Map Advogados
Robust Immigration Support With A Global Perspective

Portugal’s hospitality ethos, friendly tax laws, and affordable housing and education make the country a desirable destination for expats, entrepreneurs, students, and people from all walks of life seeking better opportunities. However, navigating the intricate web of immigration laws demands knowledge and a seasoned guide capable of adapting to emerging mandates.

This is where MAP Advogados enters the picture.

Understanding that the decision to move to a new country is both exciting and filled with uncertainties, the firm prioritizes a warm and client-centric experience from the very first meeting, making the journey from contemplating a move to settling as seamless as possible. There’s an unmistakable energy and spirit of collaboration that seamlessly bridges the gap between standard legal services and customer centricity, a reason its approach goes beyond conventional immigration-related support.

“We are committed to providing comprehensive legal support and personalized services to ensure the success of each client throughout their immigration journey,” says Maria Ana Pescadinha, CEO.

The brainchild of Pescadinha, a seasoned legal professional with a client-first mindset, MAP Advogados is recognized for its unparalleled prowess in delivering superior legal services in immigration, tax and real estate. The firm’s expertise spans criminal, family, civil, and labour law, along with vital services such as vehicle registration for imports, driving license registration, notary facilities, and investment management.

Pescadinha’s philosophy is deeply embedded in MAP Advogados’ operations, with the team going above and beyond to best serve client needs and interests. In a legal landscape often characterized by cold formality, the law firm rejects traditional barriers between lawyers and clients to deliver desired outcomes with warmth. MAP Advogados has no transactional partnerships, only genuine connections that go beyond legalities.

Operating with a commitment to transparency and informative counsel, it establishes privileged relationships with clients and meticulously guides them through every case with the utmost care and professionalism.

Navigating the Labyrinth of Relocation

In 2020, the Prime Minister of Portugal ordered the dissolution of the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) following a deadly incident that involved three agents. On April 6th, 2023, the Government approved the creation of the Portuguese Agency for Minorities, Migrations and Asylum (AIMA) and the transition regime for workers in the Foreigners and Borders Service.

The AIMA will handle administrative tasks concerning foreign citizens in Portugal, including residence permits and refugee matters. It is set to inherit up to 300,000 pending processes for legalizing immigrants from SEF.

Combined with the overwhelming demand from individuals looking to move to Portugal, this sharply contrasts the limited resources and personnel available in many of the nation’s embassies. This often adds extra complexity to an intricate procedure, resulting in delays and complications.

Instilling flexibility in changing administrative procedures, MAP Advogados remains committed to proactive strategies,
unmatched agility, and strong advocacy for improved resources and training within embassies. The team stays informed, collaborates with relevant authorities, and explores innovative solutions to ensure a smoother immigration process for clients amid the evolving immigration landscape in Portugal.

Empowering Seamless Immigration with a Dynamic Portfolio

Home to a team of immigration law specialists, MAP Advogados is ideally positioned to offer legal guidance to international clients seeking residence permits, family reunifications, and Portuguese nationality. The firm’s expertise spans all visa types and categories in the residency assignment domain, making it the most preferred immigration law firm. From a visa standpoint, team MAP Advogados excels at D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D7, and D8-related processes.

A couple from the U.S. recently sought legal assistance in submitting Portuguese visa applications and streamlining property acquisition processes. They faced difficulties finding legal representation to seamlessly handle real estate transactions and visa-related processes.

In this instance, MAP Advogados initiated comprehensive support, addressing the couple’s immediate concerns in a caring manner. The primary goals included resolving property-related delays and creating the D7 visa application process, allowing them to quickly relocate to Portugal.

The team implemented a personalized and hands-on approach, providing them with dedicated folders containing all the necessary documents in Portuguese and English. They ensured clarity and accessibility throughout the process, recognizing the potential confusion clients face amid piles of paperwork.

Even during the couple’s embassy appointment in San Francisco, MAP Advogados supported the immigration entity in handling the application. Given their tight flight schedule, the clients sought guidance from the embassy staff. A diplomatic employee recognized the urgency and fast-tracked their meeting. Thanks to their meticulously prepared documents, the couple was able to bypass a backlog and receive email confirmations of the successful submission and approval of their visa application.

Ecstatic and relieved, the couple fulfilled their goal. Their positive experience underscores MAP Advogados’ core values of transparency, adaptability, and client-centric service.

The Powerhouse Team Driving Success

“When facing obstacles, particularly with immigration services, we prioritise clients no matter what. This might involve working across different time zones, even staying awake at odd hours to communicate with Portuguese embassies on the other side of the world,” says Pescadinha.

Whether appealing to an embassy, immigration services, or escalating to higher authorities, the team persistently advocates for clients, striving for success from the initial application to the resolution of any challenges that may arise. If necessary, appeals are directed to the main director of the immigration department and, in exceptional cases, to the foreign ministry.

Each member contributes to the firm’s success. Leading the charge is Cristiana Santos, a seasoned solicitor and second-in-command to Pescadinha. Her expertise extends to legal matters and the meticulous organisation of the law firm’s offices—an invaluable skill set paramount to MAP Advogados’ imminent ventures into online projects.

In the ranks are Mariana Cordeiro and Liliana Costa, administrative assistants and file handlers, who play pivotal roles in the firm’s smooth functioning. Their responsibilities
encompass the comprehensive management of visas, including the intricate D7 and D8 categories. They also handle social security numbers, healthcare registrations, and NHR tax regimes to ensure clients receive a truly holistic service.

At the heart of client-facing responsibilities is Vera Vazão and Mafalda Freitas, the welcoming faces at its help desk. They adeptly manages diverse tasks, significantly contributing to the team’s efficiency. Together, the MAP Advogados team forms a cohesive unit, blending expertise, dedication, and global reach to equip clients with unparalleled support throughout their legal and relocation journeys.

MAP Advogados recognizes that the journey doesn’t end with visa approval. It fosters a sense of community and support for new citizens by organizing monthly lunch gatherings that provide opportunities to build connections, make friends, and create a valuable network in their new countries.

Thorough Legal Expertise, from Citizenship to Cryptocurrency

Portugal’s favorable laws make it an attractive destination for those looking to benefit from the zero percent tax rate on crypto holdings. MAP Advogados leverages its expertise in local law and tax mandates to assist clients in capitalizing on emerging revenue opportunities. The firm also caters to pensioners, helping them receive their income from abroad and minimize tax obligations in Portugal.

It is not just at the forefront of legal services but is deeply engaged in the cryptocurrency arena. Partnering with Wealth Club Coin (WCC), a prominent crypto project, the firm actively contributes to the knowledge and awareness of crypto investments. MAP Advogados aligns with WCC’s mission to support educational initiatives and promote crypto literacy worldwide. An ambassador for the project, Maria Ana Pescadinha, CEO of MAP Advogados, is championing a holistic approach to crypto, recognizing its impact on the world stage.

Through the WCC project, MAP Advogados makes strides in philanthropy, contributes to educational programs in Congo, and fosters crypto awareness among the youth. By aligning with projects like WCC, it focuses on financial success while making a meaningful impact on society.

Achieving Global Excellence through Expanding Services

MAP Advogados is thrilled to announce its expansion into digital platforms, revolutionizing how clients navigate their relocation journeys. First on the horizon is Visasinportugal.com, a comprehensive immigration website set to launch in January 2024. This platform will serve as a one-stop hub, granting easy access to all essential services for those moving to Portugal. From acquiring visas and tax numbers to navigating healthcare systems, importing vehicles, and facilitating property acquisitions, Visasinportugal.com is poised to streamline the entire process.

Taking its services to the next level, MAP Advogados is also excited to introduce Expatsolution.com, planned for April 2024. This platform is designed to cater to the needs of expats worldwide, offering a diverse range of services to simplify relocation to any country. With well-established connections to law firms worldwide, MAP Advogados envisions Expatsolution.com as the go-to destination for individuals seeking assistance with visas, citizenship acquisition, and other expatriate essentials. Clients are covered whether they want to settle in the U.S., Australia, or any other region.

The firm’s commitment extends to distinct projects like acquiring citizenship in St. Kitts or securing residency in Italy, which will be seamlessly facilitated through the Expat Solution website. As MAP Advogados gears up to launch these platforms, its goal remains clear—to be the catalyst that simplifies and enhances the global relocation experience for individuals and families alike. Clients are encouraged to stay tuned for the future of effortless relocation with Visasinportugal.com and Expatsolution.com.

With these launches, MAP Advogados is set to redefine the client experience in legal and expat services. As it ventures into new territories, the firm remains dedicated to empowering clients to reliably move to their desired countries and make a positive impact on a global scale.