About Us
Who we are
RME Legal is a Portuguese law firm focused on assisting Private Clients looking for an international approach and comprehensive assistance with their legal matters in Portugal.
Bound by strict statutory rules, we act on behalf of our clients in both consultancy and litigation fields, following the strictest principles of rigor in the analysis of each case, zeal for the interests of the Client, confidentiality and exemption.
Who we are
RME Legal is a Portuguese law firm focused on assisting Private Clients looking for an international approach and comprehensive assistance with their legal matters in Portugal.
Bound by strict statutory rules, we act on behalf of our clients in both consultancy and litigation fields, following the strictest principles of rigor in the analysis of each case, zeal for the interests of the Client, confidentiality and exemption.
Why we do it
For the purpose of acting as a true proximity legal team and driven by the passion to find appropriate legal solutions to the most diverse realities, we provide individualised assistance aligned to our Clients real needs.
WHY WE DO IT
For the purpose of acting as a true proximity legal team and driven by the passion to find appropriate legal solutions to the most diverse realities, we provide individualised assistance aligned to our Clients real needs.
Our Philosophy
Committed to Excellence
We provide Clients with prior and transparent proposals with detailed description of what we propose to do. We timely deliver clear, concise and conscientious legal advice.
Proximity
Our approach is focused in understanding our clients and their unique conditions.
Personalized Service
We believe in a tailor-made ethic assistance and we work hard to find the best approach to each situation that is presented to us.
ReMarkablE Team
Raquel Matos Esteves
Partner at RME Legal and committed to being a powerful ally in all projects she embarks. Passionate about analyzing each case from all angles and dedicated to providing clear and pragmatic advice.
Before founding RME Legal, worked in Law Firms like SRS Legal, Tax consultancy Firms like EY, and Immigration Services, leading teams and international projects. Has wide experience with assisting Private Clients in all aspects of relocation processes, with a main focus on International Tax Consultancy, Compliance, and Litigation.
Master's Degree in Law and Management at Universidade Católica Portuguesa and Degree in Law at Faculdade de Direito da Universidade de Lisboa.
Member of the Portuguese Bar Association.
Daniel Ferreira de Melo
Senior Lawyer at RME Legal, seasoned in wealth management and planning for HNWIs, tax litigation, and tax residency, with a focus on the Non-Habitual Resident (RNH and RNH 2.0) regime. Expert in immigration processes, particularly regarding the Golden Visa, D2, D7, Digital Nomads, and obtaining Portuguese nationality.
Before joining RME, provided legal services at the internationally renowned law firm in Lisbon - Uría Menéndez -, as well as at well-known companies in the Portuguese market - EDP.
Holder of a postgraduate degree in Tax Law and a master's degree in Legal and Economic Sciences from the Faculty of Law at the University of Porto. Member of the Portuguese Bar Association.
João Rebelo Maltez
Senior Lawyer specialized in Immigration, Nationality, and Real Estate Law. Experienced in advising private clients on relocation matters, including immigration procedures such as the D7, Digital Nomad, and Golden Visa, as well as post-relocation processes, particularly in Real Estate.
Before joining RME, provided legal services at renowned law firms focused on Private Client and Real Estate matters, including RFF Lawyers.
Holder of a Law Degree from Faculdade de Direito da Universidade de Lisboa, postgraduate degree in Immigration and Nationality Law, coordinated by the former Portuguese Ministry of Internal Affairs. João has also attended advanced professional courses, such as the Advanced Course in Administrative Court Procedure and a Postgraduate degree in Corporate Law. Member of the Portuguese Bar Association.
Carlos Alcântara Neves
Senior Tax Advisor primarily focused on Personal Income Tax and International Taxation issues. The wealth management, structure optimization and residency planning of HNWIs are his main hub. Specialized in NHR and IFICI (“NHR 2.0”) regimes, namely advising on financial portfolios and tax risk analysis/assessment on local and international corporate structures as well as on its corresponding optimization for the purposes of the HNWI. Also adds a tremendous amount of experience in the preparation of the corresponding personal income tax returns.
Before joining RME, provided tax consulting services in top tier tax law firms/boutiques as RPBA and RFF Lawyers.
Holder of a Master’s degree in Tax Law from Universidade Católica Portuguesa and a Law degree from Faculdade de Direito da Universidade de Lisboa.
Daniela Leal
Maria Manuel Lopes
Tax Advisor, with a primary focus on Personal Income Tax and tax compliance. She assists both domestic and international clients in a wide range of tax matters, including the fulfilment of tax obligations, tax framework analysis, and ongoing support on taxation-related issues.Experienced in both domestic and international taxation, acquired throughout her professional career at leading firms such as Deloitte and Baker Tilly, where she was part of tax consulting and compliance teams.
Holds a Law degree from Faculdade de Direito da Universidade do Porto and a postgraduate degree in Tax Law from Faculdade de Direito da Universaidade do Minho.
Ariana Monteiro
Immigration Consultant at RME Legal, primarily focused on immigration law. Before joining RME, she assisted with nationality, visa, and Golden Visa matters during an internship at Global Lawyers, where she also gained experience in corporate law.
Holds a law degree from Universidade Lusíada de Lisboa and is currently preparing for admission to the Bar Association.
Catarina Perdigão
Executive Assistant at RME Legal, handling office management, processes, and team support duties. Degree in English and French Translation and Interpreting from the Escola Superior de Educação do Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal.
Catarina has previous professional experience in the training sector and in law firms.
Patrícia Lourenço
Administrative Assistant at RME Legal, supporting the legal team with administrative coordination, document management and client-related processes. Patricia has previous professional experience in law firms and client service roles.
She has a background in Social Sciences and Humanities and strong experience in client support, office organization and administrative operations.
Raquel Matos Esteves
Partner at RME Legal and committed to being a powerful ally in all projects she embarks on. Passionate about analyzing each case from all angles and dedicated to providing clear and pragmatic advice.
Before founding RME Legal, worked in Law Firms, Tax Consultancy Firms, and Immigration Services, leading teams and International projects. Has wide experience with assisting Private Clients in all aspects of relocation processes, with a main focus on International Tax Consultancy, Compliance, and Litigation.
Master's Degree in Law and Management at Universidade Católica Portuguesa and Degree in Law at Faculdade de Direito da Universidade de Lisboa.
Member of the Portuguese Bar Association.
Daniel Ferreira de Melo
Senior Lawyer at RME Legal, seasoned in wealth management and planning for HNWIs, tax litigation, and tax residency, with a focus on the Non-Habitual Resident (RNH and RNH 2.0) regime. Expert in immigration processes, particularly regarding the Golden Visa, D2, D7, Digital Nomads, and obtaining Portuguese nationality.
Before joining RME, provided legal services at the internationally renowned law firm in Lisbon - Uría Menéndez -, as well as at well-known companies in the Portuguese market - EDP.
Holder of a postgraduate degree in Tax Law and a master's degree in Legal and Economic Sciences from the Faculty of Law at the University of Porto. Member of the Portuguese Bar Association.
João Rebelo Maltez
Senior Lawyer specialized in Immigration, Nationality, and Real Estate Law. Experienced in advising private clients on relocation matters, including immigration procedures such as the D7, Digital Nomad, and Golden Visa, as well as post-relocation processes, particularly in Real Estate.
Before joining RME, provided legal services at renowned law firms focused on Private Client and Real Estate matters, including RFF Lawyers.
Holder of a Law Degree from Faculdade de Direito da Universidade de Lisboa, postgraduate degree in Immigration and Nationality Law, coordinated by the former Portuguese Ministry of Internal Affairs. João has also attended advanced professional courses, such as the Advanced Course in Administrative Court Procedure and a Postgraduate degree in Corporate Law. Member of the Portuguese Bar Association.
Carlos Alcântara Neves
Senior Tax Advisor primarily focused on Personal Income Tax and International Taxation issues. The wealth management, structure optimization and residency planning of HNWIs are his main hub. Specialized in NHR and IFICI (“NHR 2.0”) regimes, namely advising on financial portfolios and tax risk analysis/assessment on local and international corporate structures as well as on its corresponding optimization for the purposes of the HNWI. Also adds a tremendous amount of experience in the preparation of the corresponding personal income tax returns.
Before joining RME, provided tax consulting services in top tier tax law firms/boutiques as RPBA and RFF Lawyers.
Holder of a Master’s degree in Tax Law from Universidade Católica Portuguesa and a Law degree from Faculdade de Direito da Universidade de Lisboa.
Daniela Leal
Maria Manuel Lopes
Tax Advisor, with a primary focus on Personal Income Tax and tax compliance. She assists both domestic and international clients in a wide range of tax matters, including the fulfilment of tax obligations, tax framework analysis, and ongoing support on taxation-related issues.
Experienced in both domestic and international taxation, acquired throughout her professional career at leading firms such as Deloitte and Baker Tilly, where she was part of tax consulting and compliance teams.
Holds a Law degree from Faculdade de Direito da Universidade do Porto and a postgraduate degree in Tax Law from Faculdade de Direito da Universaidade do Minho.
Ariana Monteiro
Immigration Consultant at RME Legal, primarily focused on immigration law. Before joining RME, she assisted with nationality, visa, and Golden Visa matters during an internship at Global Lawyers, where she also gained experience in corporate law.
Holds a law degree from Universidade Lusíada de Lisboa and is currently preparing for admission to the Bar Association.
Catarina Perdigão
Executive Assistant at RME Legal, handling office management, processes, and team support duties. Degree in English and French Translation and Interpreting from the Escola Superior de Educação do Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal.
Catarina has previous professional experience in the training sector and in law firms.
Patrícia Lourenço
Member Of
RME Legal is a member of the American Chamber of Commerce in Portugal, reflecting its close ties to the Portugal–United States business landscape. Membership in this network enables us to remain closely aligned with the realities, expectations, and regulatory framework faced by U.S. individuals and companies investing in Portugal, while further strengthening our international approach to legal advisory services.
As an active member of the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK, RME Legal is part of a trusted network that connects reputable Portuguese and British businesses across multiple sectors. Our membership strengthens our commitment to professionalism, transparency, and high-quality service, while ensuring that we remain aligned with the best practices and business standards recognised within the UK–Portugal market.
As a member of the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce of São Paulo, RME Legal is part of a longstanding network dedicated to strengthening commercial, economic, and institutional relations between Portugal and Brazil. Through this membership, we remain closely connected to a community of business leaders, investors, and professionals engaged in cross-border opportunities, international expansion, and investment initiatives. Our participation reflects our commitment to maintaining strong connections within the Portuguese-speaking business ecosystem and delivering legal advice informed by the realities of both markets.
Practice Areas
Tax
Taxation plays a major role in all change processes. Finding the risks and opportunities will always be decisive for success. Timming matters, seek advice beforehande.
Immigration
International mobility can be complex and should be analysed on a case-by-case basis. Understanding the eligibility conditions and conducting the process in a professional way.
Real Estate
Investing in a real estate requires specific legal knowledge. In operations of high personal and financial importance, a correct legal analysis will be an asset.