Tax · Immigration · Real estate
Planning beyond borders
Legal advice on tax, immigration and real estate for international families and investors in Portugal, whether they live here, are planning to, or invest from abroad.
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Brazil
- Middle East
- Europe
- South Africa
- Canada
- China
- Australia
About RME Legal · Founded in 2021
A Lisbon law firm for private clients in Portugal
Founded in Lisbon in 2021, RME Legal began in international tax and grew into immigration and real estate. We advise families and investors who live in Portugal, are planning to, or invest here from abroad, and we take charge of each matter so you don’t have to manage every step yourself.
Tax, immigration and real estate sit together in one team. Every case starts with a tax analysis, so residence, income and assets are planned together and each decision supports the next.
You speak directly with the lawyer handling your case, at every stage.
How we work
What clients can expect from us
Three commitments shape every matter we take on, whatever its size or area.
Tranquillity
Complete support from the first contact to the end of the process. We follow up with the authorities so you don’t have to.
- We take charge of the whole process
- We follow up with the authorities
- One team for tax, immigration and real estate
Transparency
A clear proposal before we begin, with what we will do, how long it takes and what it costs.
- A written proposal before we start
- Clear scope, timing and fees
- Plain-language advice
Trust
Lasting relationships built on proximity, speed and rigour. Many clients stay with us for years, long after their first matter is closed.
- A direct line to your lawyer
- Strict confidentiality
- Relationships that last for years
RME Legal in numbers
Since 2021, trusted by international clients from around the world
692
Clients assisted
Families, investors and companies who live in, are moving to or invest in Portugal.
1,730
Processes handled
Residence permits, tax analysis, annual returns and property transactions.
48
Nationalities
Clients from the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific.
How we can help
Tax
Tax residency and planning, IFICI (NHR 2.0), foreign income, non-resident taxation and annual tax returns.
Immigration
Residence permits, Golden Visa, D7, D2, D3 and digital nomad visas, family reunification and citizenship.
Real estate
Due diligence, purchase and sale, leases and property contracts, with full legal security.
Insights & news
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RME Legal at the Moving to Portugal Show in London
Raquel de Matos Esteves, João Rebelo Maltez and Beatriz de Albuquerque Lima spent three days in London at the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in…
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João Rebelo Maltez becomes Partner at RME Legal
João Rebelo Maltez becomes Partner and Head of Immigration. Jornal Económico reported the appointment.
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Inês Pragana joins RME Legal
Inês Pragana joined the team in September as a trainee lawyer.
Frequently asked questions
What does RME Legal do?
RME Legal is a Lisbon law firm founded in 2021. We advise private clients, families and investors on Portuguese tax, immigration and real estate law, and have assisted 692 clients from 48 nationalities.
Can I hold residence in Portugal without living here?
Only with the Golden Visa, which requires an average stay of 7 days a year. All other residence routes, including the D7, D8 and D2 visas, require you to live in Portugal.
Is the NHR regime still available?
Not for new applicants. The Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime closed at the end of 2023 and was replaced by IFICI, known as NHR 2.0. IFICI offers a flat 20% rate on qualifying Portuguese employment and self-employment income for 10 years to people in eligible activities who were not tax resident in Portugal in the previous five years.
Can I get a Golden Visa by buying property?
No. Real estate purchases no longer qualify for the Portuguese Golden Visa. Current routes include investment in qualifying funds, company capitalisation with job creation, and support for research or culture. The Golden Visa requires an average stay of only 7 days a year.
How long do I need to stay in Portugal on a D7 or digital nomad visa?
The residence permits that follow D visas, such as the D7, D8 and D2, expect Portugal to be your main home. As a guide, plan to spend around 8 months a year here. If you want residence with minimal presence, the Golden Visa is usually the better fit.
Where is RME Legal based?
Our office is at Rua de Artilharia 1, n.º 79, 3.º Esq., 1250-038 Lisboa, Portugal. We work with clients around the world, in person and online.
Contact
Tell us about your plans
Share a few details and our team will be in touch.
Telephone
+351 210 975 892
+351 914 316 102
Office
Rua de Artilharia 1, n.º 79, 3.º Esq.
1250-038 Lisboa