Best Private Client Lawyers in Portugal

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EDGE - International Lawyers
Lisbon, Portugal

Founded in 2016
200 people in their team
Portuguese
English
Our experienced team provides legal solutions for both international and domestic clients, serving their business needs whilst also understanding their cultural diversity. Often these solutions need to be individualised and we have the flexibility to blend both traditional and innovative...
Amaro da Luz Advogados
Coimbra, Portugal

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Portuguese
English
We believe that the relationship between lawyer and client is based, above all, on trust and reflects a personal bond.We excel, therefore, in the zeal and rigor in the exercise of our profession, as it is our conviction that only the Law allows the true safeguard of society.In these times, it is...

Founded in 1992
10 people in their team
Portuguese
English
A firm with several full time attorneys interacting with a network of renowned legal experts.A firm marked by great professionalism in all services it provides. A firm committed and respectful of the quality of work for the clients, with an effective response time.Dantas Rodrigues & Associados...
CSC Lawyers
Lisbon, Portugal

Founded in 2007
50 people in their team
Portuguese
English
About the law officeIn all portuguese law areas, which may be critical to our clients' decisions, we work seamlessly with like-minded professionals, with the same standards of client-service culture and international exposure. When clients request our input in other areas we may not be qualified...

Founded in 1999
50 people in their team
Portuguese
English
Cerqueira Gomes & Associados is a renowned and experienced limited liability law firm, with widely-recognised expertise across the full spectrum of Portuguese law. The firm has been privileged to work with a wide range of clients involved in diverse areas of business, including...
RC Advogados
Braga, Portugal

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Portuguese
English
RC - Advogados has as its primary objective the guarantee of the rights of its clients, complying with legal and ethical principles, working in legal business consultancy, preventive and litigation advocacy.For this reason, no efforts are spared in the constant updating and improvement of the team,...
LVP Advogados
Lisbon, Portugal

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Portuguese
English
​Our ApproachOur legal team assists foreign individuals, families, businesses and institutions with investments and/or residence in Portugal, from the planning stage down to day-to-day operations.Where our Client's needs exceed our scope of legal services, we can introduce them to trusted...

Founded in 1994
50 people in their team
Portuguese
English
Who we areCarlos Coelho & Associados - Law Firm, SP, RLIt was born in 1994 and is a reference in the city of Coimbra.Rigor, competence, responsibility and a high ethical and social sense are the values ​​that guide this firm, its lawyers and collaborators.It is our aim to satisfy our...

Founded in 2025
English
Ines Wollmann - Rechtsanwältin - Advogada is a distinguished law firm operating between Portugal and Germany, offering comprehensive legal services to a diverse clientele. With over two decades of experience in Portugal, the firm has developed a high level of specialization in areas such as labor...
Pais do Amaral Advogados
Coimbra, Portugal

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Portuguese
English
Pais do Amaral Advogados resulted from an organizational reorientation of a previous law firm.Fighting for more than 20 years against all measures of power - and recently, let this not surprise anyone, even against definitive decisions of the Portuguese Courts - it is in this necessary force that...
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About Private Client Law in Portugal

Private Client Law in Portugal covers a broad range of legal services dedicated to individuals and families, with a particular focus on the management, protection, and transfer of private wealth and assets. This field encompasses matters such as estate planning, wills, succession, tax advice, family law, and the legal structuring of property arrangements. Portugal's legal system, which is based on civil law principles, provides a comprehensive framework to support and safeguard individuals' interests in regard to their finances, inheritances, and personal circumstances.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

There are many situations where individuals might require assistance from a private client lawyer in Portugal. These include navigating the complexities of inheritance and succession law, especially when there are international aspects or foreign assets involved. Private client lawyers also help with drafting wills, setting up trusts or other estate planning vehicles, minimizing tax liabilities, and dealing with family law issues such as divorce, pre-nuptial agreements, or child custody. Anyone buying or selling property, investing in Portugal, or applying for residency programs such as the Golden Visa may benefit from specialized legal advice to ensure compliance with local regulations and to protect their interests.

Local Laws Overview

Some key aspects of local laws relevant to private client matters in Portugal include the following. The law of succession in Portugal is governed by the Civil Code, and imposes forced heirship rules that grant certain relatives, such as spouses and descendants, a mandatory share of the estate. Tax laws are also significant, with inheritance, gift, and property tax considerations forming an important part of estate planning. Portugal offers favorable tax regimes like the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) program, which can benefit foreign nationals. Family law in Portugal recognizes both civil and religious marriages, and provides legal regulation for divorce, child custody, and maintenance rights. Private client lawyers are skilled at guiding individuals through these areas, ensuring compliance and protecting clients' interests in accordance with Portuguese law.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is forced heirship in Portugal?

Forced heirship in Portugal ensures that close relatives, such as children and spouses, are entitled to a compulsory share of a deceased person's estate. This means you cannot freely dispose of your entire estate by will if you have statutory heirs.

Do I need to make a will in Portugal?

Making a will is not mandatory, but it is recommended if you wish to specify how your assets should be distributed, especially if you have assets in multiple countries or a complex family situation. A Portuguese will also helps to simplify the succession process.

Are there inheritance or gift taxes in Portugal?

Portugal does not levy traditional inheritance or gift tax, but applies Stamp Duty at a rate of 10 percent on the transmission of assets by inheritance or gift, except between spouses, descendants, and ascendants who are exempt.

What is the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime?

The NHR regime is a special tax status for new residents in Portugal, offering significant tax advantages on foreign income and pensions for up to ten consecutive years, provided certain criteria are met.

Can foreigners own property in Portugal?

Yes, there are no restrictions on foreign ownership of real estate in Portugal. However, legal guidance is recommended to navigate the purchase process, tax obligations, and potential visa or residency requirements.

How does divorce affect property and inheritance?

In the event of divorce, marital property is divided according to the regime agreed upon at marriage (such as community or separation of property). Divorce also impacts the inheritance rights of former spouses, so legal advice is important to understand your specific situation.

Do trusts exist under Portuguese law?

Portuguese law does not recognize the concept of trusts. However, foreign trusts may be recognized, particularly in succession matters, subject to local legal and tax rules.

How is cross-border succession handled?

Cross-border succession can be complex, especially if the deceased owned assets in more than one country. The EU Succession Regulation may allow you to choose the law of your nationality to govern your estate, but Portuguese forced heirship rules can still apply to local assets.

Should I get legal advice if moving to Portugal for tax or residency?

Yes, it is highly advisable to consult with a lawyer familiar with private client matters to ensure your relocation, tax planning, and residency application are handled correctly and in compliance with Portuguese law.

Can I appoint a power of attorney in Portugal?

Yes, you can appoint a power of attorney (procuração) to empower someone to act on your behalf in legal, financial, or property matters, including if you become incapacitated. It is recommended to draft such documents with legal assistance.

Additional Resources

For further information on private client matters in Portugal, consider consulting the following:

  • Portuguese Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados) - for finding registered lawyers
  • Portuguese Tax Authority (Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira) - for tax and NHR regime information
  • Institute of Registries and Notaries (Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado) - for matters relating to wills, property registration, and marital status certificates
  • Portuguese Consulates - useful for expatriates or those with international ties
  • Chambers of Commerce and local expat associations - for community advice and referrals

Next Steps

If you require legal assistance in private client matters in Portugal, the first step is to gather any relevant documentation such as identification, property records, wills, and financial statements. Seek out an experienced private client lawyer, preferably with expertise in both Portuguese and international legal issues if your case involves cross-border elements. Schedule a consultation to discuss your situation in detail and to obtain guidance tailored to your needs. Be prepared to ask questions about costs, timelines, and strategy. Always ensure your chosen lawyer is registered with the Portuguese Bar Association to safeguard your interests.

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 Private Client, 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. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Portugal - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

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.