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Portugal Immigration & Citizenship Lawyers
Expert legal guidance on Golden Visa, D7, D8, D2 visas, and Portuguese citizenship by descent, by residency, and by marriage. We handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your new life in Portugal.
22+
Years of Experience
3,500+
Successful Cases
50+
Countries Represented
98%
Client Satisfaction
International Legal Associations
Proud members of leading professional organizations
.webp "Member of the Portuguese Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados) since 2002")
Ordem dos Advogados since 2002 (good-standing certificate available on demand)
American Bar Association
European Attorneys
International Associate of American Immigration Lawyers Association
What We Do
Our Core Immigration & Citizenship Services
Comprehensive legal solutions for international clients seeking residency, investment opportunities, and citizenship in Portugal
Golden Visa
Obtain Portuguese residency through qualifying fund investments (€500K) or cultural heritage contributions (€250K). Includes family, minimal stay requirements, and a path to EU citizenship.
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Most Popular
D7 Passive Income Visa
Ideal for retirees, pensioners, and individuals with stable passive income (rental, dividends, pensions). Live in Portugal without active employment.
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Citizenship by Descent
Claim Portuguese nationality if you have Portuguese parents, grandparents, or ancestors. We research your genealogy and handle the entire application process.
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Citizenship by Residency
After 5 years of legal residence in Portugal, you may apply for citizenship. We guide you through the naturalization process and language requirements.
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Who We Help
International Clients We Serve
From initial consultation to final approval, we provide personalized legal guidance tailored to your unique circumstances and goals.
Investors & Entrepreneurs
High-net-worth individuals seeking Golden Visa through fund investments, business owners looking to establish in Portugal, and entrepreneurs launching startups.
Remote Workers & Digital Nomads
Freelancers, contractors, and employees of foreign companies wanting to live and work legally from Portugal with the D8 visa.
Retirees & Families
Pensioners with passive income seeking the D7 visa, families relocating to Portugal, and descendants of Portuguese citizens claiming citizenship by heritage.
Our Process
How We Work With You
Free Eligibility Assessment
We evaluate if you meet the requirements for your desired visa or citizenship pathway. This assessment determines if we can prepare a formal work proposal for your case.
Document Preparation
Our team prepares, reviews, and authenticates all required documentation to meet Portuguese legal requirements.
Application & Representation
We submit your application to Portuguese authorities and act as your legal representative throughout the entire process.
Approval & Ongoing Support
We monitor your case, respond to authority requests, and support you through renewals and citizenship applications.
Why Choose Us
Why Work With a Portuguese Law Firm?
Working with a local Portuguese law firm provides distinct advantages over foreign intermediaries or agencies.
Direct Representation
We represent you directly before Portuguese immigration authorities (AIMA), consulates, and civil registries—no middlemen.
Local Legal Expertise
Deep knowledge of Portuguese immigration law, bureaucracy, and real-time updates on policy changes that affect your case.
Bilingual Communication
Fluent in English and Portuguese, ensuring clear communication with you and accurate submissions to Portuguese authorities.
End-to-End Accountability
A single point of contact from consultation through approval, renewals, and eventual citizenship—no handoffs or confusion.
Professional Confidentiality
As licensed attorneys, we are bound by strict professional secrecy and deontological rules, ensuring the highest level of privacy and confidentiality for your sensitive matters.
Access to Official Legal Portals
As registered attorneys, we have direct access to official government portals for nationality applications, notarial recognitions, certificate requests, and other legal procedures unavailable to non-lawyers.
Client Testimonials
What Our Clients Say
" Our family's multi-stage relocation to Portugal — beginning with an initial D8 visa for one family member and progressing to a full D7 visa application for our extended family — was expertly managed by Defesa Legal from the very first steps. Their team assisted us with essential requirements such as NIF creation and opening Portuguese bank accounts, providing clear guidance and meticulous attention to detail throughout the entire visa process. They were truly with us every step of the way, even attending our AIMA appointments in person to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience with no hiccups or rejections. "
The Holmes Family
D8 & D7 Visa Clients, United Kingdom & France
" We found working with Defesa Legal made our D7 Residency application incredibly smooth and easy! We can and do recommend their services to anyone looking to relocate to Portugal! "
Paul R.
D7 Visa Client, United Kingdom
" My husband and I have found Defesa Legal to be invaluable in our application for residency in Portugal. The entire staff is expert and very genial. We have referred several friends both single and with family. All have been delighted as have we. We are deeply appreciative that we have had Defesa Legal representation. "
Jon L.
Residency Client, United States of America
Latest Legal Updates & Insights
View all posts »Stay informed about Portuguese immigration law changes, visa updates, and practical guidance for relocating to Portugal.
Family Reunification in Portugal: 2025 Updates and Processing Times
Portugal's D6 family reunification visa sees improved processing times in 2025, with clearer guidelines for sponsoring family members to join residents.
NIF Application Process Streamlined in 2025
Portugal simplifies the NIF (tax identification number) application process for non-residents, with new online options and reduced fiscal representative requirements.
⚖️ Final Approval: Parliament Confirms Drastic Changes to Portuguese Immigration and Nationality
Parliament gives final approval to legislative reforms establishing stricter rules for citizenship (longer residency, new tests) and tightening entry, residency, and family reunification requirements.
Talk to a Portugal Immigration Lawyer
Ready to start your Portugal journey? Request a free eligibility assessment to determine if you qualify for your desired visa or citizenship pathway. Our legal team will evaluate your situation and advise if we can prepare a formal proposal for your case.