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A Guide for British Citizens: Legal Problems in Portugal
A Guide to Avoiding and Addressing Legal Problems in Portugal: Do British Citizens Know Their Options?
Portugal is a popular holiday destination for British tourists; its warm weather, vast beaches and tasty food make it a great choice, with locations such as the Algarve and Madeira attracting thousands of tourists each year. However unlikely you think this may be, it is possible to encounter legal problems in Portugal, so it is important to be prepared and know your options.
In this guide, we will explore the initial steps you need to take should you encounter legal trouble in Portugal, the various laws to be aware of and your options, and when you should instruct a Portuguese lawyer. We will also discuss the benefits of Portuguese lawyers based in England, and how Giambrone and Partners can help you.
Click on the links below to jump to that section:
Find out the first things you need to know if you encounter legal problems in Portugal
Discover the most important laws you will need to be aware of
There are various avenues you can explore if you are involved in a legal dispute in Portugal
Here are the many benefits of working with Portuguese Advogados
Here’s how we can assist
What are the First Steps to take When Dealing with Legal Problems in Portugal?
The probability of encountering legal trouble when abroad in Portugal is small, however, it still may occur. It is important to be aware of the immediate steps to take should you find yourself in trouble with the Portuguese authorities. If you are the victim of a crime in Portugal, you should contact the police as your first port of call.
Next, you should contact the British Embassy in Lisbon or the British Vice Consulate in Portimão. Both maintain the relationship between the UK and Portugal, and they can be contacted directly if you need urgent assistance and particularly if you are the victim of a crime. The embassy and the consulate can help you understand the local police and procedures and contact your relatives.
The embassy and the consulate cannot, however, provide you with legal advice or collect evidence, an English-speaking Portuguese lawyer will provide assistance. Once you have contacted the British embassy or the consulate, you should seek out a Portuguese lawyer, or “Advogados,” who can support you with expert legal advice. You can find out more about legal trouble abroad in our previous guide here.
The Laws in Portugal
In a recent 2023 study, it was found that 73% of people were unaware of many of the laws in Portugal which are different from those in the UK and maybe related to the issues that British tourists often find themselves involved with.
There are significant differences that tourists need to make themselves aware of. For instance,
- Portuguese residents have the right to bear arms
- free camping is banned in the Algarve.
However, abortion, homosexuality, same-sex marriage, gambling in licensed places and even drone flying are legal in Portugal.
It is advised that you carry some form of photo identification with you at all times and keep your valuables protected. If you would like to understand more about Portuguese law before you travel, you can find more Portuguese legal advice on the website.
What are my Options if I Encounter Legal Problems in Portugal?
If you find yourself involved in a legal problem when in Portugal, you should seek help from an English speaking Portuguese lawyer as soon as possible. In the 2023 study, 93% of people were not aware of their options should they get into trouble in Portugal.
If you become involved in a dispute or you have been accused of breaking the law, there are various options available to you. You are entitled to legal representation who speaks your language. A Portuguese lawyer will work with you to resolve the issue without recourse to the courts.
As previously mentioned, you may find that the British embassy or the consulate, especially if you find yourself in custody, will be able to assist you. They can inform your family in the UK of your situation and they should be able to arrange legal advice for you. You are free to seek your own legal representation if you wish; our team are experienced in Portuguese law to help you navigate your case.
What are the Benefits of Portuguese Lawyers
If you find yourself involved in legal trouble in Portugal, you are advised to instruct a multi-lingual and multi-jurisdictional lawyer, qualified in the jurisdiction of Portugal, to avoid the language barrier and have a complete understanding of your situation, seeking help from English-speaking Portuguese lawyers provides the best chance of successfully resolving your case.
In the 2023 study, we found that only 10% of people were aware of the benefits of international lawyers. Portuguese lawyers remove the worry of the language barrier; they will also be able to translate important documents and communicate with authorities on your behalf.
Portuguese Advogados (lawyers) can help build a strong, airtight case. You can contact our experienced team of English-speaking Advogados today.
How Giambrone and Partners Can Help
Giambrone and Partners has teams of international lawyers specialising in various jurisdictions, including Portugal, Italy and Spain. We always provide expert advice to make the legal process run more smoothly and stress-free.
Get in contact with our international lawyers via our website today.