Immigration lawyer in Portugal
When your case gets stuck, the answer is technical, not a shortcut. The lawyer on the SEVEN team reviews your case calmly and tells you, honestly, what can and can't be done.
Not every problem is a legal one. When it is, there's a lawyer.
You received a prior hearing notice
AIMA has said it intends to refuse your application and given you a deadline to respond. This is the moment to defend your case.
Your application was refused
Your application was refused and you want to know whether there's an appeal, court action or a new, stronger application.
Your case has been stuck for a long time
Residence, renewal, family reunification or citizenship with no answer. We check whether going to court makes sense in your case.
Your case doesn't fit the standard
Divorce, marriage, registration of foreign records, a notice to leave the country or families in different situations. A complex case needs an individual review.
What the lawyer on our team does for you
Case review
We read the case file, the notices and the documents. You come away knowing where you stand and what your real options are.
Defence at the prior hearing
A written reply to AIMA, with arguments and the documents that were missing, within the notice's deadline.
Appeals and court action
Actions over refusals or delays in residence, renewal, family reunification, CPLP, student and citizenship cases.
Notice to leave the country
Review of a NAV and the possible routes. No promises: strategy, within the deadline.
Family and civil records
Marriage, divorce by mutual consent, registration in Portugal of marriages and divorces from abroad, and travel authorisation for minors.
Legally valid documents
Powers of attorney, contracts, accommodation declarations, document certification and certified translation.
First understand. Then act.
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1. Consultation
You tell us what happened and show us what you received. The lawyer asks the right questions.
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2. Honest diagnosis
We tell you whether there's a way, which is the safest and what the risk is. If there isn't one, we tell you that too.
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3. Strategy and documents
We define the route (defence, appeal, court action or a new application) and gather the evidence that strengthens your case.
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4. Filing
The lawyer drafts and files the submission with AIMA, the IRN or the court, within the deadline.
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5. Follow-up
We follow it until the decision and explain every development in plain language.
The foreigners law changed in 2025
Since October 2025, court actions over AIMA delays have become more demanding: you need to show how the wait harms rights that cannot wait. That doesn't close the door. It just calls for a more careful review of each case.
What people ask before they start.
What should I do when I receive a prior hearing notice from AIMA?
Read the reason carefully and note the deadline, which is in the notice itself. The reply should address each point and include the documents that were missing. A well-prepared defence at this stage can prevent a refusal.
My residence application was refused. What can I do?
It depends on the reason. Sometimes there's a challenge or court action, sometimes a new, well-prepared application is better. The lawyer reviews the decision and points out the safest route.
Is it worth suing AIMA over a delay?
In some cases, yes. Since the change to the foreigners law, the court requires you to show concrete harm to fundamental rights. That's why we review it first, and only recommend court action when it makes sense.
How long does a court case against AIMA take?
There's no fixed timeframe; it depends on the court and the type of action. We give you a realistic estimate at the start and follow every stage.
I received a notice to leave Portugal. What now?
Stay calm and don't ignore the notice. It has a deadline and there may be ways to defend yourself depending on your case. Get legal advice right at the start.
Can an immigration lawyer guarantee my application will be approved?
No. AIMA, the IRN or the court decides. What good legal work guarantees is that your case is presented as strongly as possible, within the law.
I got married abroad. Do I need to register the marriage in Portugal?
For some processes, such as citizenship through marriage, registering the marriage with the Portuguese civil registry is necessary. We advise on the documents and handle the application.
Can I get divorced in Portugal as a foreigner?
Yes, including by mutual consent, when the couple agrees. Afterwards, the divorce may need to be recognised in the country where you married or hold citizenship. The lawyer explains each step.
We're with you the whole way.
Residence permit
Your AIMA application, documents, appointments and follow-up until your residence card arrives.
Learn moreResidence renewal
Card about to expire, or already expired? We renew it with AIMA, online or in person, and follow it through.
Learn moreFamily reunification
Bring your spouse and children to live with you in Portugal, with the right AIMA application and the new rules covered.
Learn morePortuguese citizenship
Through residence, marriage, children or grandparents: we check your right under the new law and file your application.
Learn moreThere's always a way.
There's always a way. We'll show you which.
Bring the notice or decision you received. The initial consultation costs 80 €, deducted if you go ahead with the service.