Article by David Simões Fitas - Lawyer at International Atlantic Services

Working in immigration and real estate law in Portugal is anything but monotonous. Each day brings its own rhythm, its own stories, and its own challenges—and that’s precisely what makes it so fulfilling. Today, I want to give you a little peek into one of my regular workdays, where structure meets spontaneity, and legal strategy walks hand in hand with human connection.

8:00 AM — A Gentle Start

My day begins at 8 AM. No alarms blaring, no mad rush—just a quiet start to what I know will be a full day. By 9 AM, I’m already at my desk, diving into the first task of the morning: emails. I sort through updates, prioritize the most urgent matters, and outline my key commitments. This early hour is the most important part of my day when I can prepare, organize and anticipate any outcomes for the rest of the day.

11:00 AM — Public Deed

By late morning, I’m off to something more celebratory: a public deed signing. Today, it’s a lovely family who chose to invest in a home in Porto through our guidance. This moment is always special. It marks not just a legal milestone, but the beginning of a new chapter for them. I make sure everything is in place—the documents, the signatures, and most importantly, the smiles.

12:00 PM — Brunch & Breather

A quick brunch follows. It’s a short pause, but a much-needed one. A moment to sip a coffee, enjoy a warm toast, some fruit (that’s never missing at our office) and briefly reset before the next round.

1:00 PM — At the Bank: Documents and Details

Early afternoon takes me to the bank. Here, we wrap up the payments related to the morning’s public deed and deliver documents for another client opening a Portuguese bank account. It’s all part of ensuring a smooth path for our clients—less paperwork stress, more peace of mind.

2:00 PM — Back to Base

Back at the office, I spend some time catching up on emails and advancing pending submissions to AIMA. These quieter moments are when the gears turn behind the scenes—refining strategies, answering questions, and ensuring everything’s moving as it should.

3:30 PM — Client Consultation: Algarve Plans

Mid-afternoon, I met a client who owns a property in the Algarve and wants to bring his stuff from his hometown by boat over to his house. It’s a significant step, and we walk through the legal aspects, introducing him to the right partners who’ll help him with logistics and customs matters. He’s also exploring ways to rent the property for tourism when he’s abroad. That’s when our SmartMove Department comes in—we help clients unlock the potential of their real estate investments, with legal safety and income potential.

4:30 PM — Biometrics Preparation

Next, I sat down with a family that the following day will have their so long expected biometrics appointment. We go over all the details to make sure the process is smooth and stress-free. It’s these small meetings that often make the biggest difference and when I have the chance to meet the clients face to face for the first time. Just knowing someone’s there to guide them through every step—that’s what builds trust.

5:00 PM — Wrapping Up

As the day winds down, I handle final emails, resubmissions, and make sure no loose ends are left hanging. By 6 PM, I shut down the laptop, ready to trade the legal world for a little fun.

6:30 PM — Football & a Night at the Coliseum

There’s a football match with friends waiting—my weekly stress-relief ritual. After that, I’ve got tickets to a show at the Porto Coliseum with the wife. Culture, movement, people - these things fuel me just as much as the work itself.

Each day has its own tempo, its own flow. Some are more intense, others more reflective. But what remains constant is the commitment: to clients, to details, and to delivering not just legal solutions, but peace of mind.

And tomorrow? A new story begins.