Founded in 2009 with trust
Highly Experienced Law Firm In Portugal Specialized In Golden Visa
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1000+Clients Represnted
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14+years of expertise
If you are researching the Portugal Golden Visa, you are likely looking for accurate legal information and a clear understanding of how the program works today. As a Golden Visa lawyer in Portugal, my role is to guide clients through residency by investment using current law, not outdated assumptions.
The Golden Visa is not a product. It is a legal residence framework governed by Portuguese immigration law and administrative practice. Choosing the correct investment route, preparing the application properly, and planning for renewals and citizenship are essential. This is why many investors seek advice from an experienced Golden Visa lawyer Portugal rather than relying on promoters or intermediaries.
What Is the Portugal Golden Visa?
The Portugal Golden Visa is a residence permit for non-EU nationals who make a qualifying investment under Portuguese law.
Introduced in 2012, the program allows investors and their immediate family members to:
1. Obtain legal residence in Portugal
2. Travel freely within the Schengen Area
3. Maintain residence with limited physical presence requirements
Apply for permanent residence or Portuguese citizenship after five years, subject to legal conditions
The Golden Visa was never intended to be a shortcut. It is a regulated legal framework, and compliance is essential at every stage.
Why Legal Guidance Is Essential for the Golden Visa
Recent amendments, including changes introduced following the Mais Habitação legislation in 2023, have reshaped the Golden Visa entirely. Real estate, once the most common route, is no longer available.
In my experience, most problems arise when applicants:
1. Rely on outdated information
2. Follow financial marketing rather than legal advice
3. Do not consider renewals or citizenship eligibility
Working with a Golden Visa lawyer in Portugal ensures that your investment, documentation, and residence status are aligned with current law and future requirements.
Current Golden Visa Investment Options (After 2023 Changes)
Under the current legal framework, Golden Visa residency may be obtained through the following routes:
Investment Funds or Venture Capital
This is now the most commonly used Golden Visa route. Requirements include:
1. Capital transfer of €500,000 or more
2. Investment in regulated Portuguese funds
3. Minimum fund maturity of five years
4. At least 60% of investments in Portuguese companies
5. Funds must not be directly or indirectly linked to real estate
A specialized portuguese Golden Visa lawyer will verify fund eligibility, compliance, and suitability before any subscription.
Business Investment and Job Creation
Applicants may qualify by:
1. Capital transfer of €500,000 or more
2. Creation of at least five permanent jobs, or
3. Reinforcement of share capital while maintaining ten permanent jobs for at least three years
This route involves ongoing obligations and requires careful legal structuring by a Golden Visa law firm Portugal.
Scientific Research Activities
1. Capital transfer of €500,000 or more
2. Investment in approved public or private scientific institutions
3. Institutions must be part of the national scientific and technological system
Cultural or Artistic Support
Applicants may qualify through:
1. Investment of €250,000 or more
2. Support of artistic production or preservation of national cultural heritage
3. Investment through approved public or non-profit entities
Golden Visa Investment Routes No Longer Available
The following options are no longer eligible under current law:
1. Real estate acquisition
2. Real estate rehabilitation projects
3. Capital transfers of €1.5 million
4. Investment funds linked to real estate
Confirming whether an investment qualifies is a core role of a Golden Visa lawyer in Portugal.
Free Legal Consultation
Contact our legal team in Portugal to request a professional assessment of your Golden Visa eligibility. We will review your circumstances, explain the legally available investment routes, and advise you on the appropriate steps under current Portuguese law.All consultations are handled with discretion and provided by a Portuguese immigration lawyer experienced in residency-by-investment matters.
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See What Our Clients Are Saying About CSC Advogada
With 100+ five-star Google reviews, our clients trust CSC Advogada for reliable legal guidance, transparent communication, and personalised representation.
Clara's team was a great help in my process of getting citizenship. I highly recommend them and will be using them in the future for other services. Great communication.
David Steinberg
Clara and her associates have made what felt impossible possible and I finally got my Portuguese citizenship. They were able to provide sound advice in regards to details that could have complicated by case. They were responsive to my questions and supportive up until the very end. I am very pleased with their services.
Jenny M
I received my Portuguese passport through CSC Lawyers. Communication with the firm was reliable and professional, making the process stress free and enjoyable, even. I will not hesitate to return for legal help in the future.
Ken Taranto
2 days they accompanied us.on the first morning for the ID, on the second for the passport. They collect both certificates and on the third day I collected the doc.from their office.everything went smoothly and maria was wonderful.so I'm happy everything went smoothly with no problem. Thank you very much 🙏 …
Iris Weissman
Clara was extremely helpful during my journey to obtain Portuguese citizenship. The process can be confusing, and there were were times when documents had to be corrected or re-submitted. Clara always helped me understand the process and complete what was necessary. It was a relief to have someone in Portugal who could handle things. I appreciate the help so much, and I definitely recommend this legal office.
Faye R
WHY US?
What Sets Us Apart From Other Golden Visa Lawyers in Portugal
Choosing a Golden Visa lawyer is not about finding the loudest promise or the fastest approval claim. It is about choosing legal judgment, accountability, and long-term protection.
What sets our practice apart from other Golden Visa lawyers in Portugal is the way we approach residency-by-investment cases—from a strictly legal, strategic, and future-focused perspective.
Lawyer-Led Advice, Not Sales-Driven Promotion
Golden Visa applications are often marketed by intermediaries with no legal responsibility for the outcome. Our advice is provided directly by a Portuguese-qualified lawyer, registered with the Bar Association, who is legally accountable for the guidance given. This ensures that every recommendation is based on law, not commission structures
Experience Beyond Immigration Forms
Our work is grounded in over 14 years of legal practice, including administrative and litigation experience. This background is critical when dealing with discretionary decisions, compliance reviews, renewals, or situations where applications face scrutiny. Many issues only arise years after approval—our approach anticipates them from the start.
Focus on Renewals and Citizenship, Not Just Approval
Unlike many Golden Visa legal representation in Portugal who focus only on initial approvals, we structure every case with renewals, permanent residence, and citizenship eligibility in mind. The true success of a Golden Visa application is measured five years later, not on the day of submission.
LEARN MORE
Independent Legal Assessment of Investments
We do not promote investment products. Each investment route, particularly funds or business structures, is reviewed independently from a legal compliance perspective, ensuring it meets statutory requirements today and remains defensible under future regulatory scrutiny.
LEARN MOREInternational and Institutional Perspective
Our advisory work has included governments, embassies, multinational companies, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals, as well as prior service in an international institutional setting. This perspective is especially valuable for clients with complex cross-border, tax, or family considerations.
LEARN MOREDiscretion, Clarity, and Professional Accountability
Golden Visa matters often involve sensitive financial and personal information. We operate with discretion, clarity, and professional responsibility at every stage. Clients work directly with an experienced Golden Visa lawyer in Portugal, not through layers of sales representatives.
LEARN MOREFrequently Asked Questions
Important Information for Existing Golden Visa Holders
If you already hold a Golden Visa or submitted an application prior to legislative changes:
1. The law does not apply retroactively
2. Existing residence permits remain valid
3. Family reunification rights are preserved
4. Renewals remain possible under transitional rules
5. Future renewals may transition to a D2 residence permit
6. Minimum stay requirements remain unchanged:
7. Seven days in the first year
8. Fourteen days in each subsequent two-year period
An experienced Golden Visa attorney in Portugal is essential when navigating these transitional provisions
Common Mistakes Golden Visa Applicants Make
From legal practice, the most frequent issues include:
1. Choosing investments based on marketing material
2. Failing to confirm fund eligibility
3. Poor documentation
4. Ignoring renewal obligations
5. Lack of long-term planning
These errors often appear years later, when correcting them is difficult.
Advantages of Fund-Based Golden Visa Investments
Many investors now prefer fund-based options due to:
1. Reduced transaction taxes compared to real estate
2. Strong regulatory oversight by Portuguese authorities
3. Mandatory diversification requirements
4. Simplified management
5. Potential tax efficiencies for non-resident investors
Each fund must be assessed individually by a Portugal Golden Visa law firm to confirm legal eligibility.
How We Assist as Golden Visa Lawyers in Portugal
Our legal services include:
1. Golden Visa eligibility assessment
2. Legal review of investment routes
3. Application preparation and submission
4. Liaison with Portuguese authorities
5. Renewals and compliance
6. Family reunification
7. Permanent residence and citizenship planning
We act as a trusted Golden Visa law firm in Portugal, providing accurate, discreet, and legally accountable advice
Clara da Costa
Founder, CSC Advogada | Lisbon
Portuguese Bar Association number 45229L
Speak with a board-certified golden visa lawyer In portugal
If you are considering the Portugal Golden Visa, a preliminary legal assessment can clarify whether the program suits your objectives and how current legislation applies to your case.You may contact our Golden Visa lawyers in Portugal to request further information or arrange a confidential consultation.
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