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Expertise Industries

Family businesses are some of the largest, most vital and creative organisations in the world. In Portugal they have great economic weight, and they represent an increase in interest for international investment, but also in complexity, with the management of demanding portfolios. Our lawyers accompany all stages, from the creation of the business to its expansion and the passing on to the next generation, when applicable and desirable, in all dimensions.

Family businesses have their own characteristics, influenced by unique personal, legal and regulatory issues, which are increasingly complex, not only due to tax changes but also to increased regulation. Aware of the enormous relevance of their issues, at Morais Leitão we invest in a close relationship with our clients, being seen as advisers who bring added value to the business through comprehensive knowledge and understanding of our clients´ values and objectives.
We have a reputation for discretion, investing in tailor-made teams with solutions tailored to the client and its specific needs. We combine technically complex approaches with pragmatic and commercially aware suggestions, in a coherent and viable framework for all involved, which is the result of truly unique advisory experience of decades.

Family Offices, as a private wealth management advisory vehicle to protect family principles and values and their wealth and heritage across generations, often require sophisticated legal services in multiple disciplines. They involve the most demanding structuring and planning, often combining different national legislative frameworks. In Portugal Morais Leitão is a recognized leader in advising and assisting private wealth, high net-worth individuals and Family Offices, classified as Band 1 in the reputed Chambers & Partners directory. We provide global and multi-jurisdictional advice, through multidisciplinary teams, to private clients and families in a wide range of areas, including:

  • Tax Advice
  • Trust and Estate Administration
  • Cyber-security and Privacy
  • Setting up and governance of Family Offices
  • Family and Inheritance Law
  • Corporate and Business Law
  • Mergers and Acquisitions
  • Immigration
  • Real Estate and Construction
  • Investment
  • Fiduciary disputes
  • Labour negotiations
  • Pensions and Social Security
  • Real Estate Planning
  • Business Succession Planning
  • Copyright and Image Rights Protection, and
  • Restructuring of Family Estates, among others.

We also represent private clients in civil liability lawsuits, corporate litigation, consumer defence, administrative litigation (including expropriation proceedings), labour litigation, criminal and misdemeanour litigation and tax litigation.

Morevoer we provide advice on the following matters:

  • Acquisition and termination of residence in Portugal and obtaining the tax status of non-habitual resident
  • Obtaining residence permits for investment activities in Portugal (the so-called gold visas or golden visas)
  • Accompanying the acquisition of Portuguese nationality
  • Negotiation and drafting of contracts related to the purchase and sale, import and export of works of art and antiques, and
  • Financing for the acquisition of aircraft and tourist boats.