Spanish Desk

In line with its growth and international presence strategy and recognising the strategic importance of economic relations between Portugal and Spain, Morais Leitão has established the Spanish Desk. This dedicated in-house team provides ongoing legal support for cross-border operations within the Iberian economic area.

The Spanish Desk brings together lawyers with solid experience in corporate, tax, banking and finance, real estate, labour and litigation matters, offering an integrated and multidisciplinary approach. The team is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish, ensuring direct, efficient communication with clients, public authorities and counterparties in both jurisdictions.

Working in close collaboration with leading Spanish law firms, the Spanish Desk supports Spanish companies investing in Portugal as well as Portuguese business groups developing projects in Spain. This coordinated approach ensures comprehensive legal advice across all relevant practice areas, tailored to the specific challenges of cross-border transactions in the Iberian Peninsula.

The Spanish Desk is a valuable resource for investors, financial institutions and international business groups operating between Portugal and Spain, combining in-depth legal expertise with a strong understanding of both legal frameworks and business environments.

Key areas of activity

• Investment and establishment in Portugal by Spanish companies, including corporate and tax structuring, licensing procedures and ongoing legal support for business operations.
• Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and corporate restructurings with an Iberian dimension, involving companies and assets located in Portugal and Spain.
• Banking and financial transactions, including acquisition finance, structured finance, capital markets operations and transactions between Portuguese and Spanish financial institutions.
• Cross-border commercial contracts, with a particular focus on governing law, jurisdiction and dispute resolution mechanisms.
• International tax advice on transactions between Portugal and Spain, including double taxation issues and the structuring of investment vehicles.
• Labour and employment matters, especially those related to workforce mobility between Portugal and Spain and the establishment of shared service centres.
• Litigation and arbitration involving Portuguese and Spanish elements, in coordination with local counsel whenever required.
• Real estate transactions and tourism projects, including the acquisition, development and financing of assets in Portugal by Spanish investors.

The Spanish Desk operates as a multidisciplinary team with both international and local experience, covering key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, real estate, financial services, technology and tourism. This sectoral insight allows the team to anticipate client needs and deliver practical, business-focused legal solutions for operations spanning Portugal and Spain.