Law and Justice in Portugal: our free online guides for citizens and companies - know more about justice and legal services and regulations in Portugal

OUR FREE ONLINE GUIDES FOR CITIZENS AND COMPANIES

LAW AND JUSTICE IN PORTUGAL

In November 2019, the Directorate-General for Justice Policy (DGPJ) launched two Guides with information on the functioning of the Justice system and access to the Law, one for citizens, the other for companies.

These Guides aim to disseminate, in a simple and accessible way, relevant information on the institutions of Justice and their functioning, as well as the necessary procedures so that, in different circumstances, citizens can interact with services in a targeted and informed manner.

The Guides are practical assistants, that synthesize simplified and permanently updated information, aimed at nationals who want to know more about the institutions and procedures associated with the law and the administration of justice, as well as foreigners who intend to reside, invest or develop their activity in Portuguese territory.

From the citizen’s perspective, topics such as residence in the national territory and its requirements, the procedures necessary for the acquisition of nationality, the conclusion of contracts, namely the employment contract in its different modalities, consumer rights or the form of register of any asset or legal situation. The main aspects related to marriage, divorce, minor children, death and wills are also stated directly and clearly. In a logic of protection and information, the guide clarifies the procedures to be adopted immediately in case anyone is the victim of a crime.

From the perspective of companies, information is disclosed on their set up, both from the point of view of national entrepreneurs and those who intend to invest in Portuguese territory. Areas are explored such as the protection of intellectual property, the necessary procedures for the realization of property registries or legal situations, the formalization of various contracts, namely in the labour area and the respective rules.

In a logic of transparency and promotion of a fair and equitable competitive market, the Guide for companies includes a chapter with brief information regarding trade relations, with emphasis on the rules of compliance and prevention of risks of corruption, protection of personal data and consumer’ rights.

Both Guides comprise a set of information about the Portuguese justice system, identifying the different actors, in a who’s who logic. They also address the possible ways of resolving disputes, whether through judicial means or alternative dispute resolution means, the cases in which representation by a lawyer is required, the costs inherent in to the participation in a judicial process, as well as the existing support mechanisms so that everyone can, in circumstances of equality, have access to Law and Justice.

In order to allow a better understanding of the system and its operation, average times of procedural duration are disclosed, that is, the time that, on average, elapses between the entry of a case in the courts of first instance and its resolution, by procedural area. Overviews of the Civil and Criminal Justice in Portugal are also published, with detailed information, easily learnable in a single image.

These are practical instruments, of simple and accessible use, in a clear language, which intend, in a logic of effectiveness, to bring Justice closer to the user.

"These Guides aim to disseminate, in a simple and accessible way, relevant information on the institutions of Justice and their functioning,..."

KNOW MORE ABOUT JUSTICE, LEGAL SERVICES AND REGULATIONS IN PORTUGAL

https://dgpj.justica.gov.pt/Documentos/Acesso-aodireito/Guias-de-acesso-ao-direito-e-a-justica