Joana Mendonça
Immigration is challenging, and many roadblocks can hamper your application. Sure, there are certain processes that you can handle yourself, but if you want to ensure a successful application, hiring a skilled Portuguese immigration lawyer can make all the difference. They will guide you through the entire Golden Visa journey, ensuring that your investment activities comply with legal standards.
In this comprehensive guide, we walk you through how an immigration lawyer can assist with your Portugal Golden Visa application, and also take a look at:
Five Things a Portugal Golden Visa Lawyer Can Help You With
The journey to obtaining the Portugal Golden Visa—Portugal’s popular residency by investment program that awards applicants with a legal residency permit in exchange for a qualifying investment—can be tricky if you’re a foreigner unfamiliar with Portugal’s processes.
Overall, a Portugal Golden Visa lawyer can help you navigate the application process for the Golden Residence Permit, which can be bureaucratic and involve many steps, forms, and rule changes. They can also help you resolve legal issues and provide advice and support throughout the process, from application to citizenship approval.
An accredited Portuguese Golden Visa lawyer will help the main applicant do the following:
- Represent and assist you during your whole Golden Visa journey.
- Legal assistance to help you meet the investment requirements.
- Provide legal advice when seeking Portuguese residency, obtaining a permanent residence permit, and applying for Portuguese citizenship after the five-year period, should you so wish, making sure you fulfill all the criteria under Portuguese nationality law.
- Help you compile the necessary documentation needed to succeed in getting your residency visa.
- Help solve any legal loopholes that may crop up during the application, including keeping you up to speed with potential changes to the program from the Portuguese government.
That’s why having a Portuguese Golden Visa lawyer by your side can significantly enhance your chances of a successful Golden Visa application, making the entire process more manageable and efficient.
Portugal Golden Visa Program: An Overview
The Portugal Golden Visa is a five-year residency-by-investment program designed for non-EU nationals. Introduced by the government in 2012, as part of Portugal’s immigration move, it aims to boost foreign investment and stimulate the Portuguese economy, attracting foreign investors through various investment programs.
To qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa, applicants must:
- Have a clean criminal record.
- Be a non-EU, non-Swiss, or non-EEA national.
- Make a minimum investment of €250,000, with a range of investment routes to choose from, such as contributing to national cultural heritage, or investing in venture capital funds or an investment fund.
- Follow the required investment process, including maintaining the necessary financial contributions.
- Spend an average of 7 days per year in Portugal, ensuring a total of 14 days during the validity of each residence card (issued for 2 years).
- Provide proof of private health insurance if you plan to relocate.
Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa
- Golden Visa holders do not need a Schengen Visa to travel across the Schengen Area and other European countries.
- With Portugal listed as one of the safest countries in the world, Portugal Golden Visa applicants can enjoy a high quality of life.
- Applicants can apply for permanent residence permits and citizenship after five years, provided they maintain a clear criminal record and remain within the bounds of their residency.
Benefits of Working with an Immigration Lawyer
While theoretically, you can complete your Golden Visa application yourself, we would certainly advise against this. A Portuguese Golden Visa lawyer, specializing in legal services, will be able to represent you and ensure everything runs smoothly, saving you valuable time and energy.
Aside from this, an experienced Golden Visa lawyer will ensure that you have the correct documents and liaise with Portuguese authorities regarding your investment, such as your Portuguese bank and the tax office. Law firms specializing in Golden Visa applications can offer comprehensive support throughout the Golden Visa process.
An experienced Portugal Golden Visa lawyer offers numerous benefits:
- Expert guidance: A lawyer with expertise in Portuguese law will provide invaluable insights and ensure that you meet all legal requirements for your Golden Visa application.
- Streamlined process: They will help you avoid common pitfalls, manage the Golden Visa application, and ensure that your documentation is complete and accurate.
- Personalized support: With their knowledge of the local legal system and bureaucratic procedures, they will guide you through the Golden Visa journey efficiently.
- Expertise in Portuguese law: A Portuguese Golden Visa lawyer understands the nuances of Portuguese law and will help you navigate the complexities of the Golden Visa application.
- Efficient documentation handling: They will assist you in preparing and submitting the necessary documentation, ensuring that your application is processed smoothly.
- Avoiding mistakes: A lawyer will help you avoid errors that could lead to delays or rejection of your Golden Visa.
If you run into any legal issues, your lawyer will also provide you with advice and assist you when speaking with AIMA, which replaced SEF as the Portuguese Immigration Services body, helping to resolve any issues that you may encounter. This ensures that all interactions with different countries and their requirements are handled effectively.
From the beginning of your application to obtaining permanent residency and getting Portuguese citizenship approval, your lawyer will be with you every step, guiding you through all aspects of the process, including securing a Golden Visa that allows travel within the Schengen Area.
How to Find a Lawyer for Your Portugal Golden Visa Application
When looking for a lawyer to work with, you should choose one that specializes in Golden Visa applications. The Golden Visa investment scheme offers several opportunities, which are:
- Venture capital fund investments
- Investment in arts and culture projects
- Job creation for at least 10 jobs, maintained for five years
- Investments in research and development projects
When looking for a Portugal Golden Visa lawyer to represent you, it’s important to pick a firm that specifically deals with Golden Visa applications and has a 100 percent success rate in Golden Visa outcomes.
At Global Citizen Solutions, our Portugal Golden Visa lawyers can help you lodge your Golden Visa application, taking you through legal loopholes and ensuring a successful outcome.
Is the Portugal Golden Visa program application process difficult?
To apply for the Golden Visa, you must present specific documents, forms, and contracts. Essential documents include a valid passport, a Portuguese tax identification number (NIF), a Portuguese bank account, and a clean criminal record. You can facilitate this by giving your lawyer power of attorney.
A Golden Visa lawyer can be particularly helpful with the Portuguese Golden Visa Investment Fund option. This is a legitimate pathway to obtaining residency in Portugal, and it requires a minimum investment of €500,000 in a qualifying venture capital fund.
The scheme’s objective is to use capital transfer to fund the capitalization of Portuguese companies. These funds must adhere to strict criteria set by Portuguese regulations, including a commitment to maintain the investment for at least five years and investing at least 60% of the fund’s capital in companies based in Portugal.
For applications, several contracts must be drawn up with due diligence to ensure beneficial terms. For example, detailed due diligence is crucial for the venture capital investment fund option. A lawyer with experience in this area will ensure that all documents are in order and that you face no legal issues.
Investors need to enlist the services of a trusted lawyer. With numerous investment options, such as investing in a Portuguese company, cultural production, or, having an experienced lawyer is key to navigating the process smoothly.
With the help of an experienced professional, the Golden Visa process can be handled with relative ease.
How to Avoid Having Your Portugal Golden Visa Rejected
The approval rate for Golden Visa applications is generally high, but rejections can occur. Common reasons for rejection include:
- Golden Visa application with a criminal record that is more than three months old.
- Lack of proof of family ties for any family members included.
- Documentation issues, such as marriage and birth certificates not being apostilled or translated into Portuguese.
To avoid these pitfalls and improve your chances, submit all documentation simultaneously and ensure it meets validity requirements. If your Golden Visa application is rejected, consulting with an immigration lawyer can help you navigate the appeal process and address any issues, although this may lead to delays.
For individuals seeking Portuguese citizenship through the Golden Visa program, it is essential to understand the specific requirements and processes involved. Utilizing legal services from experienced professionals can be beneficial, especially for those from different countries. This can aid in securing a residence permit and successfully obtaining the Portuguese Golden Visa program.
What are the Portugal Golden Visa legal fees?
Legal fees will vary depending on the law firm that you choose to work with. There are many law firms in Portugal, so working out the best one for your needs is crucial.
The Portuguese Golden Visa investment is quite a significant one (the minimum investment is €250,000 with the art donation route), so we recommend working with a lawyer with a strong success rate to take care of your due diligence in addition to the application process and renewal process.
These lawyer fees can add up quite considerably, but it is better to work with experienced professionals who know what they are doing.
Legal fees will usually fall somewhere between €10,000 to €30,000 for an applicant and three additional family members. This is considering the complete five-year period. You will not be required to pay this fee upfront but can pay in installments over the period.
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?
Frequently Asked Questions About Having a Portuguese Golden Visa Lawyer
Why should I hire a Portugal Golden Visa lawyer?
Portugal is an extremely welcoming country. If you’re thinking of, or are about to apply for Portugal’s esteemed Golden Visa Program, then enlisting the help of a trusted lawyer is a good idea. They’ll be able to assist you from start to finish, helping you navigate past Portuguese bureaucracy and requirements to ensure a successful outcome in your application.
Do I need an immigration lawyer to help with my Portugal Golden Visa application?
While you can file your own Portugal Golden Visa application, it’s not recommended. If you don’t speak Portuguese, dealing with local authorities and navigating Portuguese bureaucracy can be difficult.
Legal requirements for the Golden Visa can also lead to pitfalls. A trusted Golden Visa Portugal lawyer can help ensure your success with the application and assist with navigating authorities like AIMA.
How can a Portugal Golden Visa lawyer assist with the application process?
Portugal Golden Visa lawyer manages the Golden Visa process, helps open a Portuguese bank account, and handles documentation for family members. They ensure compliance with regulations for your residence permit.
What are the benefits of hiring a specialized Portugal Golden Visa lawyer?
Specialized lawyers streamline the Golden Visa process, assist with bank accounts and residence permits, and manage family members’ documentation. Their expertise increases your chances of success.
What are the Portugal Golden Visa lawyer success rates?
Success rates are generally high with experienced lawyers who handle bank accounts and residence permits well. Check their track record with family members and legal matters.
What should I look for when choosing a Portugal Golden Visa lawyer?
Choose experienced Portugal Golden Visa lawyers with expertise in the Golden Visa process, a good track record, and experience with bank accounts and residence permits. Ensure they handle family members’ needs, should there be family reunification needs, and are part of a reputable law firm.
Do Portugal Golden Visa lawyers offer services for renewing or extending the visa?
Yes, they assist with renewing or extending your Golden Visa, including managing documentation for family members and residence permits. Their services ensure compliance with Portuguese law and regulations.
Do immigration lawyers in Portugal speak English?
Yes, you’ll find that immigration lawyers in Portugal generally speak excellent English, so you’ll have no problems with language barriers. Should your Portugal immigration lawyer speak English and Portuguese, the process of applying for a Golden Visa in Portugal will be easier.
Global Citizen Solutions has a team of immigration lawyers who speak fluent English and Portuguese.
How much does an immigration lawyer cost in Portugal?
The cost of hiring an immigration lawyer in Portugal can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the complexity of your case, the specific services you require, the reputation and experience of the lawyer, and the region in Portugal where you seek legal assistance.
On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from €1,000 to €5,000 or more for immigration legal services in Portugal.
Do I need an immigration lawyer to move to Portugal?
Hiring an immigration lawyer in Portugal can be beneficial. They offer expertise, help navigate potential challenges, handle paperwork, and ensure accurate communication with the competent authorities.
They can also guide the specific requirements and help you navigate any potential challenges. If you are not fluent in Portuguese, hiring a lawyer who is can be advantageous.
Does Global Citizen Solutions work with Portugal Golden Visa lawyers?
Absolutely, yes! Global Citizen Solutions is a residency by investment and citizenship by investment firm offering consulting and legal services for expats looking to acquire residency or citizenship abroad. Our Portugal Golden Visa immigration lawyers specialize in Portugal Golden Visas and real estate transactions.
