Praised as ‘unmatched in the Portuguese market’, the tax group at Garrigues Portugal is routinely sought after by clients in the banking, real estate, technology, and insurance sectors. The team is recognised for its adept handling of market-defining M&A transactions and complex tax disputes, regularly representing clients before administrative, judicial, and arbitral courts. At the helm of the practice is a trio of experts: Pedro Miguel Braz, who boasts a strong track record in proceedings before the European Court of Justice; Fernando Castro Silva, who specialises in corporate tax and transfer pricing; and Miguel Cortez Pimentel, who focuses on international tax and M&A matters. Key support is offered by José Diogo Mégre Pires, who is noted for his involvement in structuring high-profile transactions and projects across Portugal. António Pedro Braga joined from Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados in October 2024.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Assertive and technically secure response to all questions raised. Advice marked by permanent communication and constant availability to clarify all questions raised with advice on the best legal alternatives available.'

  • ‘Miguel Pimentel - high technical knowledge and prompt response.'

  • ‘The Garrigues team stands out on the national scene in matters relating to tax litigation, where it has a reputation, size and experience that is, in my opinion, unmatched in the Portuguese market.'

  • ‘Tax team team has extremely solid knowledge, enormous willingness to help us and with great knowledge of the client's business.'

  • ‘Miguel Pimentel and José Diogo Megre Pires: Both excellent professionals, with great knowledge and enormous availability.'

  • ‘Highly responsive team; detailed work and analysis.'

  • ‘Very flexible and responsive professionals.'

  • ‘Miguel Pimentel is always available and an excellent professional.'

Key clients

  • BNP Paribas
  • Fidelidade
  • Banco Santander Totta
  • Clearstream
  • Globalvia
  • Brisa

Work highlights

  • Advised and sponsored BNP PARIBAS SECURITIES SERVICES – S.C.A in a tax litigation concerning the right to deduct VAT by the Portuguese branch of BNP PARIBAS SECURITIES SERVICES – S.C.A.
  • Advised Climate Asset Management on the acquisition of the agriculture subsidiaries of BAIN in a €78m deal.
  • Advised Bupa-Sanitas on the reassessment of significant VAT contingencies within the scope of the potential acquisition of a Portuguese group of companies (Future Healthcare Group) by €50m.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Fernando Castro Silva
Hall of fameGarrigues Portugal
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Pedro Miguel Braz
Garrigues Portugal
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Miguel Cortez Pimentel
Garrigues Portugal

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Pedro Miguel Braz, Miguel Cortez Pimentel, Isabel Vieira dos Reis

Other key lawyers

José Diogo Mégre Pires, Ana Isabel Batista, Mariana Martins Silva, António Pedro Braga