Legal Services in Portugal

Legal Services in Portugal

Welcome to Access Portugal, where international clients find expert legal solutions across every area of Portuguese law. With over [X] years serving the expatriate and international business community, we’ve helped thousands navigate Portugal’s legal landscape with confidence.

Why Choose Access Portugal for Your Legal Needs?

Portugal’s legal system presents unique challenges for international residents and businesses. From navigating immigration reforms to understanding property laws, you need a law firm that speaks your language—literally and figuratively. Access Portugal bridges this gap with:

• Full-Service Legal Solutions: From your first visa application to estate planning, we handle every legal aspect of your Portuguese journey
• Native English-Speaking Lawyers: Clear communication without language barriers
• Portuguese Bar Association Members: Fully licensed and regulated professionals
• Transparent Fixed Fees: Know your costs upfront with our clear pricing structure
• 24-Hour Response Guarantee: Urgent matters can’t wait—neither do we

Our Comprehensive Legal Services

Immigration Law Portugal – Your Gateway to Residency

Portugal’s immigration landscape changed dramatically in 2024. With over 450,000 pending applications at AIMA and new pathways replacing the traditional Golden Visa, expert guidance is essential. Our immigration lawyers specialize in:

Residence Permits & Visas

• D7 Visa (Passive Income/Retirement): Perfect for retirees and remote workers with guaranteed income of €760+ monthly
• D2 Visa (Entrepreneurs): Launch your Portuguese business with just €1 minimum capital
• D8 Digital Nomad Visa: New remote work pathway requiring €3,280 monthly income
• EU Blue Card: Fast-track for highly skilled professionals
• Family Reunification: Bring your loved ones to Portugal seamlessly

Portuguese Citizenship & Nationality Navigate the path to EU citizenship through our streamlined process. With recent reforms allowing citizenship after just 5 years of residence, timing is crucial. We handle:

• Nationality applications for residents
• Citizenship through Portuguese ancestry
• Sephardic Jewish heritage applications
• Birth registration for Portuguese citizenship
• Dual nationality guidance

Golden Visa Alternatives While residential property investment ended in October 2023, strategic opportunities remain:

• Cultural heritage investment (€250,000)
• Research and development funding (€500,000)
• Investment fund options for qualified investors
• Job creation pathways

Real Estate Law – Secure Your Portuguese Property Investment

Portugal’s property market offers exceptional opportunities, especially with 2024’s Alojamento Local deregulation. Our real estate lawyers ensure smooth, secure transactions:

Property Purchase Services

• Due diligence and title verification
• Purchase agreement drafting and review
• Fiscal representation for non-residents
• Power of attorney arrangements
• Closing coordination and fund transfers

Rental Law & Alojamento Local The landscape for short-term rentals transformed in 2024. We guide you through:

• New AL licensing procedures (no more restrictions!)
• Long-term rental contracts and tenant rights
• Rent increase limitations and eviction procedures
• Property management legal frameworks

Property Disputes & Litigation When conflicts arise, we protect your interests:

• Boundary and easement disputes
• Construction defect claims
• Landlord-tenant conflicts
• Property damage recovery

Corporate & Business Law – Build Your Portuguese Success

Portugal’s business-friendly environment attracts international entrepreneurs. Recent changes make company formation easier than ever:

Company Formation Portugal

• Lda (Limited Company): Now with just €1 minimum capital
• SA (Public Limited Company): For larger ventures
• Branch Office Registration: Expand your international business
• Sole Proprietorship: Simple structure for freelancers

Business Legal Services

• Commercial contracts in Portuguese and English
• Shareholder agreements and corporate governance
• Mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures
• Intellectual property protection
• GDPR compliance and data protection

Employment Law Compliance With Portugal’s minimum wage rising to €870 in 2025, stay compliant with:

• Employment contract drafting
• Work permit applications
• Social security registration
• Termination procedures and severance
• Remote work policy development

Tax Law Portugal – Optimize Your Fiscal Position

Portugal’s tax landscape offers opportunities for significant savings with proper planning:

Tax Residency & Planning

• NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) applications (ending soon!)
• New IFICI regime guidance (20% flat tax)
• Tax residency certification
• Double taxation treaty benefits
• Wealth tax planning strategies

International Tax Services

• Cross-border tax optimization
• Exit tax planning for expatriates
• Cryptocurrency taxation guidance
• Foreign income reporting
• Social security optimization

Family Law – Protecting What Matters Most

Life changes require legal expertise. Our family lawyers handle sensitive matters with discretion:

Divorce & Separation

• International divorce proceedings
• Property division agreements
• Spousal support arrangements
• Child custody for expatriate families

Inheritance & Estate Planning

• Portuguese wills for foreign residents
• Cross-border inheritance issues
• Forced heirship navigation
• Estate tax minimization
• Power of attorney documents

Additional Legal Services

Banking & Finance Law

• Mortgage assistance for non-residents
• Bank account opening support
• Investment regulatory compliance
• Anti-money laundering procedures

Litigation & Dispute Resolution

• Civil litigation representation
• Commercial arbitration
• Debt recovery proceedings
• Administrative appeals

Criminal Law

• Criminal defense representation
• Victim support services
• Traffic violation defense
• White-collar crime matters

Environmental & Energy Law

• Renewable energy project licensing
• Environmental compliance audits
• Carbon credit legal frameworks
• Sustainability reporting requirements

Serving All of Portugal

Lisbon Legal Services

Our Lisbon office serves the capital’s thriving international community. Located in the business district, we’re minutes from embassies, government offices, and commercial centers. Our Lisbon lawyers specialize in corporate law, immigration, and high-value real estate transactions.

How Much Do Legal Services Cost in Portugal?

Transparency matters. Unlike many Portuguese law firms, we provide clear fee structures:

Immigration Services

• D7/D8 Visa Application: €1,500-2,500
• Golden Visa Alternatives: €3,000-5,000
• Citizenship Application: €2,000-3,500
• Family Reunification: €1,200 per person

Real Estate Services

• Property Purchase (1-3% of purchase price)
• Due Diligence Report: €1,500
• Rental Contract Drafting: €500
• AL Licensing: €1,200

Corporate Services

• Company Formation: €1,500-2,500
• Employment Contracts: €400 per contract
• Commercial Agreements: €1,000-5,000

All fees are indicative and exclude VAT (23%) and government fees

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer to buy property in Portugal?

Yes, having a lawyer is essential for property purchases in Portugal. While not legally mandatory, a lawyer protects your interests by conducting due diligence, verifying ownership, checking for debts or liens, and ensuring all legal requirements are met. This is especially crucial for international buyers unfamiliar with Portuguese law.

How long does it take to get Portuguese citizenship?

Portuguese citizenship typically requires 5 years of legal residence. The application process itself takes 12-24 months after submission. Certain routes like Sephardic Jewish heritage or marriage to a Portuguese citizen may have different timelines.

Can I work remotely in Portugal on a tourist visa?

No, working on a tourist visa is illegal. You need either a D8 Digital Nomad Visa (for remote workers earning €3,280+ monthly) or a D7 Visa (for passive income/remote workers). Both allow legal remote work for international employers.

What’s the difference between NHR and the new IFICI regime?

The NHR regime ends for new applicants in 2024 but existing beneficiaries keep their 10-year benefits. The new IFICI regime offers a 20% flat tax rate for qualifying sectors including tech, tourism, and renewable energy, with no time limit.

Do I need to speak Portuguese to start a business?

While not legally required, basic Portuguese helps with bureaucracy. However, our bilingual team handles all documentation and communication with authorities, making language barriers irrelevant for our clients.

How can I bring my family to Portugal?

Family reunification is available after obtaining residence. Eligible family members include spouses, dependent children, dependent parents, and siblings under guardianship. Each family member needs separate documentation, which we prepare comprehensively.

What happens to my property when I die in Portugal?

Portuguese inheritance law includes forced heirship rules protecting spouses and children. However, EU Regulation 650/2012 allows you to choose your nationality’s law to apply. We strongly recommend creating a Portuguese will to avoid complications.

Can I lose my Portuguese residency?

Yes, if you’re absent from Portugal for 6 consecutive months or 8 non-consecutive months per year (with some exceptions). Golden Visa holders have more flexible requirements of just 7 days per year.

Latest Legal Updates in Portugal (2024-2025)

Immigration Reform June 2025

Major changes are coming to Portuguese immigration law. The new legislation will streamline processes, introduce digital applications, and potentially create new visa categories. Contact us for the latest updates affecting your situation.

Alojamento Local Liberation

The controversial restrictions on new AL licenses have been lifted! Property owners can once again register for short-term rentals in Lisbon and Porto. We’ll guide you through the new simplified process.

IFICI Tax Regime Launch

The Incentivized Foreign Income Tax Initiative replaces NHR with broader sector coverage. Tech workers, healthcare professionals, and creative industries can benefit from the 20% flat rate with no time restrictions.

Corporate Sustainability Reporting

Large companies must now comply with CSRD requirements. Our corporate team ensures your sustainability reporting meets all legal obligations while maintaining competitive advantage.

Why International Clients Trust Access Portugal

Language No Barrier: Native English speakers, plus Portuguese, Spanish, French, German, and Mandarin capabilities

Technology-Driven: Digital document management, e-signatures, and online case tracking

Fixed Fees: No surprise bills—know your costs upfront

Rapid Response: 24-hour response guarantee for urgent matters

Success Record: 98% approval rate on immigration applications

International Network: Partnerships with law firms across EU for seamless cross-border support

Start Your Portuguese Legal Journey Today

Don’t let legal complexities delay your Portuguese dreams. Whether you’re seeking residency, buying property, starting a business, or planning your family’s future, Access Portugal provides the expertise you need.