At MATLAW, we take pride in being a highly specialized law firm focused on real estate investment in Portugal, covering the residential, commercial (across all sectors), and rural markets. Additionally, we support our clients with matters related to taxation, immigration, and Portuguese nationality, often connected to real estate investments, relocation, and business expansion into Portugal.
With offices in Lisbon and the Algarve, we provide tailored legal services to clients worldwide, combining in-depth local expertise with a global perspective.
Many of our clients — whether institutional or individual — entrust us with managing their processes, including property acquisition, development, and sales, financing, corporate structuring and housekeeping, taxation, urban planning, territorial development, licensing, and project implementation.
We also provide support in estate planning and asset division, property operation (leasing, sale-leaseback), and all types of disputes related to real estate (asset division, development and construction litigation, brokerage disputes, tax and zoning litigation, as well as enforcement of colaterals on real estate financing operations).
Our proven ability to efficiently execute any transaction, combined with our deep knowledge of the real estate sector and our commitment to the highest standards of professionalism and independence, positions us as a trusted partner for global clients seeking safety and excellence in the Portuguese market.
With a team of talented and dedicated lawyers, MATLAW is ready to be your trusted legal partner in Portugal, offering tailor-made solutions to meet your specific needs.
Leasing: Residential, Commercial, Rural
We also offer comprehensive legal services in all matters related to maximizing returns on real estate assets in Portugal.
Real Estate Transactions (property transfer agreements)
A real estate transaction generally aims to transfer ownership of a real estate asset from one party to another, ensuring the buyer obtains a clean title and that all legal, regulatory, and financial obligations are defined and fulfilled.
Real Estate Development: construction and related service contracts
At MATLAW, we offer comprehensive legal support for real estate development, covering all stages from land acquisition to construction and final sale.
Urban Planning: land use, zoning, and urban rehabilitation
We provide specialized legal advice on urban planning, land use, and licensing for real estate projects of any kind, including urban rehabilitation projects.
Tourism: regulation, licensing, management, and operation of tourism developments
For clients operating in the tourism and local accommodation sectors, we provide tailored advice for licensing, operation, and leasing of properties for tourism purposes, ensuring compliance with applicable regulatory law, and coordinating operations between developers, tenants, and operators.
Real Estate Financing: financing contracts for real estate projects and associated guarantees
At MATLAW, we support our clients in negotiating and contracting the terms, conditions, and guarantees of financing agreements, whether they are investors or beneficiaries of the investment.
Real Estate Taxation: advisory on property and real estate income taxes
Owning, acquiring, operating, or selling property in Portugal—as well as relocating individuals or businesses to the country—has significant tax implications. Currently, real estate in Portugal is subject to six different types of taxation.
Corporate Real Estate
Real estate investments are often made through corporate vehicles, whether they are perfomed by commercial companies, cooperatives, or real estate investment funds.
Inheritance & Family Law
Our clients rely on us for assistance with estate planning, particularly regarding assets located in Portugal (including wills and lifetime asset transfers), as well as for managing negotiation, contracting, and registration processes for the distribution of assets in estates opened in Portugal or abroad. These matters are often handled through both negotiation and court proceedings, depending on complexity.
Real Estate Arbitration and Litigation
When conflicts are not resolved through out-of-court methods, we support and represent our clients in judicial and arbitration proceedings. The disputes we handle relate to all our areas of practice — from public law issues like tax and zoning, to civil and commercial disputes such as contracts, asset division, leasing, construction, and other private matters.
Portuguese Residency & Citizenship
We assist our clients with all types of immigration and relocation matters in Portugal.