Best Portugal D7 Visa Law Firms 2026 | Expert Picks

Are you dreaming of retiring to the Algarve, living off your pension, or enjoying financial independence in Europe? Portugal's D7 Passive Income Visa makes it possible, and finding the best immigration lawyer for your Portugal D7 application makes it painless. Whether you call them a D7 visa lawyer, a Portugal passive income visa attorney, or an immigration consultant, the right legal partner handles the complexity so you don't have to.

Quick Answer

The best Portugal D7 Visa law firms in 2026 are Movingto (full-service, from €2,500), Edge International Lawyers (30+ years, quote-based), Lexidy (digital-first, 4.8★ Trustpilot), and ERG Legal (boutique, from €2,000). Fees range from €1,500 to €8,000 depending on complexity. All firms offer full Portugal D7 visa application help, from document prep through consulate submission.

TL;DR: Portugal D7 Visa Law Firms Comparison 2026

Ratings from Trustpilot where available. Last updated: February 2026.

How We Selected These Firms

Our selection process evaluated over 25 Portugal immigration firms against seven weighted criteria. We prioritized D7-specific expertise (30% weight) over general immigration experience, recognizing that passive income documentation requires specialized knowledge. We heavily weighted fee transparency (20%) and verified client reviews (15%) due to their direct impact on applicant outcomes.

We also assessed consulate-specific knowledge (15%), renewal support capabilities (10%), and remote service delivery (10%). Firms were excluded if they lacked clear licensing disclosure or had unresolved complaints. Rankings reflect our assessment as of February 2026; we re-evaluate quarterly.

Selection criteria:

2026 Rankings: Best Portugal D7 Visa Law Firms

Transparency Check: What We Could Verify

Last verified: February 2026

Last verified: February 2026. If you represent a firm listed here and can provide verifiable documentation, contact us to update this table.

How Much Do Portugal D7 Visa Lawyers Cost?

Understanding D7 visa lawyer cost is essential for budgeting your Portugal move. For total relocation costs including taxes, see our Portugal cost of living guide and tax guide for expats. Here's what to expect for legal fees:

Legal fees for the Portugal D7 Visa typically range from €1,500 to €8,000+, depending on the firm's structure, service scope, and case complexity.

D7 Visa Law Firm Pricing Comparison

= Published pricing available. Tip: Always request a written fee breakdown before signing.

Tip: Ask any provider for a written fee breakdown before signing — including what's covered for renewals and family members.

Editorial Disclosure

Movingto is the publisher of this guide. Learn more about our editorial process.

D7 Visa at a Glance

For a complete overview of the Portugal D7 Passive Income Visa, see our comprehensive D7 visa guide. Below is a quick summary:

Established under Law No. 23/2007 (as amended by Law No. 18/2023), Portugal's D7 Visa offers non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals a regulated pathway to residency based on stable, recurring income. Applications are processed by AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo), which replaced SEF in 2023.

2026 Income Requirements

The D7 visa income requirement is based on Portugal's minimum wage, updated annually. For 2026:

• Single applicant: €920/month (€11,040/year)
• Spouse/partner: +50% = €460/month additional (€5,520/year)
• Per dependent child: +30% = €276/month additional (€3,312/year)

Example: A couple would need €1,380/month (€16,560/year) in documented passive income. Alternatively, applicants can demonstrate savings of 12× the monthly requirement in a Portuguese bank account.

Physical Presence Requirements

D7 visa holders must maintain genuine residence in Portugal to qualify for renewals and eventual permanent residency:

• First 2 years: Minimum 183 days per year in Portugal
• Maximum absence: 6 consecutive months OR 8 months total during the 2-year renewal period
• After permanent residency (year 5): Requirements relax, but extended absences can still jeopardize status

Immigration lawyers can help structure travel schedules and document compliance for renewals.

Language Requirements

• Initial D7 application: No Portuguese language requirement
• Permanent residency (year 5): A2 Portuguese proficiency required
• Citizenship: A2 Portuguese + civics test (pending new requirements following 2025 legislation changes)

Tax Considerations for D7 Applicants

Most D7 applicants will be subject to standard Portuguese progressive taxation, with rates up to 48% on income above €80,000. However, tax treatment varies significantly based on income source, country of origin, and applicable tax treaties. Consult a qualified Portuguese tax advisor to understand your specific situation before applying.

Official Requirements

Source: AIMA - Autorização de Residência | Portuguese Consular Services

Why the Right Law Firm Matters

Movingto

Best For: Full-service coordination & remote-friendly process

Movingto (movingto.com) is a Portugal immigration advisory firm founded in 2021, headquartered in Lisbon with offices in Porto, Barcelona, and Sydney. The company coordinates the full D7 Visa process and works with licensed Portuguese immigration lawyers when legal representation is required. Trusted by retirees, pension holders, and financially independent applicants, Movingto simplifies the D7 journey through organised support, vetted legal partners, and modern online tools.

Pros

• Full-service coordination — Handles NIF, bank account, housing, and legal from one platform — no juggling multiple providers.
• Transparent fixed pricing — Published fees from €2,500 with clear scope — no surprise hourly bills.
• Remote-friendly process — Complete most steps without traveling to Portugal until biometrics.
• Moving Hub platform — Track your application status, documents, and deadlines in one dashboard.
• Licensed lawyer network — Partners with Portuguese-licensed immigration lawyers for legal representation.

Cons

• Newer firm (est. 2021) — Less track record than 30+ year established law firms, though growing client base.
• Not a law firm itself — Coordinates with licensed lawyers rather than providing direct legal representation.
• Premium vs DIY — Higher cost than self-filing, though saves time and reduces rejection risk.

Client Case Spotlight

In early 2024, a Canadian retiree with pension and rental income engaged Movingto to relocate without repeated travel for administrative steps. Through the Moving Hub, the case was coordinated end-to-end — NIF issuance, bank account setup, and income documentation. Within five months, the D7 visa was approved.

Edge International Lawyers

Best For: Established firm, long-term planning

Edge International Lawyers (edge-il.com) is a full-service Portuguese law firm established over 30 years ago, with offices in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. The firm has notable expertise in immigration and relocation. With offices in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, they offer both in-person and remote support for retirees and financially independent applicants.

Pros

• Established Portuguese law firm — Over 30 years of experience providing legal services to international and domestic clients.
• Golden Visa and residency expertise — Offers legal guidance across residency-by-investment, renewals, permanent residency, and citizenship pathways.
• Multilingual legal team — Team includes lawyers with international backgrounds capable of supporting clients in multiple languages.
• Full-service legal practice — Offers continuity across immigration, corporate, property, and related legal areas.
• Multiple office locations — Offices in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve support easier in-person access.
• Experienced with visa renewals — Community reviews suggest success even under challenging circumstances such as pandemic processing delays.

Cons

• Traditional law firm pace — Reviews indicate communication and responsiveness can sometimes feel slower than expected.
• Focus on law, not relocation tools — Prioritises legal advice and documentation rather than broader relocation logistics.
• Customized legal pricing — Tailored fee proposals may be less predictable than flat-fee coordination services.

Lexidy Law Boutique

Best For: Digital-first experience

Lexidy Law Boutique (lexidy.com) is a modern, tech-forward European law firm with offices in 9 cities across Portugal, Spain, France, and Greece. The firm has a strong focus on serving international clients relocating to Portugal. With offices across Southern Europe and a multilingual team, Lexidy caters to expats who value a seamless digital experience.

Pros

• Digital-first experience — Modern online platform and communication tools for tech-savvy clients.
• Excellent reviews — 4.8★ on Trustpilot with strong client satisfaction scores.
• Pan-European presence — Offices in 9 cities across Portugal, Spain, France, and Greece.
• Multilingual team — Supports clients in multiple languages including English, Spanish, and French.
• Broad immigration expertise — Handles D7, D8, Golden Visa, and other Portuguese residency programs.

Cons

• Pricing not published — Requires consultation to get fee quotes — less upfront transparency.
• Large firm dynamics — Multi-office scale may mean less personalized attention than boutique firms.

ERG Legal

Best For: Boutique personalized service

ERG Legal (erglegal.pt) is a Lisbon-based boutique law firm specializing in immigration, real estate, and tax advice for international clients relocating to Portugal. Known for responsive communication and clear processes, ERG appeals to applicants looking for a highly personalised small-firm experience.

Pros

• Boutique personalized service — Small team means direct partner attention on your case.
• Competitive pricing — Starting from €2,000 — among the more affordable licensed options.
• Lisbon-based expertise — Local knowledge of AIMA processes and Portuguese bureaucracy.
• Tax and real estate overlap — Can assist with related matters beyond pure immigration.

Cons

• Limited public reviews — Fewer online testimonials compared to larger marketing-focused firms.
• Smaller team capacity — May have longer response times during peak periods.
• Lisbon office only — No regional offices in Porto or Algarve for in-person meetings.

DLAS Boutique Law Firm

Best For: Direct partner-led case management

DLAS Boutique Law Firm, led by founding partners Dinis Lucas and Almeida Santos, offers bespoke immigration and tax solutions with a personal touch. Well-suited for applicants who want direct partner involvement throughout their case.

Pros

• Boutique specialization — High-touch, personalized service where senior partners are directly involved rather than delegating to junior associates.
• Multidisciplinary service — Covers Tax, Real Estate, and Corporate law in-house, streamlining complex D7 applications.
• Multilingual support — Operates fluently in five languages (Portuguese, English, French, Spanish, and Italian).
• Academic credibility — Partnership with University of Coimbra's Faculty of Law ensures high technical accuracy.
• Established tenure — Over 25 years navigating Portuguese bureaucracy and residency laws.

Cons

• Capacity limits — Smaller boutique firm may have less bandwidth for sudden volume surges.
• Lower public visibility — Fewer public reviews or rankings in major global legal directories.
• Premium pricing — Specialized boutique nature typically commands higher fees than generalist agencies.

Global Citizen Solutions

Best For: Multi-country comparison & advisory

Global Citizen Solutions (globalcitizensolutions.com) is an immigration consultancy founded in 2017, headquartered in Lisbon. The firm provides legal assistance for the D7 Visa through its network of licensed Portuguese lawyers. Known for structured onboarding and detailed application preparation.

Pros

• Multi-country comparison — Can advise on Portugal vs Greece, Spain, and other Golden Visa destinations.
• Strong Trustpilot rating — 4.6★ verified reviews from past clients.
• Structured onboarding — Clear process and detailed application preparation.
• Founded 2017 — Established track record with thousands of successful applications.

Cons

• Primarily Golden Visa focus — D7 may not be their core specialty compared to investment visas.
• Consultancy model — Works with partner lawyers rather than direct legal representation.
• Pricing not published — Requires consultation for fee quotes.

Liberty Legal

Best For: Budget-friendly option

Liberty Legal is a Portugal-based firm specialising in immigration and residency solutions. Their strong presence in expat communities makes them a trusted choice for straightforward D7 applications.

Pros

• Budget-friendly option — Starting from €1,500 — among the most affordable licensed options.
• Strong expat community presence — Well-known in Portugal expat forums and Facebook groups.
• Straightforward D7 cases — Good fit for simple pension or rental income applications.

Cons

• Limited online reviews — Fewer verified testimonials than larger competitors.
• Best for simple cases — Complex income documentation may benefit from specialist firms.
• Less premium service — Lower price point may mean less hand-holding than full-service options.

Harvey Law Group

Best For: Cross-border & multi-jurisdiction needs

Harvey Law Group is an international law firm with offices in Lisbon and a global footprint. Well-suited for clients with cross-border assets who need coordinated legal approach across jurisdictions.

Pros

• Global footprint — International law firm with offices worldwide including Lisbon.
• Cross-border expertise — Strong for clients with assets or businesses in multiple jurisdictions.
• Corporate capabilities — Can handle complex business structures alongside immigration.
• Established reputation — Known brand in investment migration industry.

Cons

• Premium pricing — International firm fees typically higher than local Portuguese specialists.
• Less D7 focus — Primary expertise is investment migration; D7 may not be core specialty.
• Hourly/retainer model — Less predictable costs than fixed-fee providers.

Common Pitfalls & How Top Firms Solve Them

Common Pitfalls & How Top Firms Solve Them

Consulate-Specific Requirements

Official portal: vistos.mne.gov.pt — Check your jurisdiction's specific requirements before applying.

Consulate-Specific Requirements

Beyond Approval: Maximizing Your D7 Visa

Key Strategies for D7 Visa Holders

How to Choose the Right Firm

Decision Framework

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the D7 Visa process take?

Typically 3-6 months from application to approval, though consulate appointment availability can extend this. Working with an experienced firm can help secure earlier appointments.

Can I work remotely on a D7 Visa?

No — active remote work income no longer qualifies for the D7. Since the launch of the D8 Digital Nomad Visa, Portugal directs remote workers to the D8. The D7 is now strictly for passive income sources (pensions, dividends, rental income). Once approved for D7, you can work locally in Portugal, but your qualifying income must be passive.

What counts as passive income for D7?

Pensions, rental income, dividends, royalties, and interest payments qualify. Remote work income is considered active income and no longer qualifies for D7 — remote workers should apply for the D8 Digital Nomad Visa instead.

Do I need to be in Portugal to apply?

No — most of the process can be handled remotely. You'll need to attend a consulate appointment in your home country and later complete biometrics in Portugal.

Can my family join me?

Yes — spouses, dependent children, and in some cases dependent parents can be included. Income thresholds increase with each dependent (€920 base + €460 per spouse + €276 per child for 2026).

Does D7 lead to citizenship?

D7 holders can apply for permanent residency after 5 years of legal residence. Regarding citizenship: Portugal's parliament approved amendments in October 2025 extending the citizenship timeline from 5 to 10 years for most applicants (7 years for EU/CPLP citizens). While awaiting final enactment, most immigration lawyers recommend planning for the 10-year timeline.

How much does a D7 visa lawyer cost in Portugal?

D7 visa lawyer costs in Portugal typically range from €1,500 to €8,000, depending on the firm and complexity of your case. Budget firms like Liberty Legal start from €1,500, while full-service coordinators like Movingto charge €2,500+. Premium international firms may charge hourly rates or higher retainers.

Can I apply for a Portugal D7 visa without a lawyer?

Technically yes, but it's not recommended. The D7 requires precise documentation, consulate-specific formatting, and navigating AIMA's bureaucracy. Self-applicants face higher rejection rates due to technical errors. Most successful applicants use at least a basic legal service to avoid costly delays.

What documents do I need for a D7 visa application?

Key D7 visa documents include: valid passport, proof of passive income (bank statements, pension letters, rental agreements), health insurance valid in Portugal, criminal record certificate (apostilled), proof of accommodation in Portugal, and completed application forms. Each consulate may have specific formatting requirements.

How do I choose a D7 visa lawyer?

Choose based on: (1) D7-specific experience, not just general immigration; (2) transparent pricing with written fee breakdown; (3) knowledge of your specific consulate; (4) renewal support included; (5) verified client reviews; and (6) clear communication style that matches your preferences.

What is the D7 visa income requirement for 2026?

The 2026 D7 visa income requirement is €920/month for the main applicant (100% of Portuguese minimum wage), plus 50% (€460) for a spouse and 30% (€276) per dependent child. Income must be stable, recurring, and from passive sources like pensions, dividends, or rental properties. Alternatively, applicants can show savings of 12× the monthly requirement (€11,040 single, €16,560 couple).

Do D7 visa lawyers handle renewals?

Yes, most D7 visa lawyers offer renewal services. Renewals are required every 2 years and have different documentation requirements than initial applications. Ask about renewal fees upfront — some firms include the first renewal, others charge separately (typically €1,000-€2,500).

What's the difference between D7 and Golden Visa?

The D7 requires proof of passive income (€920+/month) with no investment, while the Golden Visa requires a capital investment (€250,000-€500,000+) with no income requirement. D7 is ideal for retirees and passive income earners; Golden Visa suits investors who don't want income scrutiny. Both lead to permanent residency after 5 years, though citizenship timelines are now 10 years for most applicants following 2025 legislation changes.

What are the physical presence requirements for D7?

During the first 2-year residency period, D7 holders must spend a minimum of 183 days per year in Portugal. Maximum absence allowed is 6 consecutive months OR 8 months total during the 2-year renewal period. These requirements relax after obtaining permanent residency in year 5.

Do I need to speak Portuguese for the D7 visa?

No Portuguese language skills are required for the initial D7 visa application. However, you'll need A2 Portuguese proficiency for permanent residency (year 5) and for citizenship (A2 Portuguese plus a civics test, with requirements pending finalization following 2025 legislation changes).

Planning Your Portugal D7 Move?

Movingto coordinates the full Portugal residency process and works with licensed Portuguese immigration lawyers when legal representation is required. Get a clear plan, realistic timelines, and structured support from start to finish.

Book a Free Consultation

Sources & Verification

This guide was compiled using the following verification sources:

All information was independently verified by our editorial team. Firms do not pay for inclusion or ranking position. See our Editorial Process for more details.

Last verified: February 7, 2026. Next review scheduled: May 2026.