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05 November 2024

The Importance of Good Legal Counsel for Portuguese Expats

Living abroad presents many challenges, and most Portuguese emigrants keep strong ties to Portugal, meaning that, at some point, they may require legal support.

Engaging qualified legal counsel can make a crucial difference in many situations, protecting the emigrant’s rights and assets effectively.

Inheritance and Property Management

Imagine a Portuguese emigrant inheriting property in Portugal while residing abroad. Regularising the property, ensuring all legal requirements are met, and possibly selling or leasing it can be a complex, time-consuming process. With the right legal counsel, the emigrant receives complete support—from obtaining certificates and documents to full representation during the inheritance process—minimising the need to travel back to Portugal. This allows emigrants to manage their assets without disrupting their lives abroad.

Changes in Marital Status and Family Matters

Changes in marital status—marriage, divorce, or birth of children—require updates in Portuguese records. For example, a Portuguese woman married abroad may wish to separate, only to encounter differing procedures and specific documentation requirements to validate the divorce in Portugal. With expert legal assistance, the process becomes straightforward, ensuring that marital status and family records comply with Portuguese legislation, reducing bureaucratic hurdles.

Support with Tax and Financial Matters

Many emigrants have investments or income in Portugal, which involves tax obligations that can be unclear. An emigrant renting out property, for example, must declare this income in Portugal, and their country of residence may also require it. A specialised legal counsel helps navigate double taxation agreements, preventing double tax payments and protecting income. A tax-specialised lawyer ensures compliance with regulations, providing peace of mind and security.

Real Estate Transactions

Real estate transactions in Portugal often concern emigrants, whether buying or selling property. Opportunities can arise while the emigrant is abroad, complicating contract analysis and document verification, such as licenses and property registrations. With trusted legal representation, emigrants can handle these transactions remotely, assured that all legal steps are met, avoiding unforeseen issues. This empowers emigrants to invest in Portugal confidently.

Diploma Recognition and Legal Document Certification

Lastly, emigrants aiming to validate their qualifications or documents in Portugal may find legal counsel invaluable. For those returning to work in their field, dealing with translation and certification requirements can be daunting. An experienced lawyer who understands the homologation process expedites procedures, reducing errors that could delay recognition.

Why is Good Legal Counsel Essential?

Specialised legal counsel ensures compliance with Portuguese law, protecting emigrants’ interests practically, avoiding legal issues and hassles. With a lawyer ready to represent and assist in Portugal, emigrants gain confidence that their assets and rights are well-protected, allowing them to focus on their lives abroad.

 

If you live abroad and are facing legal matters related to Portugal, contact us and discover how we can assist you with commitment and expertise.

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