Immigrating to a new country is challenging at the best of times, and most expats can use all the help they can get. So, if you are planning to move to Portugal and considering hiring an immigration lawyer, Lisbon has no shortage of experts.
Assisting with everything from visa applications and securing residency to pursuing Portuguese citizenship and document verification, immigration lawyers know the complexities of immigration procedures, requirements, and compliance with Portuguese law.
In this article, we’ll explain how an immigration lawyer in Lisbon can help you, how to choose the right one and how much you can expect to pay for their services.
Portugal Immigration Lawyer in Lisbon: Key Takeaways
What does a Lisbon immigration lawyer do?
An immigration lawyer in Lisbon is a licensed legal professional, regulated by the Portuguese Bar Association, who helps you deal with legal disputes, appeals, and immigration matters. They also provide advice on the most appropriate visa or residency pathway, prepare and review your application, and ensure all documentation complies with Portuguese law.
Even after you arrive in Portugal, they can play an important role while you settle in. While they represent you when dealing with the authorities, immigration lawyers also assist with tax registration, property purchases, and citizenship applications.
Services offered by immigration lawyers in Lisbon
Immigration lawyers in Lisbon provide a range of legal and administrative services to support your move to Portugal. Here is a detailed look at what they can do for you:
- Visa and residency applications: Gives you advice on visa selection, residence permits, and legal work authorization
- Citizenship applications: Support you with Portuguese nationality applications and compliance with legal requirements
- Representation before authorities: They communicate with AIMA, tax authorities, and other government bodies on your behalf
- Legal advice and compliance: Guide you on your rights and obligations under Portuguese immigration law
- Administrative support: They can help you get a tax identification number (NIF), open a bank account, or register a business
- Document preparation and review: Lawyers ensure that all your paperwork is complete, accurate, and submitted correctly
- Handling delays or complications: Provide you with assistance with appeals, requests for additional documents, or administrative issues
- Investment and relocation support: Give you legal assistance related to property purchases or investment-based residency options
Choosing the Right Immigration Lawyer
To ensure that your application or immigration issues are handled correctly, it’s important to choose the right immigration lawyer for your case. It could mean the difference between missed deadlines and filing appeals on time.
Here are five things to look out for when choosing a lawyer:
- Verify that the lawyer is registered with the Portuguese Bar Association and qualified to provide legal advice and representation.
- Choose a lawyer with proven experience in Portuguese immigration law, particularly with cases similar to yours, whether that is visas, residency, or citizenship.
- Make sure the lawyer can communicate fluently in your preferred language and explain legal steps in a way you understand.
- A reliable lawyer should respond promptly, keep you updated, and be available to answer questions throughout your application.
- Look for a clear fee structure upfront, including what is covered and any additional costs that may arise during the process.
Choosing Global Citizens Solutions as your immigration lawyer
Global Citizen Solutions provides access to English-speaking immigration lawyers in Lisbon who assist foreign nationals relocating to Portugal.
Our team advises clients such as investors, families, and professionals on visa applications and related legal matters, and our services cover both short-term visits and long-term residency, addressing a range of immigration requirements.
Questions to Ask an Immigration Lawyer
Once you have identified a potential immigration lawyer in Lisbon, it’s important to assess whether they are the right fit. Here are a few questions to ask:
- Do you specialize in Portuguese immigration law?
- What experience do you have with cases similar to mine?
- What are your fees, and what services are included?
- What steps will you handle on my behalf, and what will I need to manage myself?
- What strategy do you recommend for my situation?
- What is the expected timeline for my application?
- What documents or information will you need from me?
- What challenges or risks should I be aware of?
Immigration Lawyer Cost in Lisbon
It’s difficult to estimate exactly how much an immigration lawyer in Lisbon will charge. That’s because each case is different, and it also depends on the type of service you need, the complexity of your case, and the lawyer’s experience.
In cases where the application is straightforward (for example, a visa or residency permit), many immigration lawyers will have a fixed fee. But where things become a bit more complex, such as with citizenship applications or appeals, you should expect to be charged an hourly rate.
While an initial consultation might be free, the hourly rate usually ranges from €100 to €300.
Explore Your Visa Options for Portugal Immigration
There are several visa options if you want to start your immigration journey to Portugal.
Portugal Golden Visa: The Portugal Golden Visa is a five-year residency-by-investment program that allows non-EU citizens to get residency in Portugal when they make a qualifying investment. After five years of maintaining the investment, holders can apply for permanent residency and eventually, citizenship.
Portugal Passive Income Visa: The Portugal D7 Visa is for anyone who wants to live in Portugal while earning at least €920 per month through passive income. This can be through investments, pensions, or royalties.
Portugal D2 Startup Visa: A perfect way for non-EU entrepreneurs who want to live and work in Portugal, the Portugal D2 Visa is aimed at people who want to start a new business or purchase an existing business in the country.
Portugal D8 Digital Nomad Visa: The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8) allows digital nomads to live in Portugal while working remotely for employers outside of Portugal, or serving non-Portuguese clients as a self-employed professional. A key requirement is showing a monthly income of at least €3,680.
Portugal Highly Qualified Activity Visa: Also known as the Portugal D3 Visa, it is a priority residence visa for skilled non-EU citizens with qualifications in specific industries.
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.
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.
