Guided by a vision grounded in justice and balance, lawyer Maria Margarida Torres has distinguished herself in the field of law, particularly in advising foreign investors and citizens who choose Portugal as their destination. In this interview, she shares her perspective on the evolution of the legal profession, the role of women in the sector, and the challenges of a constantly changing market.
What motivated you to pursue a career in law, and particularly in legal practice?
From an early age, I had a strong inclination toward seeking fair and balanced solutions. I was always motivated by the idea of analysing each situation carefully, striving to understand different points of view before taking a position. Legal practice emerged naturally as the path that would allow me to put this interest into practice: studying cases in depth, listening to the parties involved, and advocating for solutions that are not only legally sound, but also fair and proportionate.
A large part of your work is connected to international clients and immigration matters. How is the demand for Portugal from foreign investors and citizens evolving?
Portugal continues to establish itself as a highly attractive destination for foreign investors and citizens, due to a number of distinctive factors. First and foremost, I would highlight the country’s safety, social stability, and climate, which contribute to a high quality of life and make many people feel comfortable choosing Portugal as a place to live.
On the other hand, even for those who do not intend to reside permanently in Portugal, the country offers an interesting strategic solution, often serving as a “plan B.” The residence-by-investment programme (Golden Visa) has played an important role in this regard, as it remains one of the few programmes in Europe that allows applicants to obtain residency and subsequently apply for Portuguese citizenship, while requiring only a very limited physical presence — currently around seven days per year.
Over the past year, there has been a significant increase in interest, particularly from American investors. However, the possibility of changes to the Portuguese nationality framework has caused some hesitation in the market. Many investors have become more cautious and, in some cases, redirected their interest towards other countries offering similar programmes, mainly due to the perception of legislative instability and uncertainty regarding the future legal framework.
Do you believe the presence of women in the legal profession has evolved in recent years? What changes have been the most significant?
Without a doubt, there has been very positive progress. Women are now more represented in the legal profession and are gradually taking on leadership roles and gaining greater visibility within the sector.
That said, I believe there is still significant progress to be made. Despite the advances achieved, structural challenges remain, particularly regarding the balance between professional and personal life. In many cases, women continue to assume more demanding family responsibilities, which may impact their career progression. Recognising this reality and creating more balanced conditions will be essential to ensuring genuine equality of opportunity.
Marking International Women’s Day, what reflection do you consider important regarding the role of women in the legal sector?
International Women’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on the progress that has been made, as well as on the challenges that still remain. In the legal sector, it is essential to promote merit, equal opportunities, and recognition of women’s contributions, while ensuring real conditions for their professional growth. The path forward requires an ongoing commitment to building a profession that is fairer, more inclusive, and more balanced.