Joana Mendonça
Processes and bureaucracy in Portugal can be complex, especially if you are a foreigner. That’s why it is always a good idea to consult a seasoned Portugal immigration lawyer 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 you’ll also find out more about:
What does a Portuguese immigration lawyer do?
A Portuguese immigration lawyer specializes in legal matters related to immigration such as getting the initial temporary residence permit, and later the permanent residence permits, nationality, and Portuguese citizenship.
Their role includes offering detailed legal advice, preparing and submitting essential documentation, and representing clients throughout the immigration process.
They 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.
Their legal services include ensuring that all supporting documents are accurately prepared, translated correctly, and submitted in accordance with the standards set by Portuguese immigration authorities, particularly the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA).
This includes documents such as proof of income, bank statements, criminal records, health insurance certificates, and property purchase contracts.
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
Having an expert on hand to provide legal assistance every step of the way has several benefits:
- Expertise and experience: Specialized knowledge of complex immigration laws, regulations, and procedures.
- 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.
- Faster processing: Experienced lawyers streamline processes, anticipate potential issues, and communicate directly with immigration authorities.
- 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 Lawyer for Immigration
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, real estate, or permanent residency?
- What is their experience level with immigration or associated matters like real estate law, remote work, or commercial 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 fast-track a move to Portugal?
- In their view, how likely is a successful permanent residency outcome?
- What is the timeline for your European country 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.
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. For instance, an immigration lawyer in Lisbon fees would be higher than they are in Porto.
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 (or any European country), it’s time to take a look at the residency visas. Each option can help foreign nationals fast track their residence permit and, eventually, citizenship in this beautiful European country.
Portugal Golden Visa
The Portugal Golden Visa Program is one of the easiest ways to immigrate to Portugal. It allows non-EU citizens to get Portuguese residency in exchange for a qualifying investment.
Consider hiring an accredited Portugal Golden Visa lawyer who is part of an agency that can provide a full-service approach to all your visa needs, acquiring your residence permit and eventually Portuguese citizenship.
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 Entrepreneur 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 Passive Income 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 Portuguese Immigration Lawyer
What does a Portuguese lawyer in immigration do?
Immigration legal firms and attorneys are essential in simplifying immigration’s complex process for third country nationals, 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 relocation 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 lawyer to immigrate to Portugal?
Experienced lawyers can provide valuable immigration 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 legal 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 a family reunification visa in Portugal?
Yes, most Portuguese national visas permit the family reunification visa, 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 when moving to Portugal. 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.
Can a Portuguese immigration lawyer help with health insurance?
A Portugal relocation lawyer can help with health insurance by advising on the type required for visa applications, connecting clients with local providers, and ensuring policies meet legal standards for residency. Their role is advisory and facilitative, not as direct health insurance agents.
Is real estate part of an immigration specialist's duties?
Real estate law is not a core duty of an immigration specialist, but they may assist clients by referring real estate agents or explaining property requirements for residency programs. Their main role focuses on legal immigration processes, not the fast-track of property transactions.
How do I find the best immigration lawyer in Portugal?
To find the best immigration lawyer in Portugal, look for someone who offers comprehensive services tailored to your needs. Services should include legal consultation, application preparation and submission, document legalization and translation, support with relocation services, handling appeals and rejections, guidance on family reunification processes, and renewal of temporary or permanent residency permit management.
What’s the difference between an immigration attorney and a visa consultant in Portugal?
The key differences are their qualifications and scope of services. Immigration attorneys can represent clients in legal proceedings, provide legal advice, and handle more complex immigration cases. In contrast, visa consultants provide administrative and logistical support for visa applications, such as document preparation and submission.
Do immigration lawyers in Portugal speak English?
Yes, many immigration lawyers in Portugal are bilingual, and you can find an English-speaking immigration attorney in Portugal.
What documents will my Portugal immigration attorney need from me?
Including identification documents, your immigration attorney will also require documents that include proof of income, bank statements, criminal records, health insurance certificates, and property purchase contracts.
How do I verify the credentials of a Portuguese immigration lawyer?
You can verify if an immigration lawyer is licensed by verifying their license number through the Ordem dos Advogados, also known as the Portuguese Bar Association, the regulatory body for lawyers in Portugal.
Can a Portugal visa lawyer help with appeal or rejection cases?
Yes, a lawyer’s expertise can significantly increase your chances of a successful appeal or finding an alternative solution following a visa refusal. Although working with a Portuguese immigration lawyer is not mandatory to apply for a visa or temporary residence permit in Portugal, it is highly recommended.
