2025
What does a Lisbon immigration lawyer do?
Portugal immigration lawyers play a vital role in simplifying the complex process of moving abroad for domestic and international clients, including individuals, families, and businesses.
With specialization in Portugal’s immigration law and extensive industry expertise, these legal professionals are well-versed in the Portuguese legal system and international law, especially the best immigration lawyers in Lisbon, Portugal. They can offer legal support and professional guidance in various legal matters as you work through moving to Lisbon, Portugal.
Why you need an experienced immigration lawyer in Lisbon, Portugal
Obtaining a visa, legal residence permit, or citizenship can be difficult if you are unfamiliar with Portugal’s processes and procedures, so it is highly advisable to work with an immigration law firm dedicated to and specializing in the Portuguese legal system – particularly Portuguese immigration policy. Below, we list a few of the valuable services top immigration lawyers in Portugal can provide:
- Representing clients in administrative courts.
- Setting up a bank account, registering with Portuguese tax authorities, and applying for a tax identification number in Portugal
- Providing counsel on legal rights and obligations related to immigration matters while ensuring clients fulfill all criteria according to Portuguese nationality law.
- Recommending appropriate courses of action based on a deep understanding of civil, business, and immigration law.
- Proving legal support by assisting non-EU, non-EEA, non-Swiss, and other foreign citizens with the residency process, including applications for a residence permit or visas, Portuguese nationality, and gaining legal work status in Portugal.
- Guiding clients through a smooth immigration process and assisting with completing necessary documentation and steps accurately.
- Liaising with Portuguese bureaucracy government officials and taxation authorities on their client’s behalf during the visa application process.
- Providing legal assistance with investment activities.
Choosing the Right Immigration Lawyer for Lisbon, Portugal
Selecting the right lawyer is critical when dealing with the intricacies of the Portuguese legal system and navigating both immigration law and international law. To ensure effective communication, it is essential to seek immigration lawyers catering to domestic and international clients, with a specific focus on English-speaking immigration lawyers. Moreover, evaluating the associated fees is crucial to maintaining transparency throughout the legal process.
Professional associations for immigration lawyers
When seeking Portuguese citizenship, it is worth consulting with certified professionals who are members of recognized associations. Law firms with expertise in immigration law can be particularly helpful. The Portuguese Bar Association and the International Bar Association ensure that legal practitioners meet high standards. Additionally, a Certified Immigration Specialist can provide expert guidance, ensuring that all legal aspects of your immigration process and application align with national interests and regulations.
Global Citizens Solutions immigration lawyers
Equipped with an expert team of English-speaking specialists of Portugal immigration lawyers in Lisbon, Global Citizen Solutions is a smart choice for foreign nationals moving to the Portuguese capital.
Our immigration lawyers specialize in guiding clients, including investors, families, and highly qualified professionals, through visa applications, adeptly navigating legal complexities, and ensuring successful outcomes throughout the whole immigration process. Whether you plan to visit Portugal or establish a long-term residence, our legal services cover a broad spectrum to address your specific needs.
Questions to Ask Your Lisbon Immigration Lawyer
Once you have decided on a law firm and an immigration attorney in Lisbon, Portugal, 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 to find the best immigration lawyers for your situation:
- Do they specialize in immigration law?
- What is their experience level with immigration law?
- 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 Lisbon?
- 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 matters in Portugal are highly complex, making an independent immigration lawyer or law firm crucial to any foreign national seeking assistance.
Immigration Lawyer Cost in Lisbon
It’s easy for foreign nationals to find a Portugal immigration lawyer. As each case is different, it’s vital to ensure that any international law firm or Portuguese lawyer you choose meets your specific needs, as this may impact costs.
Immigration law firm lawyer fees in Lisbon can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of your legal matters, the specific services you require, and the lawyer’s experience and reputation in international law.
Some law firms offer a free initial consultation, while others charge for an initial meeting. The hourly rate for an immigration specialist lawyer in Lisbon, Portugal, typically ranges between €100 and €300, depending on factors such as experience and expertise.
Immigrate to Lisbon, Portugal: Explore your Visa Options
Now that we’ve covered the benefits of seeking out professional legal services to assist you with your Portugal immigration journey, it’s time to take a look at the visa options available.
Portugal Golden Visa
The Portugal Golden Visa Program is a five-year residency-by-investment scheme for non-EU citizens that offers the visa holder the opportunity to become a permanent resident or a Portuguese citizen if the qualifying investment is kept for at least five years and additional requirements set forth by the Portuguese immigration and nationality laws are obeyed.
Discover more about the program in our article: Portugal Golden Visa: New Rules and Complete Guide. The major changes include discontinuing both capital transfer and real estate investment options.
Portugal D7 Passive Income Visa
The D7 Visa Portugal enables non-EU, non-EEA, or non-Swiss citizens to apply for temporary residency in Portugal if they meet the minimum income requirements of €3,480 per month. This is an excellent opportunity for those seeking a new life in Portugal.
Portugal D2 Startup Visa
The D2 Visa Portugal is a gateway for entrepreneurs who are non-EU citizens to acquire residency in Portugal and potentially obtain Portuguese citizenship. It’s issued to individuals intending to start a new business or purchase an existing business in the country.
Portugal D8 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 that can be extended to five years or a temporary stay visa with a maximum validity of one year.
Portugal D3 Highly Qualified Activity Visa
The Portugal D3 Visa is a priority residence visa reserved for potential non-EU nationals with high qualifications in specific skills and industries. It allows holders to apply for a residence permit that is initially valid for two years.
Portugal D6 Family Reunification Visa
The Portugal D6 Family Reunification Visa allows family members of Portuguese residents to move to Portugal. Suppose you live in Portugal on another visa, like the Portugal D7 Visa or the Portugal D2 Visa, or have settled status as an EU citizen. In that case, you can apply for a D6 Visa to bring your spouse, partner, or family to live with you in the country. Discover more in our D6 Visa Portugal guide.
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 to live and work in the country. Once you receive your job offer, you can start the process of applying for a Portugal work visa. Learn more in our article Portugal Work Visa for Expats: Everything You Need to Know.
Portugal Student Visa
Non-EU students considering studying in Portugal can apply for a Portugal Student Visa at their nearest Portuguese Embassy or Portuguese Consulate in their home country. There are two Portugal types of student visas for non-EU citizens:
- Short-term student visa (Type C): This is a short-stay visa for non-EU citizens who plan to study or conduct research in Portugal for less than 90 days.
- Long-term student visa (Type D): This is a long-stay visa for students and researchers undertaking studies or research projects in Portugal for over 90 days.
Portuguese citizenship
Whether you’re eligible for Portuguese citizenship through descent, marriage, or naturalization, navigating the application process can be complex and time-consuming. You’ll need to submit a lot of paperwork and provide evidence of your eligibility for Portugal citizenship.
⚠️ Update on Portugal's Nationality Law Changes
On 28 October 2025, Portugal's parliament approved key amendments of the Nationality Law, including increasing the residency requirement for citizenship from 5 to 10 years, and 7 years for CPLP nationals and EU citizens. This will significantly impact how visa holders and residents acquire citizenship.
However, these changes are not yet law. They must still undergo Presidential review where the President may promulgate the law, issue a veto, or request a review by the Constitutional Court. The final text may still be amended but they might not be enacted because the law is not final until its promulgated.
For the latest information regarding these changes, read Portugal Nationality and Citizenship Changes 2025
Why choose Global Citizen Solutions for your Portugal Golden Visa?
- Global approach by local experts: A team of experienced local case executives, immigration lawyers, and investment specialists based in Portugal.
- Independent service:We are not a marketing agency for any projects. You will access all eligible routes for the Golden Visa, with over 40 vetted qualifying investment options, so you can decide on the best option for you.
- 100% approval rate: We have the unique distinction of never having had a Golden Visa case rejected and have helped hundreds of clients from more than 35 countries.
- All-encompassing solution: Our dedicated onboarding and immigration teams will assist you throughout the process and beyond with a single channel of communication.
- Transparency: Our fees are clear and detailed, covering the entire process with no hidden costs.
- Privacy: Your personal data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.
To see the full list of reasons why to work with Global Citizen Solutions for your Portugal Golden Visa, you can find out more here: Why Work with Global Citizen Solutions for Your Golden Visa Portugal Application?
