QuestionsQuestionsQuestionsQuestionsQuestionsFrequently asked questions about the firm's practice areas

The firm practises international law from Porto. Immigration is the main area; the firm also handles criminal, civil, employment and family law, administrative litigation, business legal services, NIF applications and recognition of academic degrees and diplomas. Each area has its own page.

Individuals and businesses in Portugal, Europe and other countries, including those wishing to immigrate to Portugal, of any nationality. Consultations are in Portuguese.

Both. We welcome clients at the Porto office and support those in another city or country online.

In many cases, yes. The case assessment and much of the preparation can be done remotely; what is possible depends on the type of application.

It depends on the application. That is why the first step is the initial conversation, which produces a tailored list indicating what needs translating, apostilling or certifying.

Timeframes depend on the authority making the decision and the type of application, and may change. We do not give dates outside our control; during follow-up we explain what stage the application has reached.

Through WhatsApp, email or the contact page form, which opens WhatsApp or your email app with a prepared message. You can also visit the office in Porto.

The firm does not publish fees on this website. Fees are discussed directly with the firm, depending on each case.

Yes. The firm assists people of various nationalities who wish to immigrate to Portugal or regularise their status. Consultations are in Portuguese.

The route generally involves choosing the visa suited to your circumstances and, after arrival, applying to AIMA for a residence permit. Requirements vary with the purpose, such as work, study, independent income or family reunification, and an error in the process can cause delays or refusals.

There are visas for different circumstances, for example work, study, entrepreneurship, independent income, digital nomads, family reunification or investment. This is not an exhaustive list, and the choice depends on your situation, goals and documents. We recommend a conversation before starting the process.

In some cases, yes. It depends on each person's circumstances and the applicable legal requirements, which may change. A case assessment establishes what applies to you.

The most common are a valid passport, an apostilled and translated birth certificate, an apostilled criminal record certificate, financial and address evidence, and documents specific to the application type. Documents issued outside Portugal usually need apostilles and translations. Each case has its own particularities.

In many cases, yes, through family reunification. You need to prove the family relationship and meet the other requirements, which depend on each situation. We assess your case and explain what applies.

Yes. Consultations can take place online, for clients in Portugal, Europe and other countries, with remote legal support.

It begins with the initial consultation, where we assess your situation and advise on documents. We then prepare and submit the application to the competent authorities and keep the client informed at each stage. Once it is completed, we advise on the next steps, such as renewals, appeals or new applications.

Visa applications are usually made from the country of residence, through the competent consulate. In the first conversation we establish what applies to your case.

It depends on what you intend to do in Portugal, who is coming with you and the documents you can gather. The case assessment compares the possible routes before any application is made.

A visa allows entry for a particular purpose. A residence permit is a separate step, with its own requirements, and should be planned from the start.

This varies with the document and the country of origin. In your case list, we indicate what needs a translation, apostille or certification.

It depends on your family history, civil status and length and type of residence, if any. In the first conversation we assess what is relevant and indicate a possible route.

It depends on the document and the authority receiving it. We indicate, case by case, what needs a translation, apostille or certification.

In many situations applications are prepared in parallel, but each person has their own legal circumstances. We assess each application individually.

It may need to be corrected before applying. That is why we check the documents at the outset, to avoid surprises later.

That is the purpose of family reunification. We assess who can come, what evidence of family ties and means is required, and prepare the application.

It depends on the individual situation, including dependency and the applicable law. We assess this case by case.

Evidence of accommodation is usually part of the application. What is accepted depends on the case, and we confirm this during preparation.

It depends on the legal basis of the application and each relative's situation. We explain the route in the initial assessment.

A visa allows entry for a purpose. A residence permit allows you to live legally in Portugal. They are different stages, with their own requirements.

It is advisable to organise renewal in advance and keep track of your permit's validity. The specific time limits must be confirmed for your case.

It may, depending on the grounds for the permit. If your situation has changed, it is useful to check the impact before acting.

Yes, we follow the application and respond to requests, keeping the client informed of the stage it has reached.

It generally gives rights of movement and residence, but subject to conditions and formalities. We confirm what applies to your case.

The first step is then to understand the recognition route, which depends on the law of the country concerned. It may be necessary to work with professionals in that country.

In some cases, yes, with specific conditions. We assess the family composition and the applicable legal framework.

Generally, not in the same way as a citizen from outside the European Union, but there are registration formalities. We explain what applies to your case.

It is a conversation in which we assess your situation and identify legal routes. By the end, it is clear where to start and what to prepare.

Either is possible. We welcome clients at the Porto office and support those in another city or country online.

Having identity documents and some certificates to hand helps, but is not a condition for booking. During the conversation we explain what to gather.

No. It helps you make an informed decision; the decision to proceed is always yours.

Speaking to a lawyer before giving a statement often helps you understand your position in the proceedings. In the first conversation we assess your case and explain what applies.

Yes. We help prepare the complaint with the information needed and follow the proceedings.

Yes. We read the decision with you and explain whether an appeal is available and what it involves.

It depends on the type of proceedings, the stage and the authority making the decision. We do not give dates outside our control; at each stage we explain what to expect.

Generally, a decision made in another country needs a specific review and recognition process to take effect in Portugal. We assess your case and explain what applies.

Not always. Where the parties agree, assets may be divided out of court; where they do not, court proceedings may be necessary. In the first conversation we assess the most suitable route.

In many cases, yes: the case assessment and some preparation can take place online. What is possible depends on the estate and the documents.

Yes. The firm advises employees and employers, with the same attention to each case.

The first step is a conversation: understanding what happened, which records exist and what routes are available. Every situation has its own circumstances.

It helps a great deal. Bring the contract, amendments, payslips and relevant communications. If you do not have them, we can still start with a conversation.

Not always. It depends on whether the parties agree and the circumstances of each case. In the first conversation we explain the possible routes.

In many cases, assessment and some preparation take place online. What is possible depends on each situation.

It is the set of steps needed to make a family situation legally clear and registered in Portugal. What applies depends on each case.

It is a type of action used when the administration needs to be required to act, for example to decide or provide information. We explain whether it is the appropriate route in your case.

Yes. We assess what was requested, the stage reached and the available routes for moving it forward.

There are time limits for responding, which vary with the decision and the chosen route. It is therefore advisable to seek support as soon as you receive the notification.

In many cases, assessment and preparation can take place remotely. What is possible depends on the type of company and your case.

Formation creates the company as a legal entity; trade mark registration protects the sign identifying its products or services. They are different steps that can be supported together.

It is the set of steps to put an existing company's legal position in order. It depends on what remains to be resolved.

In some cases, yes, through a representative. What applies depends on your situation, and we explain this in the first conversation.

Many people arrange their NIF before arrival because it is requested for various everyday acts. We assess whether this makes sense in your case.

We prepare and follow the application with you, explaining each step.

Not always. In many cases recognition of the degree must be requested, and the procedure depends on the diploma and its intended use.

Generally, the diploma, academic record, identification and necessary translations and apostilles. The final list depends on the case.

In many cases, assessment and document gathering can begin remotely. What is possible depends on the application.