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How to find a verified immigration lawyer in Portugal
Immigration advice is a regulated activity — in some markets, giving it unregulated is a criminal offence. Here is which register proves someone may lawfully advise you in Portugal, what an independent immigration lawyer actually does for your residence clock, what it costs, and what nobody may promise you.
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Why an independent immigration lawyer matters in Portugal
Portugal changed the rule under people mid-journey: for applications from 19 May 2026 the nationality requirement is 7 years of legal residence for EU and CPLP nationals and 10 years for everyone else, where it had been 5 — while permanent residence still arrives at 5. Anyone who planned around the old number needs their own timeline checked against the amended law rather than against a blog post. AIMA decides your case and does not act for you; an advogado you instruct is the only party in the process who does.
How to verify a immigration lawyer in Portugal
In Portugal, use an advogado registered with the Ordem dos Advogados — the register is public and searchable. Residence and nationality matters are handled by AIMA (the agency that took over the former SEF's functions), and AIMA is the decision-maker, not your representative.
Typical fees
Usually a fixed fee per procedure, agreed in advance. Ask for it in writing and confirm whether AIMA fees, certified translations and apostilles are included. Nationality and residence matters are priced differently — they are separate procedures.
The mistake to avoid
Relying on a 'golden visa' or relocation intermediary for nationality timing. Their commercial interest is in the investment product; the residence and nationality clocks are a legal question, and after the 2026 reform an out-of-date answer is a very expensive one.
Get matched with a verified immigration lawyer
Tell us where you are going and what stage you are at, and we'll match you with a regulated, independent professional in that market. You instruct them directly and pay them directly — we're only the matchmaker, and no one can promise you an outcome.
Request a match →Are you a immigration lawyer in Portugal?
We're selecting a founding cohort of verified firms per market before buyer matching opens. No listing fee in the founding period, top placement, and a per-match rate locked for life — you pay only when you accept and win a match.
Apply to the founding cohort →Frequently asked
Did Portugal really change its citizenship requirement?
Yes. For applications made from 19 May 2026 the requirement is 7 years of legal residence for EU and CPLP nationals and 10 years for others, where it was previously 5. Permanent residence was not changed and remains available after 5 years.
How do I verify a Portuguese advogado?
Check their registration on the Ordem dos Advogados public register. A registered advogado is insured and bound by professional conduct rules; consultants and relocation agents are neither.