Sandra Jardim Fernandes

On April 1st, important changes to Portugal’s Nationality Law came into effect, marking a significant shift for foreigners residing in European countries. One of the most significant changes is the inclusion of the waiting period for obtaining residence authorization in Portuguese territory in the nationality application. Now, for foreigners interested in applying for Portuguese citizenship…

Did you know that it’s possible to register the birth of your children, apply for the Citizen Card, and request Portuguese nationality, all simultaneously and online? This system was developed to provide support to Portuguese citizens residing abroad, offering them a simplified and efficient way to secure citizenship rights for their children. This service covers…

An urgency request in the process of obtaining Portuguese nationality is a special application made by an individual with the aim of expediting the process compared to the normal processing times. However, this is not a resource to be used routinely. The approval of these requests is highly selective and intended for truly exceptional circumstances…

Acquiring Portuguese nationality is a significant process for those who wish to enjoy the benefits of being a Portuguese citizen. However, this process is not without its challenges. Here, we will examine some of the most common challenges faced by those seeking Portuguese nationality. Residency requirements: One of the challenges is meeting the residency requirements…

The Return Programme covers “emigrants who left Portugal at least three years before starting work in Portugal”.Created in 2019, the Return Programme was only intended for those who came with a work contract, to launch their own business and for those who moved to the interior, by increasing the support granted by the IEFP. From…

Prime Minister António Costa announced on Monday that the state intends to end the Non-Habitual Residents Programme (NHR) in 2024 and will no longer accept taxpayer registrations from next year.However, the Prime Minister wasn’t clear on whether he intended to put an end to the whole scheme and how the new guidelines would be applied,…

Within the scope of the “More housing” program, changes are planned in the IRS regarding the possible exemption of real estate capital gains arising from the sale of permanent home ownership (“HPP”), provided that the capital gains are reinvested in another HPP. The following criteria will be added to the existing prerequisites, ensuring eligibility for…

Residence card for a family third-country citizen of an EU/EEA/Swiss national According to Law No. 37/2006, of August 9, nationals of all European Union (EU) countries who move to or reside in Portugal, as well as family members accompanying or joining them, regardless of their nationality, have the right to enter, stay and reside in…

It has been weeks since the government proposed changes to the law that included the ending of the Golden Visa programme in Portugal. Since then, Portuguese parties have been drafting their own proposals and the Socialist party, which is the majority party, is now proposing changes that are encouraging to those considering obtaining the Portuguese…

Sandra Jardim Fernandes, a reputed lawyer specialized in Immigration, Real Estate and Corporate Law, has joined Valadas Coriel & Associados as Of Counsel. Sandra was a founding partner of the Madeira law firm DCS and lately responsible for its Lisbon office and the immigration and foreign investment department. Sandra and Valadas Coriel & Associados decided to…