Best Citizenship by Investment Lawyers in Portugal

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1 person in their team
English
Borges de Melo Advocacia is a Portugal based immigration law boutique led by Gabriela Borges de Melo. The practice combines Brazilian legal training with Portuguese migration experience to guide individuals and families through residency, work authorizations, and nationality applications.The firm...
Ferragudo, Portugal

English
Solitadora is a private practice operating in the Algarve, Portugal, offering targeted legal services with a focus on Real Estate, Immigration and related administrative matters. The firm advertises more than 10 years of experience in various legal areas and relies on practical solutions to support...

Founded in 2019
6 people in their team
English
Reis & Pellicano International Lawyers was founded in 2019 and operates from offices in Lisbon, Porto and Faro, offering legal services that address cross-border and domestic needs in immigration, real-estate, tax, employment and corporate matters. The practice combines Portuguese legal expertise...

Founded in 2019
5 people in their team
English
Rita Cardoso & Associados - Sociedade de Advogados S.P. R.L. is a Portimão and Almancil based Portuguese law firm founded in 2019 by Dr. Rita Cardoso. The firm emphasizes proximity and accessibility for clients and has built a multidisciplinary team capable of handling complex property, tax,...
Miguel Lima Bento Advogados
Torres Novas, Portugal

4 people in their team
English
Miguel Lima Bento Advogados is a Portuguese law firm with offices in Lisbon and Torres Novas that delivers independent and multidisciplinary legal services across a wide range of sectors. With twenty years of legal practice, the firm has developed deep expertise in Portuguese law and a reputation...
Adriano Martins Pinheiro | Immigration Lawyer
Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal

Founded in 2011
English
Adriano Martins Pinheiro | Immigration Lawyer is a distinguished law firm based in Portugal, exclusively dedicated to immigration law. With deep knowledge of Portuguese and European immigration regulations, the firm assists clients through every stage of the immigration process, from initial...
Luz Advogado de Imigração
Braga, Portugal

English
Luz Advogado de Imigração is an international law firm with offices in both Brazil and Portugal, specializing in Portuguese visas and citizenship. Led by Dr. Wellington Luz, who is licensed to practice in both countries, the firm offers comprehensive legal services to clients seeking to navigate...

Founded in 2018
4 people in their team
English
Pereira & Vitorino Sociedade de Advogados is a Portugal based law practice located in Águeda. The firm was constituted in early 2018 by its founding partners Joaquim Ramos Pereira and Júlia Vitorino, both graduates and masters of law from the University of Coimbra. The practice combines civil,...

Founded in 2006
English
Patrícia Reis Advogada / Lawyer operates as a general practice in Tavira, Portugal, providing a broad spectrum of legal services to private clients and companies across civil, commercial and corporate law, family matters, real estate, and related disciplines.Founded by Patrícia Reis, who earned...

English
Easy Immigration Consultoria Lda is a distinguished law firm in Portugal, specializing in comprehensive immigration services. Their expertise encompasses a wide array of areas, including visa applications, residency permits, and nationality processes. The firm is adept at handling complex cases...
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About Citizenship by Investment Law in Portugal

Citizenship by Investment in Portugal is primarily facilitated through the "Golden Visa" program, which offers residency options to non-EU nationals in exchange for significant investments in the country. The program serves as a bridge to obtain Portuguese residence permits and potentially citizenship. Investments can be made through real estate, business, or the arts and cultural heritage. Candidates can apply for permanent residency after five years and citizenship after six years.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Navigating the legal landscape of Citizenship by Investment can be complex. Legal expertise is often required in the following situations:

  • Understanding Eligibility: Determining if you meet the requirements for investment and application can be intricate.
  • Documentation and Compliance: Ensuring all documents are correctly filed and all regulatory requirements are met.
  • Investment Decisions: Guidance in selecting appropriate investment opportunities compliant with legal standards.
  • Taxation: Understanding the tax implications of your investment and residency status.
  • Application Follow-up: Assisting with follow-up on applications and potential legal issues arising during the process.

Local Laws Overview

The key aspects of local laws relevant to Citizenship by Investment in Portugal include:

  • Golden Visa Program: This is central to the Citizenship by Investment scheme and defines categories of investment, such as real estate, which starts at €500,000, or business creation creating at least ten jobs.
  • Residency Requirements: Maintained through a physical presence in Portugal for a period each year.
  • Naturalization Law: After six years of residency, candidates can apply for citizenship, which involves proof of knowledge of the Portuguese language and integration into society.
  • Tax Laws: Residency may impact taxation and hence professional guidance can ensure compliance and optimization.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum investment required for the Golden Visa?

The minimum investment amount varies; for example, the real estate purchase requires at least €500,000. Lower amounts apply to certain categories, subject to conditions.

How long does it take to get a residence permit?

Once the application is submitted and all requirements are met, it typically takes a few months to obtain the residence permit.

Is citizenship automatically granted after obtaining a Golden Visa?

No, citizenship is not automatic. Applicants can apply for citizenship after six years of legal residency, provided they meet all legal requirements.

Can family members be included in the Golden Visa application?

Yes, the following family members can be included: spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents.

Is it mandatory to live in Portugal during the Golden Visa period?

Applicants must stay in Portugal for at least 7 days in the first year and 14 days in the subsequent two-year periods.

What are the legal fees associated with obtaining a Golden Visa?

Legal fees vary depending on the complexity of the case and the services required. It's advisable to clarify this with your legal advisor.

Are there risks involved with investing in real estate for the Golden Visa?

All investments carry some risk, and the real estate market can fluctuate. Legal guidance helps mitigate risks by ensuring compliance and prudent investment choices.

Can a Golden Visa be cancelled?

Yes, residency permits under the Golden Visa can be revoked for non-compliance with regulations or if the investment is withdrawn.

Are there language requirements for the Golden Visa?

There are no language requirements to obtain the Golden Visa, but a basic knowledge of Portuguese is needed when applying for citizenship.

Do I need to pay taxes on my income in Portugal?

If you are residing in Portugal, you may be liable to pay taxes on your global income. Consulting a tax advisor can help clarify obligations.

Additional Resources

For further assistance, consider consulting the following resources:

  • Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF)
  • Portuguese Consulate or Embassy in your country
  • Reputable immigration law firms specializing in Portuguese residency and citizenship
  • Investment Promotion Agencies in Portugal

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance for Citizenship by Investment in Portugal, follow these steps:

  • Research Lawyers: Look for legal experts with a background in immigration and investment law in Portugal.
  • Consultation: Arrange an initial consultation to discuss your eligibility, investment options, and the procedural roadmap.
  • Prepare Documentation: Work with your lawyer to prepare and authenticate documents required for application.
  • Stay Informed: Regularly check for any changes in law or residency requirements that might impact your application.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Portugal through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Citizenship by Investment, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.