Best Citizenship by Investment Lawyers in Portugal

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Founded in 2011
English
João Guerreiro Brito Advogados has a consolidated track record in the national legal landscape, combining experience, knowledge and innovation to deliver superior legal solutions. The firm is committed to integrity, transparency and dedication, guiding and defending clients' rights at every...
Cascais, Portugal

English
WBLEX - Wangry Bonk Advogada, based in Cascais, Portugal, offers specialized legal services in areas such as immigration, nationality, civil law, employment law, estate litigation, estate planning, and tax law. With over 12 years of experience, the firm is particularly adept at assisting...

English
Nuno Filipe Pereira Advogados is a Faro-based law office serving individuals and companies across the Algarve. From its central Faro location, the firm assists clients with family matters, real estate transactions and leases, nationality and residence procedures, insolvency filings, and succession...

Founded in 2020
English
EmPortugal Consultoria specializes in internationalizing health care careers for professionals trained outside Europe who aspire to work in Portugal and across Europe. The firm provides recognition and credential evaluation for physicians, dentists, veterinarians, nurses, pharmacists, and...
Sintra, Portugal

English
Catarina C Ramos is a Portuguese lawyer based in Sintra who is registered with the Ordem dos Advogados under number 64841L. She graduated in law from the Faculty of Law at the University of Lisbon in 2017 and began her career as an independent practitioner, gaining extensive experience across...

Founded in 2019
4 people in their team
English
Portuguese
Rafaela Barbosa International Law is a boutique law firm headquartered in Lisbon (Marquês de Pombal), with offices in Brazil and Italy, specializing in international immigration law. The focus is on providing comprehensive legal assistance for individuals and families seeking residency,...
Porto, Portugal

English
Amarah Farage is a distinguished law firm based in Portugal, renowned for its comprehensive legal services across various practice areas. The firm's team of seasoned attorneys brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of both domestic and international legal landscapes, ensuring clients...

Founded in 2016
English
Solicitadoras Inés Nascimento & Cláudia Charnock are a Portugal based law practice focusing on civil and commercial matters with a core emphasis on Real Estate, Immigration, Family, Employment & Labor and Corporate & Commercial Law. Operating from Almancil in the Algarve, the firm assists clients...
Tirar NIF
Braga, Portugal

English
Tirar NIF offers comprehensive legal services focused on immigration law in Portugal, assisting clients with the complexities of relocating, obtaining visas, and securing residency. The firm is recognized for its in-depth knowledge of local regulations, particularly regarding the acquisition of the...

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...
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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.