Immigration Consultation | Visas.pt

Immigration Consultation

One hour with an immigration lawyer registered with the Portuguese Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados) who will assess your situation, explain your options clearly, and give you an honest answer about the right path forward — no generic advice, no sales pitch.

✓ Reviewed by Scott Kirk, Founder and Immigration Advisor · October 03, 2026
💶
Price
€125
⏱️
Duration
1 hour
📹
Format
Live video call
⚖️
Lawyer
Portuguese Bar Registered
Immigration Consultation

What does a Portugal Immigration Consultation cover?

The €125 Immigration Consultation is a one-hour live video call for people who need personalised advice on a Portugal visa, residence permit, family case, refusal or long-term residence plan. Your consultation is with a Portuguese immigration lawyer registered with the Portuguese Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados), who assesses your circumstances, explains the available routes and answers your legal and procedural questions.

✅ A consultation is useful if you…
  • 🤔
    Do not know which visa to chooseThe lawyer assesses your income, employment, business activity, family structure and plans before explaining the routes that may fit.
  • 📋
    Had a visa refused or returnedThe lawyer can review the available refusal information, identify possible issues and explain the next legal or application options.
  • 👪
    Have a complex family situationMixed nationalities, unmarried partners, step-children, dependants and different residence statuses can affect the correct procedure.
  • 🇵🇹
    Want long-term residence or citizenship planningThe consultation can explain current permanent residence and nationality rules and what you may need to prepare over time.
⚠️ You may need another service if…
  • 📦
    You want us to handle the full visa applicationThe Complete Visa Assistance package includes lawyer consultations together with visa preparation, NIF, bank account assistance and wider application support.
  • 🇪🇺
    You are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizenYou generally do not need a Portuguese residence visa and instead use the applicable EU residence registration procedure.
  • 💰
    Your question is mainly about taxIncome tax, IFICI, foreign income and double-taxation questions are better handled through the Tax Consultation.
Free call, €85 strategy session or €125 legal consultation? The free introductory call with our team explains our services and which service may suit you, but it is not a legal consultation and does not include document review. The €85 Visa Strategy Consultation on our Do it Yourself page is a focused 30-minute session with an immigration lawyer to assess eligibility and identify a likely visa route. The €125 Immigration Consultation gives you a full hour with a Portuguese immigration lawyer for more detailed legal, procedural, family, refusal and residence questions.
Pricing

Choose the right level of support

Fixed prices. Government and third party fees are separate.

Immigration Consultation
€125
1-hour session with an immigration lawyer
  • Live video chat with a Portuguese immigration lawyer to answer your questions
Talk to Us Add to Cart
Tax Consultation
€225
Pension treatment, income tax & treaty benefits
  • Live video chat with a Portuguese tax Expert to answer your questions
Learn More Add to Cart
Choosing the Right Route

Which Portugal visa could fit my situation?

The lawyer considers your income source, employment or business activity, family circumstances and plans before explaining the routes that fit the facts of your case.

🌿
D7 Passive Income
For people with regular passive income such as pensions, rents, dividends, interest or royalties. Portaria 1563/2007 sets the means of subsistence reference at 100% of the minimum wage for the first adult, 50% for each additional adult and 30% for each child or dependent adult child. In 2026 the monthly references are €920, €460 and €276, and D7 applicants relying on pension or own income must secure the means for at least 12 months.
💻
D8 Digital Nomad
For eligible remote employees and freelancers working for employers or clients outside Portugal. In 2026, the legal income test is an average of at least €3,680 a month over the previous three months.
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D2 Entrepreneur and Independent Activity
For entrepreneurs and independent professionals. Portuguese law has separate independent activity and entrepreneur tracks and does not set a minimum D2 investment.
🏅
Golden Visa
For applicants making one of the qualifying investments permitted under the current investment residence rules. Real estate purchase is no longer an eligible Golden Visa route.
Not every applicant fits one of these four routes. Employment, highly qualified activity, Startup Visa, study, family and EU family member procedures can also apply. The purpose of the consultation is to identify the route that corresponds to your circumstances rather than force the case into a particular visa category.
Documents and Requirements

Can the lawyer tell me which documents I need?

Yes. The lawyer can explain the legal requirements and the documents normally required for the route discussed during your consultation. Consulates and VFS centres can also publish jurisdiction-specific checklist requirements, so legal requirements and local submission practice should be considered separately.

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Document requirements
Understand which identity, financial, accommodation, professional or family documents normally apply to the route being discussed.
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Certification guidance
Ask whether particular foreign documents need an apostille, legalisation, certification or translation before submission.
⚠️
Potential problems
Discuss inconsistencies, missing evidence or procedural issues that could affect the application.
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Next steps
The consultation can identify the route discussed, the evidence to begin gathering and the procedural steps that follow.
Law and consular practice are not the same thing. National visa rules set the legal framework, while the consulate or VFS centre responsible for where you legally live may publish additional checklist instructions. See the Foreign Ministry's national visa documentation and guidance on where to apply.
Previous Refusal

Can the consultation help after a Portugal visa refusal?

Yes. A lawyer can review the available refusal decision and application history, explain the apparent legal or evidential issues and discuss the options that may be available in your circumstances.

1
Review what happened
Explain the previous application, refusal, return or procedural problem and provide the relevant information available to you.
2
Identify the issue
The lawyer reviews the available information and identifies possible legal, evidential or procedural weaknesses.
3
Discuss your options
Depending on the decision and applicable law, possible next steps may include responding to the authority, appealing, submitting a new application or considering another immigration route.
4
Plan the next step
The lawyer explains which option appears available based on the information reviewed and whether additional legal work is needed after the consultation.
Family Immigration

Can the consultation cover family reunification?

Yes. The lawyer can assess whether family members should apply for accompanying residence visas at the same time as the main applicant or whether a later family reunification procedure applies.

👪 Family structures
  • 🌍
    Mixed nationalitiesDifferent nationalities and residence rights can change which family procedure should be used.
  • 💍
    Spouses and partnersThe lawyer can explain the relationship evidence and procedure relevant to your situation.
  • 👧
    Children and step-childrenAge, dependency, parental responsibility and family relationships can affect eligibility and documentation.
👵 Timing and waiting periods
  • 👨‍👩‍👧
    Apply together where eligibleFamily members can apply for accompanying residence visas at the same time as the main applicant under Article 58(5) of Law 23/2007.
  • 📅
    Later family reunificationThe sponsor generally must have held a valid residence permit for at least two years. This is reduced to 15 months for a spouse or equivalent partner who cohabited with the residence permit holder for at least 18 months in the period immediately before the holder entered Portugal.
  • 📋
    ExceptionsThere is no waiting period for dependent minors or incapable dependants, or for a spouse or equivalent partner who, together with the residence permit holder, is the parent or adopter of a dependent minor or incapable person. Families of holders of residence permits for highly qualified activity, investment residence and the EU Blue Card are also exempt.
Family cases are highly fact-specific. If the family is already separated between countries, the normal procedure when using later family reunification is for the resident sponsor to apply to AIMA first and for the family member abroad to apply for the visa after approval. See AIMA family reunification guidance and our 2026 family reunification guide.
The Consultation

What happens during an Immigration Consultation?

The one-hour session is focused on your circumstances and the legal and procedural questions you want the lawyer to address.

1
Book and provide your information
Give us your nationality, immigration status, income or work situation, family circumstances and the questions you want to discuss.
2
One-hour live video call
Speak directly with a Portuguese immigration lawyer registered with the Portuguese Bar Association.
3
Discuss the rules and procedure
Cover visa eligibility, documents, consular practice, AIMA procedures, family questions, previous refusals or other immigration issues relevant to your case.
4
Receive written follow-up
The service includes a short written summary of the principal advice and next steps discussed during the consultation.
Online Consultation

Can I speak to a Portuguese immigration lawyer from abroad?

Yes. The Immigration Consultation takes place by live video call, so you can obtain Portuguese immigration advice before travelling to Portugal.

📹
Online appointment
No trip to Portugal is required for the consultation itself.
🌍
Apply where you legally live
For a residence visa, the eventual application is normally lodged with the Portuguese consulate or VFS centre responsible for the place where you legally reside.
⚖️
Portuguese Bar registered lawyer
The €125 service is a legal consultation with a Portuguese immigration lawyer registered with the Portuguese Bar Association, not a general sales call.
📝
Written follow-up
The principal advice and next steps discussed during the consultation are summarised after the call.
Long-Term Planning

Can I ask about permanent residence and Portuguese citizenship?

Yes. The consultation can explain the current permanent residence and nationality rules, but these are separate legal procedures and citizenship is not an automatic second stage after permanent residence.

🇵🇹 Permanent residence
  • 📅
    Five years of legal residencePermanent residence can generally be requested after five years of legal temporary residence.
  • 🗣️
    Portuguese languagePermanent residence requires proof of basic Portuguese. AIMA accepts several forms of proof, including CIPLE, an A2 or higher Portuguese as a Host Language certificate and qualifying school certificates.
  • 📋
    Separate applicationPermanent residence has its own eligibility and documentary requirements.
⚖️ Citizenship under the 2026 law
  • 📅
    Residence periodFor naturalisation applications under Article 6(1) made from 19 May 2026, the residence period is generally 10 years of legal residence, or seven years for citizens of EU countries and Portuguese-speaking countries.
  • 🗣️
    Language and knowledge requirementsFor naturalisation applications under Article 6(1) made from 19 May 2026, the law requires sufficient knowledge of Portuguese language and culture, history and national symbols, together with knowledge of fundamental rights, duties and the political organisation of the State.
  • 📌
    New regulations pendingAs of October 2026, the implementing regulation defining the new knowledge tests had not yet been published. Existing nationality rules continue to provide for A2 Portuguese language evidence.
Pending applications: nationality applications that were already pending on 19 May 2026 remain subject to the previous rules. Other nationality routes have their own eligibility and knowledge requirements. See Organic Law 1/2026, the consolidated Nationality Law, permanent residence guidance and our 2026 nationality law guide.
Immigration vs Tax

Should I book an Immigration Consultation or Tax Consultation?

Choose the consultation that matches the main question you need answered. Immigration eligibility and Portuguese tax treatment are separate issues.

⚖️
Immigration Consultation €125
Visa eligibility, route selection, immigration documents, application procedure, family reunification, refusals, permanent residence and citizenship planning.
💰
Tax Consultation €225
Tax residence, Portuguese income tax, IFICI, foreign income, pensions, capital gains, double taxation, VAT and freelancer or company tax questions.
Pricing

How much does an Immigration Consultation cost?

💶
Immigration Consultation €125
A one-hour live video consultation with a Portuguese immigration lawyer registered with the Portuguese Bar Association.
💳
Visa Strategy Consultation €85
A shorter 30-minute session for applicants who mainly want an eligibility assessment, visa route recommendation and initial strategy.
📹
Free introductory call
A discussion with our team about Visas.pt services and which service may be appropriate. It is not legal advice and does not include document review.
📦
Complete Visa Package €1,595
Includes lawyer video consultations together with visa determination, document review and guidance, NIF assistance, bank account help and consular support.
⭐
Complete Visa Package Plus €2,810
Includes the wider Complete services plus full document preparation, property search, tax consultation and lawyer support at the AIMA residence appointment.
After the Call

What happens after the Immigration Consultation?

After the consultation, you receive a short written summary of the principal advice and next steps discussed with the lawyer.

1
Written summary
The main points discussed during the legal consultation are summarised for you after the call.
2
Recommended route or legal option
Where route selection is part of the consultation, the summary records the immigration route or legal option discussed with the lawyer.
3
Documents and preparation
Where relevant, the lawyer identifies the principal documents or evidence you should begin preparing.
4
Choose your next step
You can proceed independently, book further legal advice or engage Visas.pt for a full visa assistance package if you want us to help manage the application.
Official sources and guides: Read the Foreign Ministry's residence visa documentation and application jurisdiction guidance, the consolidated Foreigners Law and AIMA family reunification guidance. You can also read our Portugal visa application guide, our family reunification guide, our permanent residence guide and our nationality law guide.
Book your consultation
Immigration Consultation
★ Standalone Session
Immigration Consultation€125
1-hour live video call with a certified Portuguese immigration lawyer
Complete Visa Package€1,595
Consultation included — plus full visa application, NIF, bank account & support
Complete Visa Package PLUS€2,810
All the above + property finder, tax consultation & AIMA lawyer
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FAQ

Questions about our Immigration Consultation

It is a one-hour live video consultation with a qualified Portuguese immigration lawyer who assesses your circumstances, explains your options and recommends the appropriate immigration route.

The standalone Immigration Consultation costs €125 for a one-hour live video call with a qualified Portuguese immigration lawyer.

Yes. The €125 consultation fee is credited in full towards your Complete Visa Package fee if you decide to proceed with our services.

Yes. Consultations are conducted exclusively by qualified Portuguese immigration lawyers registered with the Portuguese Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados).

Yes. The consultation is a live video call and can be booked remotely from your home country.

Yes. Live video consultations can be booked across international time zones from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, India, South Africa, and worldwide.

Your assigned lawyer assesses your income streams, employment model, and family requirements to determine the optimal route among D7, D8, D2, D3, or Golden Visa pathways.

The D7 is generally associated with retirees and qualifying passive-income applicants. A consultation can assess whether your actual income and circumstances fit that route.

The D8 is designed for eligible remote workers with qualifying foreign-source income. The current consultation page references a €3,680+ monthly income level.

The D2 is generally aimed at entrepreneurs, business owners and qualifying independent professionals. The lawyer can assess whether your business or professional situation fits.

The Golden Visa is an investment-based residence route for eligible investors. A consultation can assess whether your circumstances and intended investment fit the applicable route.

Yes. Choosing the correct route is one of the main purposes of the consultation. The lawyer reviews your income, employment, family circumstances and goals before recommending a path.

Yes. A previous refusal or returned application is specifically identified as a reason to book the consultation. The lawyer can review what went wrong and discuss the next strategy.

Yes. Our attorneys review consular feedback, rectify missing documentation, and restructure your application file for successful resubmission.

Yes. Family reunification advice is one of the core consultation topics, including spouses, children and dependants.

Yes. We provide clear strategies for multi-national family units to ensure streamlined joint consular filing or family reunification.

Yes. Unmarried partners are specifically mentioned as a family situation that may require individual immigration advice.

Yes. Our attorneys clarify the precise custody decrees, parental authorizations, and apostilled documentation needed for step-children.

Yes. Elderly dependants are specifically mentioned as a situation that may affect the immigration strategy.

The lawyer explains the documents applicable to your recommended route, how they should be certified and common errors that can cause delays.

Yes. The consultation covers the application process, including timelines, consular requirements, AIMA appointments and what to expect at each stage.

Yes. The lawyer outlines post-arrival biometric appointments, required documentation, and current AIMA card issuance timelines.

Yes. The lawyer can explain the consular requirements relevant to the recommended visa route.

Yes. Citizenship pathway planning is listed as one of the core consultation areas, including language requirements, physical presence and documentation.

The lawyer can explain the relevant residence pathway, physical-presence considerations and what should be documented as you progress toward longer-term status.

No. A consultation is not legally mandatory, but it helps ensure eligibility, prevents procedural refusals, and clarifies strict consular documentation rules.

When booking, you complete a short intake form with your nationality, income type, family situation and the questions you want answered. The lawyer reviews this before the call.

Your assigned Portuguese immigration lawyer reviews your situation, recommends a visa route, explains requirements, answers your questions and can discuss citizenship planning when relevant.

Within 24 to 48 hours, you receive a comprehensive written legal assessment detailing your recommended visa route, key deadlines, and a complete document checklist.

Your tailored legal action plan and document checklist are delivered by email within 24 to 48 hours following your session.

Book the Immigration Consultation for visas, family reunification, and residency pathways. For IFICI, NHR status, overseas pensions, and double taxation, choose the €225 Tax Consultation.

Yes. The legal consultation is fully included in both the €1,595 Complete Visa Package and the €2,810 Complete Visa Package Plus.
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One hour with a certified Portuguese immigration lawyer. Know exactly where you stand before you spend a single euro on applications.

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