Law firm · Lisbon

Legal Advisors
in Portugal

For international clients and companies: immigration, nationality, Golden Visa (ARI), real estate and tax.

We also work in corporate, labor, and inheritance law, and we advise on personal, family, business, and investment decisions, from planning to implementation.

Main areas
Immigration
Real estate
Investments
Tax

Since
2013

More than a decade of legal practice.

+€250M Structured

Foreign direct investment

+1000
clients

From over 40 jurisdictions

EVALUATIONS

What our clients say

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Tim Evans profile picture
Tim Evans
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Excellent service from Miguel Cruz Silva and his team at Prime Legal. They guided us through the Golden Visa process as well as the purchase of our home in Portugal with understanding and professionalism throughout. Highly responsive at all times. Would recommend without hesitation.
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Jana Hoffenberg profile picture
Jana Hoffenberg
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I’ve been working with Prime Legal for about a year now on the GV process for my family, and they’ve made what can be a very complicated process much easier to navigate. After researching many attorneys, we ultimately went with Miguel as he explained this complicated process in a clear, step by step manner that was easy to understand. Miguel, Carolina, and the entire team have been incredibly responsive, and helpful. They’ve also kept me informed as immigration requirements have changed and have always been clear about the next steps. There’s a lot involved in this process, but knowing I have a team that is organized, attentive, and genuinely on top of things has taken a lot of the stress out of it. I feel very confident that my family’s application is in good hands.
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Elsa Henriques profile picture
Elsa Henriques
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Excelente!
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emily laber-warren profile picture
emily laber-warren
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I've been working with Miguel and Carolina and support staff at Prime Legal for about 18 months now as I pursue GVs for me and my children. There were many hoops to jump through and Prime Legal staff have been incredibly timely, responsive, patient and knowledgeable every step of the way, including explaining all the paperwork I needed to provide, suggesting a rapid local apostille company, and processing everything as fast as I got it to them, even going back and forth late one afternoon as I tried different pdf apps to ensure the image I sent of my passport was acceptable. I have always been able to make a Zoom appointment when I need something explained, and we communicate by email and WhatsApp for more minor issues. I feel like they are right there with me every step of the way. Carolina met me at my AIMA appointment in Portugal with all my paperwork and handled everything -- all I had to do was show up. The firm is following the changes in immigration laws and keeping clients informed. It's a difficult process made infinitely less stressful because I feel confident my case is being handled expertly and in as timely a way as possible given the external circumstances.
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Nicole Curran profile picture
Nicole Curran
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Excellent experience working with Prime Legal. The team is highly knowledgeable, always responsive, and made a stressful process feel manageable from start to finish. I particularly want to highlight Miguel Cruz Silva — his expertise and attentiveness is outstanding. Highly recommend this firm to anyone looking for a top-tier legal team in Lisbon.
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Qaisar Khan profile picture
Qaisar Khan
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We were referred to Prime Legal by a trusted friend and got a very professional service from Vanessa Lima and Maria Diogo. They guided us through the complex applications, document requirements and timeline. All our concerns were answered and even met them in person at their Lisbon office. Overall we had a good experience with them.
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CMB profile picture
CMB
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Competent, easy to work with, good follow-through.
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M K profile picture
M K
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Prime Legal has been consistently professional and excellent in delivering their services. They guided us clearly through every stage of the process, making the experience smooth and reassuring. The entire team was incredibly helpful, with special thanks to Sara, Miguel and Carolina for their outstanding support, responsiveness, and care.
Publicado em Google Google
Matthew Eagan profile picture
Matthew Eagan
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Great experience working with Miguel Cruz Silva and his team pushing forward GV apps for my family. Always responsive by email. Additionally, the Prime team guided me through my biometrics appointment in-person without issue. Glad I went with them.
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Matt Galati profile picture
Matt Galati
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Prime is awesome. I say this as a fellow immigration professional and a somewhat indirect consumer of their services. Specifically, we just got a case approved where our firm referred to them an admittedly demanding American client. Sara and her team were on top of the case start to finish. It just got approved last week! I think the biggest criticism that Americans have of European law firms is their response time that never seems to meet what we expect. This is definitely NOT the case with Prime. It was expertly handled, start to finish, all communications responded to very quickly. Huge fan, can't say enough good things. You'd be in great hands with them.
WHAT WE DO

Our Practice Areas

Golden Visa & Residency by Investment

We support investors and their families in obtaining residency in Portugal through investment, providing legal, tax, and relocation assistance all in one place, from initial contact to approval.

INVESTMENT VISAS

(€200,000 to €500,000)
  • Regulated Investment Fund
  • Cultural Support
  • Scientific Investigation
  • Business Investment

We also support the D2, D7 and D8 visas, which are residency permits without capital investment.

25th of April Bridge, in Lisbon, at dusk.
Markets change. Countries change. Families change. The value of a second home is knowing you have it, should you need it.
Why Prime Legal?

Independent legal support at every stage.

Transparency

Timelines, costs, and each phase are explained before we begin.

Proximity

A person to talk to about all the questions that arise over the years.

Rigor

Legal analysis of investment requirements and eligibility verification prior to subscription.

Integrated vision

Immigration, tax and nationality services all in one place.

WHY CHOOSE PRIME LEGAL?

Four pillars that are felt in every process.

Transparency

Clear communication regarding deadlines, costs, and every decision in your process.

Proximity

Close and accessible support, from the first contact to the resolution of the case.

Rigor

Rigorous technical analysis, tailored to the specific needs of each client.

Proactivity

We anticipate risks and opportunities before they become urgent.

HOW WE WORK

Our Process, in 5 Steps

1

Initial Consultation

We got to know you, analyzed your case, identified your needs, and defined the next steps.

2

Formalization of the Mandate

We defined the scope of our intervention and formalized the necessary representation.

3

Process Preparation

We gathered, analyzed, and organized all the necessary documentation, anticipating any potential issues.

4

Execution and Monitoring

We handle every step of the process, coordinate the necessary procedures and stakeholders, and keep you informed about the progress of your case.

5

Conclusion and Availability

We follow the process until its conclusion and remain available for any legal needs that may arise.

INSIGHTS

PUBLICATIONS

Certified by leading international organizations.

The new Nationality Law
in Portugal

What has changed, what does it mean for you, and what should you do next?

Download this PDF for more information on the latest updates to the Portuguese Nationality Law.
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Short answers to the most common questions. When the answer depends on current legislation, we indicate the date of the last update.

Prime Legal is a law firm in Lisbon that provides legal support in immigration, nationality, real estate and tax matters to individuals and companies, both national and international. Two of the partners lead PAIIR, the sector's association: Sara Sousa Rebolo is president and Vanessa Rodrigues Lima is vice-president.

The process has five stages: initial consultation, formalization of the mandate, process preparation, execution and monitoring, and conclusion. The scope of the intervention is defined during the formalization of the mandate. The total timeframe depends on the type of process and the deciding entity, and is not guaranteed.

Fees depend on the type of case and the scope of the mandate. They are indicated in writing before the start and do not include third-party costs such as fees, certificates, and translations. We do not publish fixed amounts because each case is different.

Yes, officially known as the Residence Permit for Investment Activity (ARI). Property purchase ceased to be an eligible route in October 2023. The remaining routes, such as investment funds, culture, scientific research, and job creation, remain. The conditions for each should be confirmed before deciding. Updated November 4, 2026.

It does not require residency. It demands a minimum presence in the national territory, measured in days, much less than that of an ordinary resident. The number of days should be confirmed in the current version of the law, because the ARI rules have changed over the years.

The ARI (Authorization for Residence for Investment) depends on a qualifying investment. The D7 is a residence visa linked to passive income, and the D8 to remote work. Neither requires investment. The choice depends on each person's profile and objectives.

Seven years of legal residency for citizens of the CPLP and the EU, ten for the others, according to Organic Law No. 1/2026, in force on May 19, 2026. Nationality is not automatic: it also requires knowledge of Portuguese and good conduct, and the decision rests with the State. Applications prior to May 19 maintain the previous regime. Updated November 4, 2026.

No. A residence permit is renewed and can be lost. Nationality is a permanent bond, which can be requested after several years of legal residence and is never automatic. Having an ARI (Authorization for Residence for Investment) or other residence permit does not grant nationality simply by maintaining the document.

Generally, yes, and the purchase does not require residency. Before buying, it is necessary to obtain a tax identification number (NIF) in Portugal. Since October 2023, buying property no longer grants access to the ARI (Authorization for Residence for Investment).

When purchasing, you pay IMT (Property Transfer Tax) and stamp duty. During ownership, you pay annual IMI (Municipal Property Tax) and, above certain values, the AIMI (Additional Municipal Property Tax). Rents and capital gains are taxed under IRS (Personal Income Tax) or IRC (Corporate Income Tax). The rates depend on the property and the buyer, and we do not publish them here to avoid them becoming outdated.

Your Legal Support
Customized.

Team information and contact details. We will respond clearly regarding the next steps.

Prime Legal
Your personalized legal support in every area of law.

Contacts

Copyright © 2026 Prime Legal. All rights reserved.
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