Legal services · Portugal

Connect with trusted lawyers in Portugal for your legal matter

Whether you are buying property, facing a dispute or planning your estate, the Portuguese legal system has specific formalities. We match you with a qualified lawyer who handles your case and explains each step clearly.

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  • Free matching in 24–48 hours on average
  • Clear guidance in English at every stage

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Why Portugal

Legal support built around Portuguese courts and procedures

When you need legal help in Portugal, knowing how the system works can reduce stress. Portugal follows a continental civil law model: written codes such as the Civil Code, Civil Procedure Code and Labour Code govern most matters, while the judicial courts are organised into 23 comarcas and five Courts of Appeal. Only lawyers registered with the Ordem dos Advogados may represent clients before the courts, and practising without registration is unlawful. We work exclusively with Bar-registered lawyers in Portugal who understand local deadlines, court fees expressed in Unidade de Conta, and the formalities that apply to property, family and succession matters. Tell us what you are facing, and we will match you with a specialist who can explain your options and handle the procedural steps on your behalf.


Portugal at a glance

How legal services work in Portugal

Portuguese law is built on written codes and formal court procedures. Below are the key points you need to understand when engaging a lawyer in Portugal, based on official sources.

Continental civil law system

Portugal follows the continental civil law model, relying on comprehensive written codes rather than binding precedent. Key sources include the Civil Code, Civil Procedure Code, Commercial Code, Labour Code and Criminal Code. Civil and criminal cases are heard at first instance by judicial courts organised into 23 comarcas, with appeals to five Courts of Appeal and cassation to the Supreme Court of Justice.

Reserved practice of law

Practising law in Portugal is reserved to lawyers registered with the Ordem dos Advogados (Portuguese Bar Association). To qualify, a candidate must hold a law degree, complete professional traineeship, pass final assessment and aggregation exam, hold civil liability insurance, and demonstrate moral suitability. Carrying out reserved acts without registration is unlawful practice of law, a criminal offence.

Court costs and legal aid

Court fees are governed by the Regulamento das Custas Processuais and expressed in Unidade de Conta (UC), a unit updated annually in line with the social support index. Lawyers’ fees are freely agreed; there are no binding official tariffs. Legal aid under Law 34/2004 is available to those with economic insufficiency, covering exemption from court fees, appointment of counsel, or phased payment.

Key limitation periods

Portuguese law sets different limitation periods depending on the claim: 20 years for ordinary prescription, 5 years for periodic payments such as rent and interest, and 6 months or 2 years for certain short presumptive periods. Employment dismissal must be challenged within 60 days, and administrative acts within 3 months. Missing a deadline can extinguish a right, so early advice matters.

Property, notaries and registry

Rights over immovable property must be registered in the Land Registry (Registo Predial). Transfers and encumbrances are typically formalised by public deed or authenticated private document and completed through registration. This combination of notarial and registry formalities is central to any property transaction, including for foreign buyers and inheritance of Portuguese real estate.

Succession restrictions and tax

Portuguese succession law reserves a forced share (legítima) for the spouse, descendants and ascendants, limiting testamentary freedom. Portugal has no inheritance tax, but gratuitous transfers are subject to Stamp Duty at 10% for non-exempt beneficiaries; close family are exempt. Reporting to the tax authority is required even when heirs are exempt.

Key time limits in Portugal

Matter Deadline Note
General limitation period 20 years Ordinary prescription for claims, unless a shorter special period applies.
Five-year limitation 5 years Applies to periodic payments, rent, interest and fees.
Short presumptive limitation periods 6 months or 2 years Certain obligations benefit from shorter presumptive periods set out in the Civil Code.
Employment dismissal challenge 60 days Period for a worker to challenge dismissal before the employment court.
Divorce filing (minimum marriage duration) None Divorce may be filed at any time; no minimum marriage duration is required.
Appeal against a court judgment (recurso de apelação) 30 days (15 days in urgent proceedings) Deadline to lodge an appeal against a first-instance civil decision.
Judicial challenge of an administrative act 3 months Period to bring an action against an administrative decision.
Inheritance / stamp duty reporting after death By the end of the 3rd month after death Reporting to the tax authority is required even when heirs are exempt from stamp duty.

The information on this page is drawn from official Portuguese government and bar association sources, as well as European e-Justice, current as of the date of publication.


Common concerns

Portuguese legal proceedings can be demanding

Here are three problems we help you avoid.

01

Missed deadlines can end a case

Portuguese limitation periods vary widely, from 60 days for dismissal challenges to 20 years for ordinary claims. A lawyer helps you file correctly and on time.

02

Court procedures feel inaccessible without Portuguese

Most proceedings are conducted in Portuguese and require procedural acts by a Bar-registered lawyer. We match you with English-speaking counsel who handles the formalities.

03

Property and succession rules are easy to get wrong

Compulsory registry, notarial deeds, forced heirship and stamp duty exemptions affect your rights. A specialist protects your position before you sign.


What you gain

Why use our matching service

You get a vetted lawyer without spending time on research.

Bar-registered specialists only

Every lawyer we propose is registered with the Ordem dos Advogados and has completed the statutory traineeship and professional requirements, so your case is handled by a qualified professional.

Clear English communication

You describe your problem in English, and we match you with a lawyer who can explain Portuguese procedures, documents and deadlines without legal jargon.

Fast, free matching

Submit your enquiry and receive a profile of a suitable lawyer, usually within 24–48 hours. The matching service is free and without obligation.

Local knowledge, practical focus

From Lisbon to Funchal, our network covers Portugal’s main cities and legal practice areas, helping you navigate the comarcas and specialised courts.


Where we match

Legal support across Europe

We help clients in Portugal and throughout Europe find the right specialist for their cross-border legal needs.

SpainFranceUnited KingdomIrelandGermanyNetherlandsBelgiumLuxembourgSwitzerlandItalyAustriaSwedenDenmarkPoland

Questions answered

Frequently asked questions

How do I find a lawyer in Portugal?

We match you with Bar-registered lawyers in Portugal based on your legal matter and location. The service is free, and you typically receive a profile within 24–48 hours. You can then discuss fees and next steps directly.

Who can practise law in Portugal?

In Portugal, only lawyers registered with the Ordem dos Advogados may practise law and perform reserved acts. Registration requires a law degree, professional traineeship, final assessment and aggregation exam, liability insurance and moral suitability. Practising without registration is unlawful practice of law.

What are the main courts in Portugal?

Civil and criminal cases start in judicial courts organised into 23 comarcas, with appeals to five Courts of Appeal and cassation to the Supreme Court of Justice. Administrative and tax cases are heard separately, with appeals to the Central Administrative Courts and Supreme Administrative Court.

Do I need a lawyer for every court case?

Under the Civil Procedure Code, parties must be represented by a lawyer in most actions above €5,000 and in all appeals. In criminal proceedings, the defendant must be assisted by a lawyer. In a few cases where representation is not mandatory, you may appear in person.

What deadlines should I be aware of?

Key deadlines include 60 days to challenge dismissal, 30 days to appeal a civil judgment, 3 months to challenge an administrative act, and general limitation periods of 5 or 20 years. Inheritance reporting is due by the end of the third month after death.

Are legal fees fixed in Portugal?

No, lawyers’ fees are freely agreed between lawyer and client; there are no binding official tariffs. Court fees are expressed in Unidade de Conta and updated annually. Legal aid may be available if you demonstrate economic insufficiency under Law 34/2004.


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