Are you considering moving to Portugal?
Our dedicated legal team is here to assist you in navigating the complexities of the immigration process, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition to your new life in Portugal.
Why Choose Portugal?
Portugal offers a wealth of opportunities for foreign investors and business professionals. With its strategic location, excellent quality of life, and favorable business climate, it's no wonder why many choose to make Portugal their new home.
Our Immigration Services
We specialize in providing comprehensive immigration services tailored to our client’s needs. Our experienced legal team will guide you through each step, ensuring all requirements are met and paperwork is correctly filed. We handle:
- Digital Nomad Visa: Perfect for professionals who can work remotely from Portugal, this visa is based on their active income.
- Passive Income Visa: Ideal for retirees or individuals with passive income, this visa allows you to live in Portugal while enjoying its benefits.
- Golden Visa: This popular program offers residency to investors who make significant economic contributions to Portugal.
- Work Visa: For individuals who are employed or will be employed by a Portuguese company.
- Business Visa: For those who intend to open a business in Portugal.
- High-Qualified Visa: Tailored for highly qualified individuals hired by a Portuguese company.
- Family Reunification Program: Allows non-EU residence permit holders to bring family members, such as spouses or partners, minor children and dependent parents, to live with them in Portugal. In most cases, the residence permit must have been held for at least two years first, with important exceptions, including for families with minor children. Family members of EU nationals are covered by a separate regime.
Residency Permit Applications
Once your visa is secured, the next step is obtaining a residency permit. We provide full support in this process, including:
- Initial Residency Permits: Assistance with the application process, documentation, and legal requirements.
- Renewals: Ensure your residency status remains valid with our renewal services.
- Permanent Residency and Citizenship: Guidance on transitioning from temporary residency to permanent status or citizenship.
From initial consultation to final residency, Franco Law will be with you every step of the way.
FAQ
What types of visas can you help me apply for in Portugal?
We offer assistance with a variety of visas, including the Digital Nomad Visa, Passive Income Visa, Golden Visa, Work Visa, Business Visa, High-Qualified Visa, and Family Reunification Program.
How long does it take to process a visa application?
Processing times vary depending on the type of visa and your specific circumstances. On average, visa applications can take anywhere from 2 to 6 months. We work diligently to expedite the process and keep you informed at every stage.
What documents do I need to provide for a visa application?
The required documents vary depending on the type of visa but generally include a valid passport, proof of financial means, travel insurance, a clean criminal record, and specific documents related to your visa type (e.g., employment contract, investment proof). We help you compile and review all necessary documents.
What is the Digital Nomad Visa, and how can I qualify?
The Digital Nomad Visa is designed for professionals who can work remotely from Portugal. To qualify, you must prove that you have a stable income from a job that allows you to work remotely, and you must meet the financial requirements set by Portuguese authorities.
What is the Golden Visa and which investments still qualify?
The Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment programme for non-EU nationals. Real estate purchases and general capital transfers no longer qualify. Current routes include creating at least 10 jobs; investing 500,000 EUR in scientific research; supporting cultural or heritage projects with 250,000 EUR (20% less in low-density areas); investing 500,000 EUR in qualifying non-real-estate funds; or investing 500,000 EUR in a Portuguese company while meeting the applicable job-creation or job-maintenance requirements. Holders must spend at least seven days in Portugal in the first year and 14 days in each following two-year period.
What are the requirements for obtaining a Work Visa in Portugal?
To obtain a Work Visa, you must have a job offer or employment contract from a Portuguese company. We assist with preparing the necessary documentation and ensuring all legal requirements are met.
What should I do if my visa application is denied?
If your visa application is denied, we can assist in understanding the reasons for the denial and advise on the best course of action. This may include appealing the decision or reapplying with additional or corrected information.
Can my family join me in Portugal?
Yes. Through Family Reunification, non-EU residence permit holders can bring family members such as their spouse or partner, minor or dependent children, and dependent parents to live with them in Portugal. In most cases, you must have held a valid residence permit for at least two years before applying (15 months for a spouse or partner you lived with for at least 18 months before moving to Portugal). This waiting period does not apply to minor or dependent children, to a spouse or partner who is their parent, or to family members of Golden Visa and highly qualified permit holders, who can apply straight away. We will help you determine when and how your family can join you.
Can you help with residency renewals and extensions?
Yes, we offer comprehensive support for residency renewals and extensions, ensuring that you maintain your legal status in Portugal without interruption.
How do I apply for permanent residency or citizenship in Portugal?
You can typically apply for permanent residency after holding temporary residency for five years. Citizenship can generally be pursued after seven years of legal residency if you are a citizen of a Portuguese-speaking country or an EU country, and after 10 years for other nationals. Other requirements also apply, and we can advise you based on your situation.
Do you provide services for EU nationals moving to Portugal?
Yes, while EU nationals do not require a visa to live and work in Portugal, we can assist with other legal services, including residency registration, tax advice, and the Family Reunification Program.
Other Services
Company Incorporation
This service includes drafting a Power of Attorney (allowing us to act on your behalf), issuing your Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF), drafting the Articles of Association, and registering your company at the Commercial Registry.Learn More
Immigration
With our expertise in immigration law, we will help you choose the most suitable visa for your situation. We will then help you gather all the necessary documents and support you throughout the process for the best outcome possible.Learn More
Portuguese Citizenship
Whether you’re applying through investment, naturalization, or ancestry, we will assist you in determining the most appropriate pathway for your unique situation.
Real Estate
Whether you're looking for an investment opportunity or a place to call home, we can help you with the process of due diligence by reviewing the property documents as well as assisting you with the real estate transaction itself.Learn More
Tax Identification Number (NIF)
Having a Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF) is mandatory if you want to sign any type of contract in Portugal. We will draft a Power of Attorney so we can issue your NIF without you having to deal with any bureaucracy.Learn More
IFICI Program (NHR 2.0)
This program offers eligible individuals who become tax residents in Portugal a favourable tax regime. Our team will assess your specific situation to determine whether you meet the criteria and advise you on how to proceed.
About
We are a team of English speaking lawyers based in Lisbon, Portugal. We provide services related to company incorporation, immigration, and taxation, always tailoring our services to your situation.
We're focused on building long-term partnerships with our clients by understanding their legal needs and providing succinct guidance with the legalese kept to a minimum.