Portugal

Abreu Advogados has a versatile tax practice comprised of multidisciplinary practitioners. The firm was founded by Miguel Teixeira de Abreu. Partners Alexandra Courela and Nuno Cunha Barnabé head the tax team. The team provides expert advice on transactions, international taxation, transfer pricing, tax litigation, private clients, indirect tax, and transfer pricing. Professional partners Mariana Gouveia de Oliveira, Maria Inês Assis, and lead attorney Joana Maldonado Reis are key contacts.

The firm acted in litigation for assorted clients to challenge the European Commission on salient rulings. It also structured a transaction incorporating employee incentivisation for a multinational.

Practitioner Sara Soares was promoted to Associated Partner in April 2022.

Client feedback

“Abreu has focused most of its tax department in Private Clients work, where it performs a quality work.”

“Great Tax Team, especially the Partner Maria Inês Assis.”

Andersen was founded when the firm Nobre Guedes Mota Soares & Associados joined the Andersen global association. It routinely works with member firms in Spain, France, Switzerland, and Brazil on cross-border mandates. Gonçalo Cid is head of tax at the firm. Litigators Tiago Cid and Carla Malhão work with tax incentive partner Ana Reis.

The firm acted for a multinational in acquisition structuring and transaction-related documentation. It also supported a client in several litigations with the Tax Authority pertaining to corporate income tax.

Senior associate Maria Cancio departed in April 2023. Tiago Cid became a partner in March 2023.

Baker Tilly is led by tax partner Tiago Almeida Veloso and transfer pricing partner João Aranha. Due to the international nature of the firm, the Portuguese chapter works for a range of multinational companies, and SMEs based in Portugal. Indirect expert José Freitas works alongside transfer pricing manager Inês Faina.

The firm supported a client in due diligence relating to tax contingency planning in a cross-border case. It also acted for a client in tax structuring. Transfer pricing services included valuation for an intragroup transaction and benchmarking.

Belim Castilho is a boutique tax practice, dedicated to providing indirect advisory services and tax advice to private individuals. Founder Catarina Belim provides clients with advice in all areas of indirect taxation, including tax dispute representation. Consultant Raquel Petisca gives tax advice to private clients. Partner and lawyer Luís Castilho is another key contact.

The firm completed a cross-border re-domiciliation with double taxation dimensions and reviewed task risk for a multinational structure. Stock options and capital gains advice were relayed to multiple clients.

Client feedback

“The Firm is extremely well versed in both the juridical and practical aspects of the Portuguese tax system, thanks to its Partner's great experience. They provide high level, timely and outstandingly customer centred tax advice.”

“They are very knowledgeable (at tier 1 level), reliable, quick, efficient and structured on feedback, close to client and with a very practical approach in terms of output.”

“Belim are very knowledgeable about all areas of tax law and they are very responsive.”

“They are always one step ahead.”

CCA law firm has a versatile tax department under head of department Tânia de Almeida Ferreira from Cuatrecasas. The firm provides advice for national and international companies on assorted mandates, from corporate transactions, property taxes, expatriate services, and disputes to VAT. Senior indirect specialist Filipe Gomes da Silva is another key contact.

The firm advised Tayan Energy on tax structuring and municipal property taxes incurred by photovoltaic plants. It also completed refinancing, which incorporated complex note subscription agreements for a resort.

Senior indirect specialist Filipe Gomes da Silva and associates José Pedro Marcelino and Pedro Albuquerque Neves joined the firm.

Client feedback

“Focus on the solution, detailed analysis of the issue, strong knowledge, commitment, always aware of the deadlines.”

CCSL Advogados is a boutique law firm. It specialises in financial services, mobility, energy, real estate, industry, agriculture, and private equity sectors. The team is led by founder and partner José Calejo Guerra who heads the department. Senior associate Pedro Leitão da Mota is a key practitioner.

The firm completed a re-financing transaction involving bank coordination for a multinational. It also acted for a start-up in share acquisition.

Client feedback

“CCSL has been making significant strides in the market over the past few years. The firm has been expanding services to meet clients’ needs and made investments in building a solid team and reputation.”

“Extremely available to clarify and provide feedback on the progress.”

“Always frank and honest -- forthright. Explains everything in understandable language with useful examples. Provides solutions and options with pros/cons and valuable advice on strategies and tactics.”

“CCSL provides personal service with the utmost of professionalism, and they have the staff that can handle any legal, corporate, or tax issue.”

CMS Portugal has a reputed standalone tax practice on the domestic market. It advises assorted clients with respect to transactions and disputes. Stamp duty, digital tax, ESG, and cross-border European tax advice are complements. Partner Patrick Dewerbe is head of tax, alongside private equity partner Nuno Figueirôa Santos and counsel Mónica Santos Costa.

The firm advised Aquila Investments on acquisition structuring and capitalisation for several photovoltaic projects. It also acted for Ricoh Portugal in multiple acquisitions. Assorted disputes included tax assessment challenges for the energy sector.

Managing associate Mariana Coentro Ribeiro arrived from Uría Menendez in January 2023.

Client feedback

“The team is excellent, with a special reference to Patrick Dewerbe (head of tax) and Monica Costa (tax practitioner).”

Cuatrecasas is one of the best-known Iberian law firms. The Portuguese office houses an impressive tax team, advising on corporate, international, and private client taxation. It is also experienced in financial services taxation, as well as indirect taxes and tax litigation. Partners Pedro Vidal Matos, Ramos, Gonçalo Bastos Lopes, Susana Estêvão Gonçalves and António Gaspar Schwalbach are key contacts. Counsel Ana Helena Farinha is known for corporate tax. Litigator Serena Cabrita Neto is head of tax.

The firm assisted AIG buy-side warranty and indemnity insurance policy on an investment transaction acquired by Davidson Kempner European Partners. It also acted in a landmark litigation case on Portuguese income tax reimbursement.

In June 2023, partner Serena Cabrita Neto arrived as the new head of tax with senior associates, Filipe Duarte Geada and André Areias from PLMJ. The relocated team includes principal tax associate Liliana Piedade. Fellow associates Inês Cardoso Fernandes, João Filipe Rodrigues, Raquel Santos Ferreira, and Francisco Ludovino Reis underwent the transition. Counsel Isabel Garcia and Maria Inês Cotrim joined the firm after SLCM was incorporated. Partner Susana Estêvão Gonçalves was recruited from CMS in 2022.

Deloitte Portugal team currently employs multidisciplinary tax professionals and is one of the largest tax practices in Portugal, between Lisbon and Porto. The team of 39 partners and 280 professionals comprise six distinct service lines: business tax services; transfer pricing services; indirect taxes; employer services, financial incentives, and international taxation. The head of Tax is Luís Belo. Fellow partner Ricardo Reis leads the Global Employer Services function. Partner Paulo Gaspar is entrusted with the Porto office. VAT specialist Afonso Arnaldo leads the indirect practice.

The firm reassessed a client’s transfer pricing value chain policy for all subsidiaries. It also acted for a consumer goods customer in Portuguese exit tax guidance. Support was relayed to a multinational bank on an impactful Mutual Agreement Procedure.

Client feedback

“Because Deloitte is a leading player in transfer pricing in the Portuguese market.”

DLA Piper has a tax practice focused on assisting clients in highly regulated sectors. It specialises in assisting clients aligned to gambling, tobacco, aviation, and energy. Service lines include corporate transactional tax and litigation. It is led by partner António Moura Portugal and is completed by a small team of senior associates. Litigation specialist Inês Teixeira is complemented by senior associate Ana Carvalho.

The firm supported the Carlyle Group on the sale of its investment in the French-based ETC Group. It also advised Sixt Tech on software application taxation liabilities.

Client feedback

“DLA Piper has accustomed us to being delivered very clear, to-the-point, concise analysis of all tax-relevant situations we have been confronted with, giving us a clear idea on how to proceed in avoiding unnecessary contingencies and on how to remedy those we have incurred in.”

“I appreciate particularly the sector knowledge – Antonio and Team really stand out on this – and the practical approach. They have business approach that works well with clients and that makes working with them a very positive experience.”

Durham Agrellos was founded in 2017 and is specialised in private client tax law. Miguel Durham Agrellos is an Anglo-Portuguese lawyer and founding partner. Family governance and private wealth are complementary service lines. Fellow partner Paulo da Rocha Pichel is a litigation specialist joined by associate Mariana Leite da Silva.

The firm acted for Medical Diagnostic Laboratories in a VAT dispute pertaining to a going concern business transfer before the judicial authorities. It also resettled a foreign trust to achieve distribution for a beneficiary.

Espanha & Associados is a tax boutique focused on corporate and personal taxation mandates. Insurance companies, financial institutions, professional firms, and private clients are current clients. Litigation and tax compliance are complementary services in its multifaceted service suite. João Espanha is founding partner, where he leads the finance department and serves in the tax team. Fellow partner Elsa Rodrigues and senior associate Ricardo Peão are key contacts.

The firm restructured a multinational company to reflect VAT regime changes in Portugal. It also acted for assorted private clients in disputes with the authorities over contested tax assessments.

Client feedback

“They were very professional and studied three alternatives, one of which was very tax efficient.”

“Fast, accurate, focused and deep knowledge of the subjects.”

EY Portugal is a multidisciplinary practice with diverse service lines in a cross-border context. VAT, transactions, arbitration, and private client are practice specialisms. Real estate, telecommunications and energy are focus areas. Partner Luis Marques is the country leader for Portugal. Pedro Paiva is the business tax services leader and Amílcar Nunes leads indirect tax.

The firm supported a multinational group subsidiary in its application for special exemption on the municipal surcharge. It also refinanced debt before third party lenders. Transfer pricing highlights included an intercompany pricing policy formation and benchmarking.

Garrigues is regarded as one of the premier law firms on the Iberian Peninsula. The Iberian offices also benefit from being a member of the global Taxand network. The Portuguese department has esteemed partners, including senior tax partner Fernando Castro Silva. It has a strong team of more junior professionals, covering an array of taxation matters. Partner Pedro Miguel Braz is a renowned litigator and head of tax, alongside M&A lead partner Miguel Pimentel. Principal associate Isabel Vieira Reis is an indirect specialist.

The firm provided guidance on the acquisition of PWC global mobility services, with the Portuguese structuring, negotiation, and financing structure. It also Renault in the sale of its retail activities in Lisbon and Porto.

Client feedback

“The team is very competent.”

“Experienced a part intervention in VAT issue.”

“Garrigues has a top tax controversy team, led by Pedro Miguel Braz.”

“Very good professionals -strong team leader.”

“Concise tax advisory, good tax knowledge and great experience in the area.”

“Very quick feedback to the raised questions, very good availability.”

“Knowledgeable, reliable and proactive.”

“Always available and ready to help, extensive knowledge, experience.”

“Very well organized and methodical, great professionals on the team (top-down), great knowledge of the field of work, add value to the work performed.”

Gómez-Acebo & Pombo has a domestic pedigree for tax litigation with additional distinction in energy duties and regulatory charges. Cross-border counsel is provided through an international network with recurrent mandates from Spain, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Brazil. Target industries are telecommunications, energy, and banking. Partner Nuno de Oliveira Garcia is a key firm contact with litigation repute.

The firm assisted CT Ingenieros in its sale to Arkance Systems France incorporating tax restructuring dimensions. It also completed due diligence for a Portuguese agricultural transaction.

Client feedback

“Superior knowledge of tax procedure matched with exceptional knowledge of tax law.”

J+Legal is a new legal boutique firm based in Lisbon, founded in 2020 by Jaime Carvalho Esteves. The core specialism is transactional M&A with transfer pricing and compliance provision. Various sectors are represented from retail, venture capital and to hospitality. Corporate lawyers Jose Diogo Horta Osorio and Jorge Brito Pereira are key contacts.

The firm facilitated the sale of Genibet to Recipharm with indemnities included in a Special Purpose Vehicle. It also acted for the Azinor Group in tax litigation.

Client feedback

“Their approach to the questions raised was very pragmatic and straight to the point.”

“Reliability, Performance, Knowledge on the matter.”

“They have experience and track record on cross border M&A. Creative and proactive.”

KPMG Portugal operates a very large practice, working across all areas of direct and indirect taxation. Its practice focuses on the financial sector, including corporate taxation and indirect taxation. It also has a growing private client advisory department following the creation of the Portuguese incentive plans. Head of tax is partner Luís Magalhães. Nine partners are allocated across the Lisbon and Porto offices. Partner Ricardo Girão is the indirect specialist and Filipe Grenho is based in financial services tax.

The firm provided buy-side tax due diligence, tax structuring and SPV advice to a global supermarket. It also provided intragroup negotiation and insurance evaluation as part of its transfer pricing services.

A new boutique firm opened in 2020, Manuel Simões de Carvalho has been a fixture in national and international tax planning. Manuel has a particular industry focus on tax residence and the exit of high-net-worth individuals. International structured payment through the Portuguese jurisdiction is a firm speciality. Partner Manuel Simões de Carvalho is the key contact.

The firm provided corporate structuring advice to a technology firm and counselled a foreign real estate investor on transaction and corporate income tax issues.

Client feedback

“MSC possesses a comprehensive understanding of tax law and regulations, including the latest changes and updates in the field. This allows him to provide clients with comprehensive advice and guidance on a wide range of tax-related issues. Even though MSC operates independently with a small team, the quality of work is big firm with even more detail and care.”

“High level of technical knowledge, professionalism and integrity.”

“Quick to action and detailed in his work. Thinks with you and is very involved.”

Mazars Portugal is a leading audit, consulting, and tax advisory firm with three offices in Lisbon, Porto and Leiria. Its tax department aligns to corporate tax, VAT, and private client mandates. Sectoral focus is orientated to manufacturing, real estate, and the public sector. Counsel Filipe Nogueira is the VAT specialist.

Managers Paulo Pires and André Caetano joined the firm in 2022.

MdME is a full-service law firm based in Macau and with offices in Hong Kong and Lisbon. The tax practice opened a new Portuguese office in 2022 with esteem for Restructuring, M&A, and tax controversy. Real estate, construction and banking are cultivated markets. Senior tax lawyer Ana Pinto Moraes is the key contact.

The firm assisted an investment client with fund structuring across multiple jurisdictions. It also created tax-efficient vehicles for international financial services clients.

Senior lawyer Ana Pinto Moraes joined the firm in March 2022 from Pinto Ribeiro Advogados.

Client feedback

“1) Quickly responded to the client 2) Provided substantive feedback in a timely fashion 3) Client is experienced with tax planning and working with lawyers, i.e., demanding. MdME managed the personal side of the client’s manner skilfully 4) MdME won the business within a two week period.”

“Experts in the area of tax, tax law and corporate law. They provide quick feedback and was very good in providing referral services applicable to starting a company. They have offices outside of Portugal that was helpful for my overseas partner for legal paperwork.”

Morais Leitão Galvão Teles Soares da Silva & Associados is recognised as one the leading practices in Portugal. Senior practitioners are partners Francisco de Sousa da Câmara and António Lobo Xavier.  Cornerstone strengths are litigation and M&A transactions for the banking, insurance, energy, and real estate sectors. Partners António Pedro Braga and Bruno Santiago co-manage the firm.

The firm provided tax assistance in the sale of two private equity funds to Davidson Kempner, which was one of the largest real estate deals on the Portuguese market. It also acted for a client in a dispute with the tax authorises, related to reimbursement of withheld tax on interest payments under the Interest and Royalties Directive.

Client feedback

“This firm has a great and earned reputation.”

“Because Morais Leitão is together with VdA the main player in tax in the Portuguese legal market.”

“They have good tax lawyers and the firm has relevant experience.”

“Senior partners (Francisco Sousa da Câmara and António Lobo Xavier) are very recognised by the market.”

“Quality and experience of the team across different tax mandates. High-level capacity of all the other areas.”

“They are well known in the market for dealing with hot topics.”

“Very professional, very knowable of tax laws and mechanisms and very secure in their advises.”

“Tax impact analysis on the real estate transaction.”

"Knowledge, competence.”

pbbr is a full-service law firm established in 2006 with a reputation for standalone tax advice, restructurings, and corporate support work. The firm has expertise in real estate and construction projects. Counsel Mário Silva Costa is a key practitioner contact.

The firm completed a share deal for the acquisition of a portfolio of residential properties involving Special Purpose Vehicles. It also advised a client on a separate transaction with Real Estate Transfer Tax implications.

Junior associate Mariafé Lopez Malca joined from EY in December 2022.

Client feedback

“They have hired Mário Silva Costa, one of the best VAT lawyers in the market.”

PLMJ with its network of collaborative offices, gives clients access to advice across Portugal and abroad. It is recognised as a key player in cross-border M&A and in high-profile VAT litigation. The firm’s sizeable team includes partner Isaque Ramos and counsel Teresa Oliveira Braga.

The firm advised Capgemini Portugal and Altran Portugal on a EUR 4.4 billion merger of both companies as part of the group’s international restructuring. It also represented Live Nation Entertainment as the lead tax adviser on the acquisition of a controlling stake in Altice Arena.

In July 2023, partner Serena Cabrita Neto along with senior associates Filipe Duarte Geada and André Areias departed from PLMJ. The relocation included principal tax associate Liliana Piedade.

Client feedback

“Excellent practitioners.”

“They are very experienced in tax and disputes tax issues, having an outstanding analytical thinking, and very focus on clients’ goals with an extraordinary teamwork and excellent interpersonal, communication and speaking skills.”

“Constant feedback, new approaches regarding the problems, deep insights and knowledge of the procedure.”

“A full-service legal company with great knowledge of all legal relevant areas.”

RPBA is a tax boutique in Portugal that provides both national and international tax services. The firm focuses on both international or domestic law, with a special focus on income and real estate taxes, as well as litigation. Managing partner is Ricardo da Palma Borges assisted by fellow partners Ana Rita Pereira and Ana Isabel Correia.

The firm represented several plaintiffs against the European Commission on alleged state aid misallocation in the Maderia region. It also assesses tax liability implications for a multinational re-domiciliation.

Associate António Freitas Vilar joined the practice in September 2022.

Client feedback

“Best in Private Clients.”

“Great Tax Boutique.”

“Great technical skills.”

“Rigour, in-depth knowledge and search for solutions.”

“Dedication. Vast fiscal knowledge. Very timely and thorough responses to a wide array of fiscal matters. Knowledgeable team of specialist tax lawyers. Clear and straight to the point fiscal advice, backed by thorough execution. Courteous and patient.”

“Exceptional in-depth knowledge of tax law and creativity in finding solutions for difficult issues to present case to court.”

Rogério Fernandes Ferreira & Associados is a leading tax litigation firm. Rogério Fernandes Ferreira is the founding partner and a noted tax litigator. He is supported by partner Marta Machado de Almeida and a large team of more junior lawyers. The firm assists in all areas of tax controversy, including indirect advice, cross-border litigation, and transfer pricing litigation. The regional managing senior lawyer is Pedro José Santos, and Duarte Ornelas Monteiro is the private client specialist.

The firm acted for an energy provider in litigation against the Portuguese tax authorities concerning a disputed legal framework. It also advised a technology firm on permanent establishment related to its business activities.

Senior lawyers Álvaro Silveira de Meneses and Patrícia Largueiras joined the firm in 2022.

Client feedback

“Leading partner excels in court.”

“Rogerio is very good.”

“Good private clients practice.”

“Concise, custom-made services, close client care, transparent and prompt feedback. RFF law provides law services and tax litigation.”

“Clearness and knowledgeable.”

“They have been very rigorous and detailed, always explaining the different options and impacts.”

“RFF is, in our opinion, the law firm in Portugal with the greatest technical know-how in terms of tax litigation, which is why I highlight the technical know-how in terms of tax litigation.”

“They have enormous know-how and expertise in the fiscal area, with the ability to provide pleadings based on the fiscal legal framework and jurisprudence that can be easily analysed by the counterparty.”

“I believe that they provide high quality advice and, because they are true specialists, they generate great confidence and security, maintaining a close relationship with the organization. They have a great knowledge of the sector of activity in which I operate since we have maintained a partnership for many years.”

RRP Advogados was founded in 2016 by a group of highly experienced lawyers. Practice focus encompasses corporate M&A, restructurings, cross-border insolvencies, debt restructurings, and tax controversy. Its team also has complementary experience in IP planning and incentive schemes. The senior litigator is partner Ricardo Reigada Pereira.

The firm represented Krest in tax planning for assorted real estate investments. It also assisted Catalyst Capital in the acquisition of the former Diplomático Hotel in Lisbon.

Sérvulo & Associados is subdivided into two distinct tax disciplines. The tax advisory service is coordinated by Teresa Pala Schwalbach, and litigation is overseen by Ana Moutinho Nascimento. M&A transactions, corporate restructuring, VAT, and controversy are specialties. Counsel Diogo Feio is a dispute specialist.

The firm assisted a Swedish football club in corporate structures, fund flows, and contractual negotiations. It also advised BES in tax matters related to the resolution measure applied by the Bank of Portugal.

Client feedback

“Sérvulo, in my opinion, is unique in the way they treat their clients, they are able to adapt to the target (client) using relevant communication and simple wording for everyone to understand, whether you are experienced or not. They also seek the most relevant solutions to questions and issues put, always delivering on their promise with high level quality. It makes them not only trustworthy but also a sound partner to our community.”

“Sérvulo goes into every detail, to make sure their advice is sound. They are very knowledgeable about case law, including the different approaches to the cases and what opinions are prevailing in the courts.”

“Very professional and attentive to the client.”

“A pragmatic approach, responses are provided in a timely manner, and the team is always ready to seek the most suitable alternatives for each case.”

SRS Legal is an innovative tax practice on the Portuguese market, offering multidisciplinary advisory services. Thematic expertise includes corporate tax, transactions, property taxes, and multinational structures. Private equity and venture capital clients coexist with a start-up function. Partner Mafalda Alves is head of tax and is supported by managing associate Francisco Castro Guedes.

The firm completed a transaction for a global banking firm with stamp duty dimensions. It also advised Parpública and the Portuguese Government on the privatisation of Efacec. Disinvestment in a non-performing loan was a further highlight.

Managing associate Francisco Castro Guedes and Soraia João Silva joined the firm in 2022.

Client feedback

“Well known the market and players.”

“Total availability and global approach to the acquisition process.”

Telles Advogados is a Porto-based law firm that is seen as versatile and reputable. The tax team advises large Portuguese and multinational groups. The work covers complex fields of tax such as debt work-out structures, cross-border business restructuring and acquisitions, international wealth planning, private equity, and the digital economy. Key partners are head of tax Miguel Torres, João Magalhães Ramalho, João Luís Araújo and André Gonçalves.

The firm completed corporate restructuring for a Portuguese business centre incorporating indirect advice. It also advised on a joint venture for the creation of a new investment structure. Corporate income reimbursement and litigation before the Arbitration Court featured.

Uría Menéndez – Proença de Carvalho operates one of the strongest tax departments within a Portuguese law firm. It continues to advise on numerous high-profile transactions in Portugal. The firm also specialises in private clients and tax litigation. Partner Filipe Romão leads the department in collaboration with fellow partners Marta Pontes and António Castro Caldas. Counsel Cláudia Reis Duarte is a senior contact.

The firm assisted a client in controversy challenging a corporate income tax assessment on non-deductibility of interest regarding intra-group loans. It also acted for a client in structuring for a telecommunications transaction sale.

Senior associates Mariana Coentro, Pedro Roma and Martim Teixeira departed the firm in 2022.

Vieira de Almeida & Associados holds a large Portuguese tax team, involved in some of the largest market transactions. It is experienced in all aspects of M&A, including corporate tax, tax structuring and indirect tax. Tiago Marreiros Moreira leads the department. Transaction specialist João Velez de Lima oversees the Porto office. Practitioners Samuel Fernandes de Almeida and Joaquim Pedro Lampreia are the corporate tax contacts. Senior counsel Conceição Gamito is known for indirect engagements.

The firm advised ANPM on the establishment of a tax regime for petroleum activities in the Greater Sunrise fields. It also acted as legal counsel to Greenvolt on the issuance of share capital. The firm provided guidance to a consortium comprising EDF Energy and Total on the construction of a hydroelectric plant in Mozambique.

Client feedback

“They are well known in the market for dealing with hot topics.”

“VdA Oporto tax team, led by João Velez de Lima are the best tax team in Oporto.”