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Manoela Galende Costa - International Lawyer

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Portugal
Lisbon
Manoela Galende Costa - International Lawyer

○ International Legal Support in:
• Golden Visa (Resident Permit by Investment) - Immigration - Nationality
• PT Bar Association nº: 56470C

03/06/2026

IMPORTANT UPDATE FROM AIMA

According to information published today by AIMA through its official channels, the agency will continue reinforcing the in-person delivery of returned residence cards on Saturdays, by prior summons only.

On Saturday, 6 June 2026, the following AIMA offices will be open exclusively for the collection of returned residence cards:

• Lisbon I – Av. António Augusto Aguiar
• Porto I – Av. de França • Vila Real

Please note that only individuals who have previously received an email summons from AIMA will be attended.

If you are unable to attend personally, collection may be carried out by a third party holding an original power of attorney:

✔ Notarized, if signed in Portugal; or
✔ Apostilled, if signed abroad.

Those waiting for their residence card should regularly check their email inbox, including spam and junk folders, for possible communications from AIMA.

As a Portuguese immigration lawyer, I closely monitor official updates and procedural developments to keep my clients informed and prepared throughout their immigration journey in Portugal.

For professional legal assistance regarding Portuguese immigration, residence permits, Golden Visa, D visas, nationality applications and AIMA procedures:

📧 [email protected]

25/05/2026

Portugal is no longer seen only as a tourism destination.
For many international families and investors, it has become a strategic long-term decision.

Over the last years, Portugal has increasingly attracted people looking for:
• safety and political stability
• quality of life
• access to Europe
• international mobility
• real estate opportunities
• residency pathways for themselves and their families

Two areas have been particularly central to this movement:

1. Immigration & Residency Solutions
From the Golden Visa to D7, D2 and Digital Nomad visas, Portugal offers different legal pathways depending on each person’s profile, goals and source of income.

2. Real Estate Investment
The Portuguese market continues to attract international attention — not only for lifestyle reasons, but also for long-term positioning, diversification and family planning.

The most important step is not rushing into a decision.
It is understanding the legal, financial and practical implications before moving forward.

Every case is different.
Good planning makes a substantial difference.

What would be your main reason to move or invest in Portugal: lifestyle, security, business opportunities, retirement, or family future?

Share in the comments.

📞 +351 915 519 128
📩 [email protected]

25/04/2026

April 25th is not just a date in Portugal — it is a turning point in history.

On this day in 1974, the Carnation Revolution peacefully ended decades of dictatorship and restored democracy, dignity, and freedom to the Portuguese people.

It became known as the “Revolution of the Carnations” because, in a moment that still defines the country’s identity, civilians placed red carnations in the rifles of soldiers. Among them was Celeste Caeiro, the woman who, almost by chance, began handing out carnations that would become the most iconic symbol of that day.

No violence. No chaos. Just courage, unity, and a collective decision that the future would be different.

That image — a weapon transformed into a symbol of peace — remains one of the most powerful representations of what Portugal stands for.

Today, Portugal continues to carry those same values forward.

Freedom. Stability. Respect for human dignity. Openness to the world.

At the same time, it would not be honest to ignore that the country is going through a period of adjustment — particularly in immigration processes, where increased demand and structural transitions have created delays and bureaucratic challenges.

But history offers perspective.

Portugal has already shown, time and again, an ability to adapt, to reform, and to move forward — always anchored in its core values.

Immigration in Portugal is not just a policy discussion. It is part of a broader vision: a country that understands that growth, innovation, and cultural richness come from people.

And while systems evolve, the foundation remains the same.

For those looking at Portugal today — whether as investors, entrepreneurs, or families seeking security and quality of life — this date is a reminder of something essential:

This is a country that chose freedom, and continues to protect it.

And that matters.

Because where there is freedom, there is opportunity. Where there is stability, there is long-term confidence. And where there are values, there is direction.

Portugal is not just a destination. It is a long-term choice.

18/04/2026

Portugal’s immigration landscape remains under intense pressure, but AIMA has now publicly clarified an important point: foreign nationals with pending residence renewal or regularisation processes are not considered to be in an irregular situation in Portugal simply because their residence card or provisional document has expired.

According to AIMA, individuals with pending renewals, CPLP processes, Expressions of Interest, or Transitional Regime applications remain legally protected while awaiting a final decision. In these cases, proof that the process is still under analysis — including an Application Status Certificate or Approval Certificate issued through the AIMA portal — is considered sufficient evidence of lawful stay.

This clarification comes after growing concern among immigrant communities, particularly due to the expiration of previous automatic extensions on 15 April 2026, combined with ongoing delays in the issuance of physical residence cards.

For many international families, investors, entrepreneurs and professionals living in Portugal, this announcement provides some reassurance. However, in practical terms, expired physical documents can still create difficulties with employers, banks, travel, leasing, and daily administrative procedures. Legal protection exists, but administrative reality remains challenging.

AIMA also stated that, since June 2025, approximately 90,000 renewal processes have already received a final decision, with most approved applicants having already received their residence cards.

For anyone currently waiting on a renewal, regularisation, CPLP application or pending residence process in Portugal, it is essential to keep copies of:

- Expired residence card or document
- Proof of pending application
- Application Status Certificate
- Approval Certificate, when available
- Any communication received from AIMA

Source: https://www.publico.pt/2026/04/17/sociedade/noticia/aima-assegura-imigrantes-estao-regulares-documentos-expirados-2171582

17/04/2026

Portugal’s proposed changes to nationality law are once again under constitutional review.

The Socialist Party (PS) has formally decided to ask the Constitutional Court to analyse the new provisions approved by the parliamentary majority regarding the possible loss of Portuguese nationality in cases involving serious crimes.

This issue is particularly important because similar provisions had already been partially rejected by the Constitutional Court in the past, mainly due to concerns regarding constitutional equality principles and the protection of fundamental rights.

After that previous decision, PSD, Chega, CDS and IL approved a revised version of the text, arguing that the new wording was designed to address the constitutional objections previously identified.

The revised law continues to allow, in certain serious criminal cases, the possibility for a judge to impose loss of nationality as an accessory penalty.

However, PS maintains that the new version may still raise constitutional concerns and has therefore sent the matter back to the Constitutional Court.

At this stage, the future of these measures remains uncertain.

The Constitutional Court may:

• confirm that the revised text is constitutional;
• reject some of the provisions again;
• require new amendments before the law can enter into force.

This is a topic that deserves close attention from foreign nationals, investors, Portuguese nationality applicants and anyone considering long-term residence or citizenship in Portugal.

Nationality law in Portugal is currently undergoing one of the most significant periods of debate and possible reform in recent years.

For international clients, this reinforces the importance of seeking updated legal advice before making decisions based on future nationality timelines or eligibility expectations.

Source:
[https://www.publico.pt/2026/04/17/politica/noticia/ps-volta-enviar-perda-nacionalidade-aprovada-direita-constitucional-2171523](https://www.publico.pt/2026/04/17/politica/noticia/ps-volta-enviar-perda-nacionalidade-aprovada-direita-constitucional-2171523)

05/04/2026

Easter is often a time to slow down.
To spend time with family. To reflect. To think about what really matters.

For many international families, one of those reflections is about the future:

Where do we want to live? What kind of lifestyle do we want? What opportunities do we want to create for our children? What kind of stability and freedom do we want for the years ahead?

For many people, Portugal becomes part of that conversation.

Not only because of the weather, safety, healthcare, education, and quality of life.

But because Portugal often represents something more:

A slower pace. More time with family. More balance. More peace of mind.

Whether through residency, investment, retirement, or a future citizenship plan, many families start their Portugal journey during moments like this — when they finally have time to think beyond work and daily routines.

Wishing a peaceful Easter to everyone celebrating this weekend.

And perhaps, for some of you, this may also be the right time to start planning your next chapter.

03/04/2026

If you are considering the Portugal Golden Visa, you need to understand that the legal landscape may change significantly very soon.

This week, Parliament moved forward again with the proposed reform of the Portuguese Nationality Law.

If the reform eventually enters into force in its current form, the path to Portuguese citizenship may become substantially longer.

---

What is currently being discussed and approved:

➡️ Citizenship eligibility increasing from 5 years to 10 years for most non-EU nationals
➡️ 7 years for EU and CPLP nationals
➡️ Residence time potentially counting only from the issuance of the first residence card, rather than from the initial application date
➡️ Ongoing uncertainty regarding transitional rules and protections for people already in the system

---

This last point is particularly important.

Until now, many investors expected that the waiting period caused by AIMA delays could still count toward Portuguese citizenship.

Under the proposed reform, that may no longer be the case.

If the law eventually enters into force in its stricter form, years spent waiting for biometrics, residence card issuance, or renewals may no longer count toward the nationality timeline.

---

That means two investors making the same investment only months apart could face very different outcomes:

• One investor may still qualify under the current 5-year framework
• Another may eventually be subject to a 10-year timeline starting only from the first residence card issuance

---

Important:

The law is still not fully in force.

There are still several possible next steps:

• Further parliamentary discussion
• Potential review by the Constitutional Court
• Possible presidential veto or return to Parliament
• Possible changes to transitional rules

So, for now, the current legal framework still applies.

---

For sophisticated investors, the question is no longer only:

“Am I eligible for the Portugal Golden Visa?”

The more important question is now:

“How quickly can I position myself under the current legal framework before the rules change?”

---

The Portugal Golden Visa remains one of the strongest residency-by-investment programs in Europe.

But in 2026, timing may become just as important as the investment itself.

---

27/02/2026

When sophisticated investors look at the **Portuguese Golden Visa**, the first question is often *“Is this investment eligible?”*
The better question is *“Is this investment properly structured?”*

In Golden Visa cases involving **international capital**, especially U.S.-based retirement funds, eligibility alone is not enough. What matters is whether the **legal, regulatory, and operational layers align** from day one.

I frequently see investors arrive with a perfectly legitimate asset — yet the **structure behind the investment creates friction**: delays in onboarding, repeated compliance requests, uncertainty around documentation, or last-minute restructuring under time pressure.

This is particularly common when **U.S. retirement vehicles** are involved.
While a Self-Directed IRA can be a powerful tool for international diversification, its effectiveness depends entirely on *how* it is implemented and documented for a European investment context.

Golden Visa funds, banks, administrators and regulators are not evaluating your intentions — they are evaluating **structures, titles, documentation and traceability of funds**.

That is where experienced legal coordination becomes critical.

A well-planned Golden Visa investment should:
• be immigration-compliant
• be operationally efficient
• withstand financial and regulatory scrutiny
• and avoid unnecessary tax or procedural exposure

This kind of planning sits at the crossroads of **immigration law, investment regulation and cross-border compliance** — and cannot be treated as a generic visa application.

Portugal remains one of the most attractive residency-by-investment jurisdictions in Europe, but the margin for error has narrowed. In today’s environment, **precision matters more than speed**.

Thoughtful structuring at the outset is not an extra step — it is what protects both the investment and the immigration outcome.

_____

Dra. Manoela Galende Costa - CP 56470C
Masters in International and Public Law
[email protected]

26/02/2026

Many international investors are not aware that **U.S. retirement structures such as IRAs and Self-Directed IRAs (SDIRAs)** can, in certain circumstances, be used to invest in **Portugal-based assets**, including **investment funds that may qualify for the Portuguese Golden Visa** — without the need to establish companies, open local bank accounts, or disrupt long-term retirement planning.

When properly structured, this approach allows investors to:
• Diversify retirement assets beyond U.S.-centric markets
• Access EU-regulated investment vehicles
• Maintain tax-advantaged treatment under U.S. retirement rules
• Invest directly from the retirement custodian into eligible structures
• Combine **capital allocation** with **residency planning in Portugal**, when applicable

However, these transactions are **not plug-and-play**.

Investments originating from IRAs or SDIRAs require careful **legal, regulatory, and compliance analysis**, including:
– Eligibility rules imposed by the IRA/SDIRA custodian
– Compatibility of the investment vehicle with U.S. retirement regulations
– Portuguese Golden Visa legal requirements (where residency is intended)
– Cross-border tax considerations and reporting obligations
– Proper alignment between immigration law, investment law, and fiduciary duties

From a Portuguese legal standpoint, not every fund, structure, or strategy is suitable — and mistakes at this stage can lead to **regulatory non-compliance**, **immigration risk**, or **tax exposure**.

For sophisticated investors, the key is not merely *whether* an IRA or SDIRA can be used — but **how it is structured, documented, and executed under Portuguese and international law**.

Portugal continues to attract global investors seeking:
✔ Strategic EU residency
✔ Long-term wealth diversification
✔ Legal certainty in a regulated environment

When investment and immigration intersect, **legal guidance is not optional — it is essential**.

If you are considering investing in Portugal — whether for Golden Visa purposes or purely as part of an international investment strategy — informed planning at the outset makes all the difference.

—

**Dra. Manoela Galende Costa**
Portuguese Lawyer (Advogada)
Golden Visa & Investment Advisory
Portuguese Bar Association | CP 56470C
📧 [email protected]
🌐 https://mgclawyer.wixsite.com/mgclawyer

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