Your Bridge To Portugal

Specialized legal support for US citizens and international clients relocating to Portugal.

Expert legal advice for your new beginning.

Expert Legal Guidance for Your New Beginning

Moving to Portugal doesn’t mean navigating complex legal systems alone. As a fluent English-speaking solicitor based in Portugal, I offer expert legal support at every stage of your relocation process — from visa applications and residence permits to purchasing property and setting up a business.

Meet Margarita Aleksanyan

Experienced in Portugues immigration and property law, I specialize in helping international clients, particularly from the US, establish their new lives in Portugal. Understanding the challenges of relocating to a new country with different legal systems, I provide clear, personalized guidance in English to make your transition as smooth as possible.

My approach combines legal expertise with practical knowledge of Portugal’s immigration landscape. Having assisted hundreds of clients through successful relocations, I offer more than just legal services—I provide peace of mind during one of life’s most significant transitions.

Immigration Services

I guide you through Portugal’s various visa pathways, including:

  • Complete support for Digital Nomad Visa (D8) applications, requiring proof of €3,480 monthly income
  • Assistance with (D7), suitable for retirees, religious people and people who live off their own income
  • Guidance for Golden Visa investors, including the recent 2025 program changes
  • Documentation preparation and submission to Portuguese authorities
  • Representation during interviews and application processes
  • Support in obtaining residence cards and meeting stay requirements

From initial application to receiving your residence permit, I handle the entire process, allowing you to focus on planning your new life in Portugal.

Real Estate Transactions

Purchasing property in Portugal involves specific legal requirements for foreign buyers. My services include:

  • Drafting and reviewing promissory purchase and sale agreements to protect your interests

  • Conducting thorough due diligence on properties to identify potential issues

  • Guiding you through the entire purchase process, from reservation to final deed

  • Ensuring compliance with regulations specific to foreign buyers

  • Handling property registration with Portuguese authorities

  • Advising on property transfer tax (IMT) and stamp duty obligations

With property prices averaging €2,750/m² nationally and up to €7,500/m² in premium Lisbon areas, having expert legal guidance is essential to protect your investment.

Estate Planning and Inheritance

Protect your assets and provide for your loved ones with comprehensive estate planning services:

  • Drafting wills that comply with both Portuguese law and your home country’s regulations

  • Creating executor appointments to ensure your wishes are carried out

  • Preparing donation agreements for lifetime asset distribution

  • Managing heir declarations (habilitação de herdeiros) and succession planning

  • Resolving inheritance disputes through mediation or legal representation

  • Advising on tax-efficient estate planning strategies for international clients

My cross-border expertise ensures your estate plan works seamlessly across jurisdictions.

Corporate and Commercial Law

For entrepreneurs and investors establishing businesses in Portugal:

  • Legal assistance in company formation, modification, or dissolution

  • Drafting and reviewing partnership agreements, bylaws, and shareholder agreements

  • Providing compliance guidance for corporate governance and regulatory filings

  • Representing clients in mergers, acquisitions, and business restructuring

  • Advising on tax obligations for foreign-owned businesses

  • Supporting business visa applications for company founders and key employees

I help you navigate Portugal’s business landscape with confidence and legal compliance.

Additional Legal Support

My comprehensive legal services also include:

  • Representation in notarial acts and public deeds

  • Legal assistance in debt recovery and claims management

  • Support for administrative processes, including licensing and permits

  • Mediation and negotiation services to resolve disputes amicably

  • Guidance on tax obligations for foreign residents

  • Ongoing legal support as you establish your life in Portugal

My Commitment to Your Success

  • English-Speaking Legal Support: Clear communication without language barriers

  • Specialized Expertise: Deep knowledge of issues facing US and international clients

  • Personalized Approach: Tailored legal strategies for your specific situation

  • Transparent Pricing: Clear fee structures with no hidden costs

  • Ongoing Relationship: Continued support as you establish your life in Portugal

With over 10,000 American expats now calling Portugal home, having a legal advisor who understands both Portuguese requirements and your unique needs is invaluable.

How We’ll Work Together

  1. Initial Consultation: We discuss your goals, timeline, and specific needs for relocating to Portugal
  2. Strategy Development: I create a personalized legal roadmap for your relocation
  3. Documentation: We prepare and review all necessary legal documents
  4. Application & Submission: I handle submissions to relevant Portuguese authorities
  5. Follow-Up & Representation: I represent your interests throughout the process
  6. Successful Outcome: You achieve your Portugal relocation goals with confidence

What Clients Say About Margarita

Exceptionally Knowledgeable

Margarita is exceptionally knowledgeable and brings a level of professionalism and insight that’s rare to find. Her background and experience make her especially effective at guiding clients through complexities and bureaucracy with clarity and confidence. Working with her gave me peace of mind throughout the entire process, as she removes hurdles and resolves issues with ease. I highly recommend her to anyone needing expert support they can truly trust.

– Scarlet G.

Delighted

We were delighted to meet you and appreciate your work, which embodies professionalism and efficiency. We recommend!

Nathalie M., French

Stress Free

I had a wonderful experience working with Margarita Aleksanyan and can recommend her services wholeheartedly. She assisted me with my residency process, which had dragged on for over a year. Margarita responded to me directly when I reached out to her for help, and expedited the process – I had an appointment within just a few weeks! She is extremely professional and the process was very smooth and stress free. I will definitely be using her for other issues, and have recommended her to several friends. 
– Meg W.

Valuable Legal Advice

Thank you very much for your valuable legal assistance in Portugal. Your promptness, availability and the clarity of your explanations were of particular help.

Françoise  M., Portugal

Calm & Less Stress

Margarita is a pleasure to do business with. She takes your concerns seriously and acts on them in a very short space of time. Her telephone is always answered and if not you will get a call back. These little things make a process handed to her less stressful for you. You feel calmer after you have visited with her, knowing she will help in whatever way she can.
– Avril