GFDL Advogados
Independent full-service Lisbon law firm with expertise in immigration, tax, corporate, and private client matters. Recognized by Legal 500 and Best Lawyers. Known for niche specialization in FinTech, Blockchain, and emerging technologies alongside traditional Golden Visa and citizenship services.
Firm Snapshot
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- Programs
- Golden Visa, Citizenship, D7/Passive Income, Work Permit, Family Reunification, Sephardic Jewish Ancestry
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About GFDL Advogados
GFDL Advogados (Gil Figueira & Devillet Lima – Sociedade de Advogados SP RL) is an independent full-service law firm based in Lisbon. The firm comprises highly skilled advisors and lawyers with international experience in law and business affairs. Their dedicated teams handle all aspects of doing business and investing in Portugal, combining intellectually rigorous work with unique insights into business and cultural practices. The firm is known for independent, responsive, client-oriented advice with an international footprint. They maintain a strict confidentiality policy and serve both private and corporate clients across eight core practices with deep industry experience. GFDL is particularly recognized for knowledge in niche sectors including FinTech, Blockchain, and emerging technologies. Co-founders João G. Gil Figueira (tax and business lawyer with 15+ years experience) and Rodrigue Devillet Lima (public law lawyer and head of litigation) lead a multilingual team of experts. João specializes in cross-border taxation, investment structures, M&A, and private client matters including Golden Visa and wealth structuring. Rodrigue advises on regulatory issues, securities offerings, AML/KYC compliance, and real estate development. Core practice areas include: • Immigration & Citizenship: Golden Visa applications, Portuguese citizenship, Sephardic Jewish ancestry cases, global talent advisory, moving to Portugal assistance • Tax & Social Security: IFICI tax benefits (successor to NHR), tax compliance, international taxation, VAT desk • Corporate & Commercial: Company formation, M&A, commercial contracts, startups and scaleups, SME acquisitions • Capital Markets: Securities offerings, private equity, investment fund structuring • Intellectual Property: Comprehensive IP solutions throughout the entire life cycle • Litigation: High-profile litigation, dispute resolution, debt and asset recovery • Labour & Employment: Employment contracts, disputes, compliance • Public Law: Regulatory matters, permits, zoning and development Industry specializations include FinTech & Blockchain, Private Equity, Media/Sports/Performing Arts, Real Estate & Construction, Hospitality & Leisure, and Manufacturing & Retail. The firm is recognized by Legal 500, Chambers, Best Lawyers, and Lexology. They are members of the International Bar Association (IBA), International Fiscal Association (IFA), Lexing Network, and Union Internationale des Avocats (UIA).
Areas of Practice
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GFDL Advogados and what are they known for?
GFDL Advogados is an independent full-service law firm based in Lisbon, known for independent and client-oriented advice. They're recognized by Legal 500, Best Lawyers, and Chambers for their expertise in tax, immigration, and corporate law, with particular strength in niche sectors like FinTech and Blockchain.
What Golden Visa services does GFDL provide?
GFDL provides comprehensive Golden Visa guidance covering all eligible investment routes: venture capital funds (€500k), cultural heritage donations (€250k), and scientific research investments (€500k). They handle the complete application process and advise on the path to permanent residency and citizenship after 5 years.
Who leads the team at GFDL Advogados?
The firm was co-founded by João G. Gil Figueira, a tax and business lawyer with 15+ years of experience specializing in cross-border taxation, investment structures, and private client matters, and Rodrigue Devillet Lima, a public law lawyer who heads the litigation department and leads all interactions with regulators.
Does GFDL assist with tax planning for expats moving to Portugal?
Yes, GFDL provides comprehensive tax advisory including guidance on the IFICI tax regime (successor to NHR), international taxation, tax compliance, VAT matters, and wealth structuring. They also advise on the tax implications of various residency routes.
What industries does GFDL specialize in?
GFDL has deep experience in FinTech & Blockchain, Private Equity, Media/Sports/Performing Arts, Real Estate & Construction, Hospitality & Leisure, and Manufacturing & Retail. They're particularly known for advising innovative businesses and guiding disruptive enterprises through traditional legal frameworks.
Does GFDL assist with Sephardic Jewish ancestry citizenship applications?
Yes, GFDL has a dedicated practice for Sephardic Jewish ancestry citizenship applications, helping descendants of Portuguese Sephardic Jews obtain Portuguese nationality. Note that recent nationality law changes have significantly impacted this route, and GFDL provides current guidance on eligibility.
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