Immigration and Nationality Law

With extensive experience in Immigration Law, we provide comprehensive legal advice on the legalization and regularization of immigrants in Portugal, as well as on obtaining documents for Portuguese citizens living abroad. Our practice covers administrative and judicial proceedings, representing clients before entities such as the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA), the Institute of Registries and Notaries (IRN), the Commission for Equality and Against Racial Discrimination (CICDR), the Ombudsman (Provedoria de Justiça), and the courts.

Practice Areas

Documentary Assistance and Residence Procedures

We provide support in obtaining and managing essential documents for the regularization of immigrants, foreign citizens, and Portuguese emigrants, ensuring compliance with Portuguese and European legal requirements:

Advisory services and preparation of applications for the attribution of Tax Identification Number (NIF), Social Security Number (NISS), and National Health Service Number (Nº de Utente).
Advisory services and assistance with the opening and/or closure of business activity.
Advisory services and incorporation of companies.
Legalization and residence services: handling legalization procedures and obtaining residence permits, accompanying all phases of the process and analysing the specific needs of each case.
Screening and advisory services to determine the most suitable type of residence permit for each individual situation.
Obtaining a Residence Title: support from document collection to submission and follow-up of the application with AIMA, including in-person accompaniment.
Processing of Expressions of Interest: assistance in submitting expressions of interest for the regularization of immigrants in irregular situations.
Procedures for obtaining Portuguese nationality: handling the acquisition of Portuguese nationality, whether original or derived.
Representation of clients in administrative or judicial appeals in case of refusal, and guidance on specific requirements such as legal residence, family or cultural ties with Portugal.
Immigration litigation: acting in contentious proceedings against AIMA, IRN or other entities.
Preparation and submission of challenges to administrative decisions that violate our clients’ rights, such as refusals of residence or nationality.
Representation in court, drafting judicial actions and appeals against removal decisions and/or procedural irregularities.
Extradition litigation: court representation contesting the legality of extradition requests on grounds of human rights violations or lack of guarantees of a fair trial, ensuring the protection of fundamental rights enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
Litigation concerning orders to leave the territory: preparation of hierarchical appeals or judicial actions to challenge removal orders.
Litigation for unlawful presence: handling administrative-offence or criminal proceedings for irregular stay in Portuguese territory, protecting against arbitrary expulsions.
Litigation for other reasons, including racial discrimination: filing complaints with the Ombudsman for administrative delays, ensuring equal treatment regardless of race or ethnic origin.
Representation in judicial actions for the annulment of unlawful administrative decisions, such as violations of the right to be heard or abuse of power, guaranteeing effective protection of immigrants’ rights at all levels.

Visa Application Procedures

We assist in applying for all types of Schengen visas and residence visas, whether for temporary or permanent stays, for citizens of European and non-European origin. Our services include:

Assistance at consulates: support in obtaining visas at Portuguese consulates or foreign consulates, including preparation of the application, analysis and processing of required documentation.
Schengen visa: for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period within the Schengen Area, including Portugal, for purposes such as tourism, business or family visits.
Residence visa for employment: aimed at non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens wishing to carry out professional activity in Portugal, including highly qualified workers, seasonal workers or intra-corporate transfers.
Residence visa for intra-corporate worker mobility: analysis of requirements (employment contract, qualifications, etc.), obtaining authorizations from AIMA, and review of tax and social security implications.
Residence visa for study: for international students, handling the application process and document preparation (proof of enrolment, financial means), with follow-up at AIMA or consulates.
Residence visa for investment (ARI former Golden Visa): residence through investment (e.g., real estate acquisition, job creation or capital transfer), with access to the Schengen Area and the possibility of applying for nationality after five years.
Residence visa for family reunification: for legally resident persons in Portugal, covering preparation of proof of family ties and financial capacity, submission to AIMA and resolution of any administrative issues, ensuring the protection of the fundamental rights of families.
Digital Nomad Visa: guidance on obtaining the visa, including analysis of practical tax and social security implications, ensuring legal integration; requires proof of stable income, remote employment contract, and compliance with Portuguese tax rules such as the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime.
Temporary stay visa for medical treatment or other purposes: full support in preparing the application, obtaining necessary authorizations and monitoring the process, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
Apostille, certification and translation of documents: assistance with certification, translation and apostille of documents.
Tax and social security advisory to clarify and avoid double taxation.