English-speaking, Ordem dos Advogados registered, based in Portugal. All legal advice from qualified lawyers - nothing outsourced.
Moving to Portugal involves legal decisions with real consequences - which visa to apply for, how to document your income, which consulate to use, and what to do if your application is rejected. These decisions are best made with a licensed Portuguese immigration lawyer, not a consultant, a forum recommendation, or a generic relocation agency.
At Visas.pt, every client speaks directly with an Ordem dos Advogados registered immigration lawyer. Our lawyers are qualified in Portuguese law, based in Portugal, and handle the full application process - from your first income assessment to your AIMA biometrics appointment.
525+
Relocations completed
7%
D7 rejection rate vs ~26% self-prepared
4.8★
Trustpilot rating 54 reviews
38
Nationalities helped
Meet our immigration lawyers
JO
Jéssica Oliveira
Portuguese Immigration Lawyer · Ordem dos Advogados
As part of the immigration team at Visas.pt, Jéssica helps individuals and families navigate the legal side of moving to Portugal. She makes the legal side of moving abroad easier to understand, breaking down immigration and residency requirements into clear, practical guidance.
D7 Passive Income VisaD8 Digital Nomad VisaNIF RegistrationAIMA Residence PermitsFamily Reunification
Portuguese Immigration Lawyer · Ordem dos Advogados
Joana works with Visas.pt clients on Portuguese immigration and residency matters, guiding them through the legal steps involved in making Portugal their home. She explains visa and residency requirements in clear, straightforward language, helping clients understand what they need and what comes next.
D7 Passive Income VisaD8 Digital Nomad VisaD2 Entrepreneur VisaPortuguese CitizenshipAIMA Procedures
At Visas.pt, Joana supports people from around the world as they navigate Portugal’s visa and residency system. She brings a clear and thoughtful approach to her work, helping clients understand their requirements, options and next steps without making an already complex process feel more complicated than it needs to be.
D7 Passive Income VisaD8 Digital Nomad VisaResidency RequirementsAIMA ProceduresPortuguese Citizenship
Immigration lawyer vs visa consultant - what's the difference?
The distinction matters legally. In Portugal, only Ordem dos Advogados registered lawyers are authorised to provide legal advice. Visa consultants - regardless of how they present themselves - have no regulated legal standing and cannot advise on law. When things go wrong (a rejection, a request for additional documents, an appeal), only a lawyer can represent you.
What you need
Registered lawyer
Consultant / agency
Legally authorised to advise on Portuguese immigration law
✓ Yes
✗ No
Can represent you in appeals and legal proceedings
Book a free introductory call. Your lawyer reviews your situation - income type, nationality, family composition - and confirms which visa route applies. No obligation.
2
Income and eligibility assessment
Your lawyer reviews your documentation and identifies any gaps before you commit to an application. This is where most self-prepared applications fail - our lawyers catch problems early.
3
NIF and bank account
Obtained remotely. Both are included in the Complete Visa Package. Your lawyer handles the Finanças process and the bank liaison via power of attorney.
4
Document preparation
Your lawyer prepares the full application package - cover letter, income documentation, apostille guidance, accommodation, health insurance - reviewed for completeness before submission.
5
Consulate application
Submitted through the consulate or VFS Global. Your lawyer monitors the application, responds to any requests for additional documents, and keeps you updated throughout processing.
6
AIMA and residence permit
After arrival in Portugal, your lawyer books your biometrics appointment and, in the Plus package, attends with you. Your lawyer monitors card issuance and handles any issues with AIMA.
Common questions about working with a Portuguese immigration lawyer
No - you are not legally required to use a lawyer. However, professionally prepared D7 applications have a 7% rejection rate compared to an estimated 26% for self-prepared applications. For complex cases (D2, Golden Visa, citizenship), legal representation is strongly recommended.
A Portuguese immigration lawyer is registered with the Ordem dos Advogados (Portuguese Bar Association) and is legally authorised to provide legal advice and represent clients in legal proceedings. A visa consultant has no regulated legal standing in Portugal and cannot legally advise on immigration law. At Visas.pt, all legal advice is provided by Ordem dos Advogados registered lawyers.
A 1-hour immigration consultation costs €125. Full visa preparation (D7 or D8) is included in the Complete Visa Package at €1,595 for the primary applicant, which also includes NIF number and bank account opening. The second adult pays 50% (€797.50).
Yes - all Visas.pt services are delivered entirely remotely. Your NIF number, bank account, and full visa preparation are handled via video call and document upload. You do not need to travel to Portugal until your consulate appointment.
The Ordem dos Advogados is the Portuguese Bar Association - the professional regulatory body that licenses and regulates all lawyers in Portugal. Only Ordem dos Advogados registered members are legally authorised to provide legal advice in Portugal. Visas.pt immigration lawyers Jéssica Oliveira and Joana Guerra are registered members.
For D7 applications professionally prepared by Visas.pt lawyers, the rejection rate is 7% on first applications. For D8 applications, 9%. For Golden Visa applications, 4%. Community data suggests self-prepared applications have a rejection rate approximately 2.4× higher.
Speak to a Portuguese immigration lawyer - free
15 minutes. Your lawyer confirms your visa route, reviews your income situation, and tells you exactly what you need. No obligation.
"Not sure which visa applies to your situation? Book a free 15-minute call - I'll tell you the right route and what your income documentation needs to show."
