Simplifying the Process: Working with a Portugal Immigration Lawyer

What does a Portugal Immigration Lawyer do?

Portugal immigration lawyers play a vital role in simplifying the intricate immigration process for domestic and international clients, including individuals, families, and businesses. With specialization in Portugal’s immigration law and extensive industry expertise, these legal professionals offer guidance in various legal areas. In some cases, they provide expertise in family law, criminal law, business, and tax law, making their services valuable.

Portugal immigration lawyers who stay up-to-date with the latest changes in immigration laws by the Portuguese government will also ensure that their clients receive current and relevant advice throughout their Portugal immigration process.

The Key Benefits of Working with a Portuguese Immigration Lawyer

Obtaining a visa, legal residency permit or Portuguese citizenship can be difficult if you are unfamiliar with Portugal’s processes and procedures. Seeking professional legal help will make this complex process hassle-free and, most importantly, offer you peace of mind. 

An accredited Portugal immigration lawyer can provide services that include:

• Representing clients in administrative courts.
• 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 immigration law.
• Assisting non-EU, non-EEA, non-Swiss, and other foreign citizens with processes that include visa applications and gaining legal work status in Portugal.
• Guiding clients through the process and assisting with completing necessary documentation and steps accurately.
• Liaising with Portuguese government officials and tax authorities during the visa application process on their client’s behalf.
• Providing legal assistance with investment activities.

Essential Questions to ask your Portugal Immigration Lawyer

Once you have decided on a Portugal immigration lawyer 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 law?
• What is their experience level with immigration law?
• How much does their service as a Portuguese immigration lawyer cost?
• What actions and procedures will be undertaken on your behalf?
• What is their opinion on the best strategy for your immigration process?
• In their view, how likely is a successful outcome?
• What is the timeline for your immigration process?
• What will they need from you to successfully work on this process together?

Costs Associated with Hiring a Portuguese Immigration Lawyer

Legal fees will vary depending on the law firm you choose to work with. There are many law firms in Portugal, so working out the best one for your needs is crucial.

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 Portugal immigration journey, it’s time to take a look at the visa options that could successfully lead you to obtain residency and, eventually, citizenship in this beautiful European country.

Portugal Golden Visa

The Portugal Golden Visa Program, also known as the residence permit for investment activity (ARI), is a five-year residency-by-investment scheme for non-EU citizens.

The Portugal Golden Visa is one of the easiest ways to immigrate to Portugal. This program offers the Golden Visa holder the opportunity to become a permanent resident or a Portuguese citizen if the qualifying investment made is kept for at least five years and additional requirements set forth by the Portuguese immigration and nationality laws are obeyed.

You should also consider hiring an accredited Portugal Golden Visa lawyer, who will help you navigate Portugal’s famous residency-by-investment program for a seamless experience.

Portugal Golden Visa requirements

To qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa program, you must fulfill the following Golden Visa requirements for Portugal:

• Have a clean criminal record
• Be either non-EU, non-Swiss, or non-EEA national
• Make a Minimum investment of €250,000, with a range of investment routes to choose from
• Spend an average of 7 days per year in Portugal, guaranteeing a total of 14 days during the validity of each residence card (issued with a validity of 2 years)

As of October 2023, there have been changes to the investment options of the Portugal Golden Visa. Discover more about the Portugal Golden Visa Program in our article, Portugal Golden Visa 2023: New Rules and Complete Guide.

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. The D7 Visa is a pathway to obtaining a permanent residency permit and, after five years, depending on the requirements set forth by Portuguese immigration and nationality laws being obeyed, the possibility of obtaining Portuguese citizenship.

D7 Visa Portugal 2023 Requirements

The D7 Visa Portugal requirements are as follows. Applicants must:

• Be a non-EU national
• Meet the minimum income requirements: Earn a passive income of at least €760 per month (your income can come from pensions, transferable equity, real estate, intellectual property, or financial equity)
• Show proof of a place to live in Portugal
• Have a clean criminal record

Portugal D2 Visa

The Portugal D2 Visa, also referred to as the Portugal Entrepreneur Visa or the Immigrant Entrepreneur Visa, is a gateway for entrepreneurs who are non-EU citizens to acquire residency in Portugal. It’s issued to individuals intending to start a new business or purchase an existing business in the country. There are two types of Portugal D2 Visas: the Entrepreneur Route and the Independent Service Provider Route.

The visa is valid for four months, during which the entrepreneur must enter Portugal and apply for a residence permit. The residence 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.

To apply for a D2 Visa Portugal, consider the following steps:

• Obtain a Portuguese Taxpayer Identification Number (NIF)
• Open a personal and business Portuguese bank account in Portugal and deposit funds into it (sufficient funds to establish and run your business and sustain your livelihood in Portugal for a year)
• Arrange for long-term accommodation in the country by buying or leasing a property for a suggested minimum of one year, even if the agreement includes a provision for early termination.
• Apply online via the E-Visa Portal or VFS. This can be done through the Portuguese Consulate or Embassy in your home country.

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa

Introduced in October 2022, 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 for up 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. This comes to $3,350 (€3,040) every month.

The eligibility requirements for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• You are a non-EU citizen.
• You have sufficient funds to sustain yourself during your stay in Portugal.
• You possess a clean criminal record and no criminal conviction for a crime that is punishable by a prison sentence of over one year in Portugal.
• You can provide a residential address in Portugal.
• You can spend a minimum of 16 months in Portugal within the initial two-year period.

Portugal D3 Visa

The Portugal D3 Visa, also known as a Highly Qualified Activity Permit, is a residence visa that 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 or the European Union (EU) Blue Card.

The D3 Visa Portugal is also a path toward permanent residence and EU citizenship. If you are a D3 Visa holder, after five years of living permanently in Portugal, you can apply to obtain residency and eventually get Portuguese citizenship.

To apply for the D3 Visa at the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate, the applicant must already have a valid employment contract or a self-employed contract (a promise of work contract or a promise of a self-employed contract are also eligible) to provide services to a company based in Portugal.

To apply for the Portugal D3 Visa, foreign nationals must fulfill these specific requirements:

• A clean criminal record, proven by a criminal record certificate
• That the activity to be developed is framed as a highly qualified activity and that the professional proves adequate qualifications or experience to carry it out
• The contract is for an indefinite period or for at least one year
• Provide evidence that its expected annual salary is at least 1.5 times the national average gross annual salary or three times the social support index (IAS)*. However, for employment in professions considered particularly in need of third-country nationals, 1.2 times the national average gross wage or twice the IAS value is permitted. For the D3 Tech Visa, the minimum annual salary is equivalent to 2.5 times the IAS (€1201,07 in 2023).

Portugal D6 Visa

The Portugal D6 Visa also called the Family Reunification Visa,  allows family members of foreign nationals legally residing in Portugal to join them. If you are living in Portugal on another visa, like the Portugal D7 Visa or the Portugal D2 Visa, or have settled status 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.

One of the main benefits of the Portugal D6 Visa is the prospect of permanency. After holding this visa and residing in Portugal for five years, individuals can apply for a permanent residence permit and obtain Portuguese citizenship.

To apply for the Portugal D6 Visa the following documents are required: 

• Passport valid for an additional three months following the duration of the intended stay.
• Two identical passport photographs, up-to-date and in good condition, allowing proper identification.
• Copy of previous passport, if applicable.
• A valid travel insurance covering necessary medical expenses, including emergency assistance and repatriation.
• Form authorizing access to Portuguese criminal record consultation by SEF.
• Criminal record certificate from the applicant’s country of origin and country of residency for over one year – the Police Clearance certificate is only considered valid up to three months after the date of issuance.
• Proof of sufficient resources to meet the needs of the family member. Your income must be equal to or greater than the Portuguese minimum wage (€760 per month in 2023), and you also have at least 50% more (€380) to support a second adult.
• Notification of Family Reunification approval issued by SEF.
• Proof of the family ties invoked: Birth certificate/marriage certificate or proof of de facto union in the case of a partner who is not a spouse.
• Minors or unfit persons require travel authorization from the parents (both parents are required to sign the letter authorizing the minor to travel) or legal guardians.

Discover more in our article D6 Visa Portugal: A Comprehensive Guide to The Family Reunification Visa.

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 start the process of applying for a Portugal work visa.

This type of visa is valid only for non-EU citizens who have landed a job in Portugal or are married to Portuguese citizens. When your request for a work visa in Portugal gets approved, you can travel to Portugal and begin the process of obtaining a residence. After five years of living legally and working in Portugal, you can apply for permanent residency. Learn more in our article Portugal Work Visa for Expats: Everything You Need to Know.

Documents to prepare before going to the Portuguese Embassy and applying for the Portuguese work visa, according to the SEF (Immigration and Border Services):

• A valid passport.
• Passport-size pictures, following Schengen Visa picture guidelines.
• Proof of sufficient funds to sustain yourself.
• Your criminal records from your country of residence. If you have lived in another country for over a year, you must also get criminal records from there.
• A document permitting SEF to check your Portuguese criminal records.
• Proof of health insurance.
• Proof of accommodation in Portugal.
• Your employment contract.
• If you are already in Portugal: Proof of legal entry into Portuguese territories, such as a visa.
• If you are applying from a country other than that of your origin: Proof of legal stays, such as a residence permit or a visa.

Portugal Student Visa

Non-EU students considering studying in Portugal can apply for a Portuguese Student Visa at their nearest Portuguese Embassy or Portuguese Consulate in their home country. There are two Portugal student visa types for non-EU citizens:

• Short-term student visa (Type C): This is a short-stay visa for non-EU citizens who plan to undertake a course or a research project 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.

You can discover more about the study visa option in our Portugal Student Visa article.

To start the Portugal Student Visa application and immigration process, you will need to submit the following documents:

• Your valid passport (or travel document).
• Letter of acceptance from your university.
• Proof you have paid the tuition fees.
• If you have a scholarship, submit the document from your university confirming it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Portugal

Why Work with a Portugal Immigration Lawyer?

Seeking professional legal help from a Portugal immigration lawyer will make the immigration process hassle-free and give you peace of mind. Your immigration lawyer will also ensure you receive current and relevant advice throughout the immigration process. You can also keep up with the latest Portugal immigration news on the SEF (Immigration and Border Services) website.

What does a Portugal immigration lawyer do?

Portugal immigration lawyers play a vital role in simplifying the intricate immigration process for individuals, families, and businesses. With specialization in Portugal’s immigration law and extensive industry expertise, these legal professionals offer guidance in various legal areas.

How much does a Portuguese immigration lawyer cost?

As mentioned, Legal fees will vary depending on the law firm you choose to work with. There are many law firms in Portugal, so working out the best one for your needs is crucial.

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.

Can an immigration lawyer assist with family reunification in Portugal?

Yes. Most Portuguese national visas and residence permits allow for family reunification, which means you can bring your spouse, minor children, or dependent parents with you. The Portugal immigration lawyer can assist with all processes and procedures in this matter.

How can I find a reputable immigration lawyer in Portugal?

With a bit of research and partnering with the right migration agency with a 100% success rate, you will be able to find the top immigration lawyers in Portugal.

What should I consider when choosing an immigration lawyer in Portugal?

It’s important to choose a lawyer who specializes in immigration law and visa applications and has a high success rate. At Global Citizen Solutions, our team of Portugal immigration lawyers will guide you through your visa application, take you through legal loopholes, and ensure a successful outcome.

What are the different types of Portuguese visas and residence permits that immigration lawyers can assist with?

A Portugal immigration lawyer can assist with all types of visas and residence permits available in Portugal. These include a startup visa, family reunion visa, residency visa, work permit, long stay visas, and visas for highly qualified professionals. Experienced lawyers can also offer more personalized support by assisting with a real estate purchase and other legal needs.