Nice to meet you!
Welcome to my Legal Consultancy!
I'm João Santos, Legal Consultant and my goal is to streamline your process in Portugal, may it be moving or investing in this beautiful country.
As someone who has experienced the challenges of settling in a new country, I understand the struggles firsthand. Originally from Salvador, Brazil, I relocated to Lisbon in 2017, eager to merge my passion for law with the excitement of living abroad.
I earned my Law Degree from Universidade de Lisboa and now help families as they transition to their new home in Portugal.
I've worked closely with an attorney for several years now. I've gained invaluable insights on how to navigate the complexities that Portugal can present.
Now, as an independent consultant, I offer expert legal advice.
See you soon.
Experience developed through real client work.
My experience has been developed through years of direct work with international clients and Portuguese immigration processes.
For five years, I also worked alongside an experienced Portuguese immigration lawyer. That professional experience exposed me to the practical realities of immigration work, including documentation, client communication, administrative procedures and the challenges that can arise during an immigration process.
I now operate independently through my own consultancy practice, providing clients with direct and personalised professional assistance.
Our professional framework
I hold a law degree and I'm considered a legal consultant, and I am not an advocate/lawyer (advogado).
My professional activity is carried out within the framework established by Lei n.º 10/2024, de 19 de janeiro — Regime Jurídico dos Atos de Advogados e Solicitadores.
Portuguese law provides for the exercise of legal consultation by licenciados em Direito under the conditions established by law.
My services are therefore provided within the scope legally applicable to my professional status.
Certain acts remain reserved to lawyers and solicitors. These include, among other matters, forensic representation and other acts expressly reserved by law.
Where a matter requires representation or another act that falls outside the scope of my professional activity, I will inform the client that such assistance must be provided by an appropriately qualified lawyer or solicitor.
Important information for clients
In accordance with the applicable legal framework, clients are informed that, where litigation arises from a situation covered by legal consultation, forensic representation may only be provided by a lawyer or solicitor.
HOW I WORK
Knowledgeable. Personal. Straightforward.
I listen first.
Before discussing documents or procedures, I want to understand your circumstances and what you are trying to achieve.
I explain the process.
Immigration terminology can be confusing. I translate complicated requirements into practical steps you can understand.
I prepare carefully.
Good organisation can make a significant difference to the experience of navigating an administrative process.
I communicate honestly.
I will not promise an outcome that depends on a Portuguese authority or present uncertainty as certainty.
I respect professional boundaries.
If something falls outside my role as a legal consultant, I will tell you.
WHY CLIENTS WORK WITH ME
THE DIFFERENCE
A direct relationship with the person handling your case.
When you work with my consultancy, you are not simply submitting a form through an anonymous platform.
You have a direct professional relationship with me.
I take the time to understand your circumstances, explain the relevant process and remain involved in the work you have engaged me to perform.