Building bridges, not borders.
You are safe here.
Your story matters.
About
12+ years of experience in immigration law
Licensed lawyer with the Portuguese Bar Association (OA No. 52477P)
Two Master’s degrees: Public Law and Modern Social Risks
Former immigration advisor in the UK (OISC)
1000+ clients successfully relocated with my help
Specialisation: complex cases, appeals, and administrative procedures
Working online worldwide + personally handling required procedures in Portugal
For me, immigration law brings together two essential elements: professional fulfillment and a human-centered mission.
I’m Daniela Hammes Castro, immigration lawyer.
I work with a human and empathetic purposes: to connect people, unite families.
Document Preparation and Verification
Forms, translations, checklists, legal review, and compliance with current legislation.
Post-Arrival Support
NIF, NISS, taxes, registrations, healthcare, schools, and integration support after arrival in Portugal.
I’m here to support you at every stage. Let’s talk and find the best solution for your circumstances.
How I Can Help
Residence Permits
Full legal support for obtaining and renewing residence permits, including complex cases.
Visas and Consular Procedures
Preparation, review, submission, and guidance throughout consular processes.
Appeals and Administrative Cases
Professional representation in appeals, refusals, and court proceedings.
AIMA Procedures
Full support with scheduling, submissions, communication with authorities, and monitoring progress.
Services/Provide
Who I Can Help
Clients
I support individuals and families planning to build their life in Portugal with clear, reliable, and attentive legal guidance.
Employees relocating for work – Professionals invited by Portuguese companies.
Families relocating together: Couples, parents, and dependents needing family reunification support.
Your
are
safe
here
Your
story
matters
Investors and entrepreneurs – Individuals opening businesses, investing, or considering long-term stay.
Remote workers and freelancers — Those working online seeking a suitable immigration path.
Students and education program participants — Universities, internships, or mobility program enrollees.
Companies relocating employees: Organizations transferring staff and requiring clear legal assistance.
I
explain
every
step
in
clear
accessible
language
Let’s talk about your case and find the right legal strategy.
Every successfully resolved case marks the beginning of a new chapter in a client’s life,
and it is truly meaningful for me to be part of that process.
Your Path to Portugal
Process
12 steps we follow together — from the first call to obtaining a residence permit. I provide support at every stage.
Understanding your background, goals and identifying the right immigration route.
01
Consultation and situation assessment
Preparing the cooperation agreement and issuing a POA when required.
02
Proposed pathway and power of attorney
Providing a tailored list of documents and arranging necessary consular appointments.
03
Checklist of documents + booking an appointment with the consulate
I’ll help you navigate every document and every decision — step by step.
Completion of forms, translations, verifications and assembling the full application.
05
Preparing documents and forms
Preparing and submitting appeals in case of a consular refusal.
06
Visa refusal appeal
(if needed)
Booking and managing AIMA appointments when applicable.
07
Scheduling residence permit submission
Ensuring all documents meet current requirements before submission.
08
Updated document checklist
Continuous guidance and adjustments as your case progresses.
09
Continuous support during processing
Assistance with obtaining your Portuguese social security number.
10
Assistance in obtaining NISS
Legal representation and appeals if AIMA issues a negative decision.
11
Residence permit refusal appeal (if needed)
Final instructions, next steps and post-arrival support when relevant.
12
Final stage and integration recommendations
Assistance with obtaining your NIF and establishing tax representation.
04
Getting NIF and tax representation
Segments
Individuals & Companies
Individuals and Families
I assist clients at all immigration stages — moving alone, with a partner, or with the entire family. My goal is clarity, reliability, and full legal support from the first call to residence permit.
Support includes:
- Choosing the best immigration path
- Document preparation and review
- AIMA and consulate submissions
- Handling complex cases and appeals
- Post-arrival support (NIF, NISS, registrations, healthcare)
Companies and Employers
I work with companies relocating employees to Portugal, providing clear and effective legal assistance, either on a one-off or ongoing basis.
Support includes:
- Coordination with HR teams
- Preparation of complete document packages
- Compliance control
- Timeline management and communication with authorities
- Appeals and complex cases if necessary
Companies I have worked with:
Migrun, Relovisa, OKNO Agency, Brainrocket Portugal, Appyfurious, LPM Comunicação, Viv Europe Lda and others.
Migrun, Relovisa, OKNO Agency, Brainrocket Portugal, Appyfurious, LPM Comunicação, Viv Europe Lda and others.
Start with a consultation — I’ll guide every next step.
You come first.
We can walk this path together.
Testimonial
People talk
Real stories from people I have supported on their journey to Portugal. Transparent communication, attention to detail, and careful legal work are the foundation of every case.
My goal is to make you feel comfortable, safe, understood, and genuinely cared for from the very first moment, knowing that your immigration journey will be guided with expertise, empathy, and respectful attention.
I just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you for all your support and kindness. Your help has meant more to me than I can put into words, and I’m truly grateful.
I’ve been thinking about the possibility of registering as a foreign attorney. It’s something I’d love to explore, but I’m a bit hesitant — it seems like passing an exam in Portuguese might be required, and my language skills are still a long way from that level. Hopefully one day!
I would be so happy to meet you in person someday. I really admire the way you communicate and how generously you share your knowledge. I’d love to hear more about your career journey and explore how I can be helpful for you and your practice as well.
You are genuinely the first person I’d recommend to anyone looking for a lawyer in Portugal.
I’ve been thinking about the possibility of registering as a foreign attorney. It’s something I’d love to explore, but I’m a bit hesitant — it seems like passing an exam in Portuguese might be required, and my language skills are still a long way from that level. Hopefully one day!
I would be so happy to meet you in person someday. I really admire the way you communicate and how generously you share your knowledge. I’d love to hear more about your career journey and explore how I can be helpful for you and your practice as well.
You are genuinely the first person I’d recommend to anyone looking for a lawyer in Portugal.
Iryna S.
Dear Daniela,
I have some wonderful news to share — my mom’s residency has been received today! I am incredibly grateful for all your help throughout this process.
Thanks to your guidance and support, what could have been a very challenging experience felt so much smoother and more manageable.
Thank you again for your dedication and professionalism. It truly made all the difference, and my family and I deeply appreciate it.
Warm regards.
I have some wonderful news to share — my mom’s residency has been received today! I am incredibly grateful for all your help throughout this process.
Thanks to your guidance and support, what could have been a very challenging experience felt so much smoother and more manageable.
Thank you again for your dedication and professionalism. It truly made all the difference, and my family and I deeply appreciate it.
Warm regards.
Kirill P.
Dear Daniela,
Thank you for clarifying every question we had. You've given us great peace of mind, and we appreciate it very much.
Best regards, Ivan Seliverstov
Thank you for clarifying every question we had. You've given us great peace of mind, and we appreciate it very much.
Best regards, Ivan Seliverstov
Ivan Seliverstov
Dear Daniela,
My wife and I are very happy about the confirmed appointment, and we sincerely hope that this time we won’t have to go through the process of taking legal action against AIMA again due to card delays.
We are truly grateful for all the work you have done and for keeping us constantly updated throughout the process — it made a big difference for us.
Thank you once again for your professionalism and support.
Warm regards, Alex.
My wife and I are very happy about the confirmed appointment, and we sincerely hope that this time we won’t have to go through the process of taking legal action against AIMA again due to card delays.
We are truly grateful for all the work you have done and for keeping us constantly updated throughout the process — it made a big difference for us.
Thank you once again for your professionalism and support.
Warm regards, Alex.
Oleksandr Kovpenko
Dear Daniela,
Thank you so much for the great news!
Appreciate your efforts in obtaining a desired result!
Best wishes, Tetiana
Thank you so much for the great news!
Appreciate your efforts in obtaining a desired result!
Best wishes, Tetiana
Tetiana Vdovina
Thank you so much.
You really helped us to calm down. ❤
You really helped us to calm down. ❤
Yevhen Anokhin
Daniela, good evening,
I hope you’re still awake and will receive our enthusiastic reply to such a wonderful message!
Thank you so much for your help and for being so incredibly fast. We are very, very, very happy!!!
And of course, we will recommend you as the best lawyer in Portugal ❤️
But, as always, we have a few questions :)))
Can AIMA cancel or reschedule the appointment at the last minute?
When it’s time to renew my residence permit and, once again, there are no available slots — can I come to you for help? Do you assist with such cases?
Thank you, and good night! ❤️❤️❤️
Best regards
I hope you’re still awake and will receive our enthusiastic reply to such a wonderful message!
Thank you so much for your help and for being so incredibly fast. We are very, very, very happy!!!
And of course, we will recommend you as the best lawyer in Portugal ❤️
But, as always, we have a few questions :)))
Can AIMA cancel or reschedule the appointment at the last minute?
When it’s time to renew my residence permit and, once again, there are no available slots — can I come to you for help? Do you assist with such cases?
Thank you, and good night! ❤️❤️❤️
Best regards
Aleksandra Kozharskaia
I consulted with Daniela about my Digital nomad visa application that got rejected twice(!) before, and I needed help filing an appeal.
In just a 30 minutes' long call Daniela gave me a specific reason I was being rejected, list of things to be fixed and sent to her so that she can compose the text for the appeal.
One call is what separated me from being mad about the vague reason of rejection in the rejection letter, being lost because of not knowing what to do AND being calm and knowing exactly what to do in order to secure the visa after all.
100% recommend if you're looking for concrete solution to your problem.
In just a 30 minutes' long call Daniela gave me a specific reason I was being rejected, list of things to be fixed and sent to her so that she can compose the text for the appeal.
One call is what separated me from being mad about the vague reason of rejection in the rejection letter, being lost because of not knowing what to do AND being calm and knowing exactly what to do in order to secure the visa after all.
100% recommend if you're looking for concrete solution to your problem.
Vadim Panov
Daniela, hi!
How have you been?
We heard that you have been successfully helping many people who struggle with their applications (not just us)) and they are all super happy with communication with you and highly recommend you).
Thank you for being so empathetic, professional and overall so great)
How have you been?
We heard that you have been successfully helping many people who struggle with their applications (not just us)) and they are all super happy with communication with you and highly recommend you).
Thank you for being so empathetic, professional and overall so great)
Olga Zaboikina
Daniela Castro gave amazing service in helping me navigate my permanent relocation to Portugal!
She gave me very specific steps and instructions in order for me to complete my visa.
Whenever I had questions, she was always there to answer them.
I never had any worries! Had a pleasure working with her!
She gave me very specific steps and instructions in order for me to complete my visa.
Whenever I had questions, she was always there to answer them.
I never had any worries! Had a pleasure working with her!
Pavel S.
Daniela, bom dia!
Thank you very-very much!
I'm incredibly happy! You are a magician. If I owe you anything for your help, please write and I will make a transfer.
Kind regards, Denis
Thank you very-very much!
I'm incredibly happy! You are a magician. If I owe you anything for your help, please write and I will make a transfer.
Kind regards, Denis
Denis Rogachkov
I want to grant you one more time for your support and results.
To be honest, it is great luck to find such a professional as you in a new country who knows what to do and stays in touch.
I appreciate our experience and recommended you to my ex-colleague.
Best regards
To be honest, it is great luck to find such a professional as you in a new country who knows what to do and stays in touch.
I appreciate our experience and recommended you to my ex-colleague.
Best regards
Anastasiia M.
Testimonial
People talk
Real stories from people I have supported on their journey to Portugal. Transparent communication, attention to detail, and careful legal work are the foundation of every case.
I just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you for all your support and kindness. Your help has meant more to me than I can put into words, and I’m truly grateful.
I’ve been thinking about the possibility of registering as a foreign attorney. It’s something I’d love to explore, but I’m a bit hesitant — it seems like passing an exam in Portuguese might be required, and my language skills are still a long way from that level. Hopefully one day!
I would be so happy to meet you in person someday. I really admire the way you communicate and how generously you share your knowledge. I’d love to hear more about your career journey and explore how I can be helpful for you and your practice as well.
You are genuinely the first person I’d recommend to anyone looking for a lawyer in Portugal.
I’ve been thinking about the possibility of registering as a foreign attorney. It’s something I’d love to explore, but I’m a bit hesitant — it seems like passing an exam in Portuguese might be required, and my language skills are still a long way from that level. Hopefully one day!
I would be so happy to meet you in person someday. I really admire the way you communicate and how generously you share your knowledge. I’d love to hear more about your career journey and explore how I can be helpful for you and your practice as well.
You are genuinely the first person I’d recommend to anyone looking for a lawyer in Portugal.
Iryna S.
Dear Daniela,
I have some wonderful news to share — my mom’s residency has been received today! I am incredibly grateful for all your help throughout this process.
Thanks to your guidance and support, what could have been a very challenging experience felt so much smoother and more manageable.
Thank you again for your dedication and professionalism. It truly made all the difference, and my family and I deeply appreciate it.
Warm regards.
I have some wonderful news to share — my mom’s residency has been received today! I am incredibly grateful for all your help throughout this process.
Thanks to your guidance and support, what could have been a very challenging experience felt so much smoother and more manageable.
Thank you again for your dedication and professionalism. It truly made all the difference, and my family and I deeply appreciate it.
Warm regards.
Kirill P.
Dear Daniela,
Thank you for clarifying every question we had. You've given us great peace of mind, and we appreciate it very much.
Best regards, Ivan Seliverstov
Thank you for clarifying every question we had. You've given us great peace of mind, and we appreciate it very much.
Best regards, Ivan Seliverstov
Ivan Seliverstov
Dear Daniela,
My wife and I are very happy about the confirmed appointment, and we sincerely hope that this time we won’t have to go through the process of taking legal action against AIMA again due to card delays.
We are truly grateful for all the work you have done and for keeping us constantly updated throughout the process — it made a big difference for us.
Thank you once again for your professionalism and support.
Warm regards, Alex.
My wife and I are very happy about the confirmed appointment, and we sincerely hope that this time we won’t have to go through the process of taking legal action against AIMA again due to card delays.
We are truly grateful for all the work you have done and for keeping us constantly updated throughout the process — it made a big difference for us.
Thank you once again for your professionalism and support.
Warm regards, Alex.
Oleksandr Kovpenko
Dear Daniela,
Thank you so much for the great news!
Appreciate your efforts in obtaining a desired result!
Best wishes, Tetiana
Thank you so much for the great news!
Appreciate your efforts in obtaining a desired result!
Best wishes, Tetiana
Tetiana Vdovina
Thank you so much.
You really helped us to calm down. ❤
You really helped us to calm down. ❤
Yevhen Anokhin
Daniela, good evening,
I hope you’re still awake and will receive our enthusiastic reply to such a wonderful message!
Thank you so much for your help and for being so incredibly fast. We are very, very, very happy!!!
And of course, we will recommend you as the best lawyer in Portugal ❤️
But, as always, we have a few questions :)))
Can AIMA cancel or reschedule the appointment at the last minute?
When it’s time to renew my residence permit and, once again, there are no available slots — can I come to you for help? Do you assist with such cases?
Thank you, and good night! ❤️❤️❤️
Best regards
I hope you’re still awake and will receive our enthusiastic reply to such a wonderful message!
Thank you so much for your help and for being so incredibly fast. We are very, very, very happy!!!
And of course, we will recommend you as the best lawyer in Portugal ❤️
But, as always, we have a few questions :)))
Can AIMA cancel or reschedule the appointment at the last minute?
When it’s time to renew my residence permit and, once again, there are no available slots — can I come to you for help? Do you assist with such cases?
Thank you, and good night! ❤️❤️❤️
Best regards
Aleksandra Kozharskaia
I consulted with Daniela about my Digital nomad visa application that got rejected twice(!) before, and I needed help filing an appeal.
In just a 30 minutes' long call Daniela gave me a specific reason I was being rejected, list of things to be fixed and sent to her so that she can compose the text for the appeal.
One call is what separated me from being mad about the vague reason of rejection in the rejection letter, being lost because of not knowing what to do AND being calm and knowing exactly what to do in order to secure the visa after all.
100% recommend if you're looking for concrete solution to your problem.
In just a 30 minutes' long call Daniela gave me a specific reason I was being rejected, list of things to be fixed and sent to her so that she can compose the text for the appeal.
One call is what separated me from being mad about the vague reason of rejection in the rejection letter, being lost because of not knowing what to do AND being calm and knowing exactly what to do in order to secure the visa after all.
100% recommend if you're looking for concrete solution to your problem.
Vadim Panov
Daniela, hi!
How have you been?
We heard that you have been successfully helping many people who struggle with their applications (not just us)) and they are all super happy with communication with you and highly recommend you).
Thank you for being so empathetic, professional and overall so great)
How have you been?
We heard that you have been successfully helping many people who struggle with their applications (not just us)) and they are all super happy with communication with you and highly recommend you).
Thank you for being so empathetic, professional and overall so great)
Olga Zaboikina
Daniela Castro gave amazing service in helping me navigate my permanent relocation to Portugal!
She gave me very specific steps and instructions in order for me to complete my visa.
Whenever I had questions, she was always there to answer them.
I never had any worries! Had a pleasure working with her!
She gave me very specific steps and instructions in order for me to complete my visa.
Whenever I had questions, she was always there to answer them.
I never had any worries! Had a pleasure working with her!
Pavel S.
Daniela, bom dia!
Thank you very-very much!
I'm incredibly happy! You are a magician. If I owe you anything for your help, please write and I will make a transfer.
Kind regards, Denis
Thank you very-very much!
I'm incredibly happy! You are a magician. If I owe you anything for your help, please write and I will make a transfer.
Kind regards, Denis
Denis Rogachkov
My goal is to make you feel comfortable, safe, understood, and genuinely cared for from the very first moment, knowing that your immigration journey will be guided with expertise, empathy, and respectful attention.
I want to grant you one more time for your support and results.
To be honest, it is great luck to find such a professional as you in a new country who knows what to do and stays in touch.
I appreciate our experience and recommended you to my ex-colleague.
Best regards
To be honest, it is great luck to find such a professional as you in a new country who knows what to do and stays in touch.
I appreciate our experience and recommended you to my ex-colleague.
Best regards
Anastasiia M.
Your questions, answered
FAQ
Yes. I offer a free 30-minute call to review your case, explain possible paths, and determine the next steps.
Assistance with residence permits, visas, Digital Nomad, family reunification, appeals, refusals, and administrative procedures. Support with documents, translations, bookings, submissions, and post-arrival help (NIF, NISS, registrations).
Yes. Most of the process is online, allowing me to support clients worldwide. Anything requiring physical presence in Portugal (AIMA, court) I handle personally.
Yes. I work with clients globally. But the approach is always tailored individually.
Timelines depend on AIMA, consulates, season, and your specific case. Publishing universal timelines would be misleading. I provide a realistic forecast after reviewing your case.
No. Final decisions are made by the state. I guarantee professionalism, attention, realistic timing, and full support — but not the outcome.
Please prepare the following:
- Passport
- Visa (if any)
- Proof of address
- Brief description of your situation
Requirements change frequently — sometimes overnight. I provide an individual, up-to-date checklist after reviewing your case.
Only NIF, consultation, and document review are subject to fixed rates. Other costs depend on the complexity, stages, and possible appeals. We discuss estimated costs during the consultation.
Yes. I prepare and file appeals for visa refusals, AIMA refusals, and administrative cases. I analyze reasons, collect evidence, and manage the entire process.
Yes. I offer a free 30-minute call to review your case, explain possible paths, and determine the next steps.
Assistance with residence permits, visas, Digital Nomad, family reunification, appeals, refusals, and administrative procedures. Support with documents, translations, bookings, submissions, and post-arrival help (NIF, NISS, registrations).
Yes. Most of the process is online, allowing me to support clients worldwide. Anything requiring physical presence in Portugal (AIMA, court) I handle personally.
Yes. I work with clients globally. But the approach is always tailored individually.
Timelines depend on AIMA, consulates, season, and your specific case. Publishing universal timelines would be misleading. I provide a realistic forecast after reviewing your case.
No. Final decisions are made by the state. I guarantee professionalism, attention, realistic timing, and full support — but not the outcome.
Please prepare the following:
- Passport
- Visa (if any)
- Proof of address
- Brief description of your situation
Requirements change frequently — sometimes overnight. I provide an individual, up-to-date checklist after reviewing your case.
Only NIF, consultation, and document review are subject to fixed rates. Other costs depend on the complexity, stages, and possible appeals. We discuss estimated costs during the consultation.
Yes. I prepare and file appeals for visa refusals, AIMA refusals, and administrative cases. I analyze reasons, collect evidence, and manage the entire process.