“I am the granddaughter and daughter of emigrants, and my whole life has been spent between two counties: Portugal and Angola”, Gilda Pereira, founder of Ei! Assessória Migratória, told The Portugal News. “From a young age, the theme of migration has always fascinated me.”

“Some of my earliest childhood memories were of imagining myself working in New York, which I later associated with the United Nations headquarters, as I envisioned being in a multicultural environment where many languages are spoken”, she recounted. “As a teenager, I pursued languages, studying English, French, Spanish, German, and three years of Russian.”

“I eventually graduated in Law, not because I aspired to be a lawyer, but because it was a versatile and broad course”, she added. In 2018, Pereira received an invitation from a consultancy firm to work in Luanda, Angola. “At the time, I was 27 years old and had always felt a strong connection with Africa, so I accepted the challenge.”

Her role involved assisting companies in establishing themselves in Angola during a time of economic crisis in Portugal when many sought opportunities abroad. “Initially, I provided legal support, from company formation to tax, accounting, and labour consultancy”, she elaborated. But behind every company were people – often entire families. Then, Pereira’s job extended to securing visas, residence permits and finding homes. “That was my first experience in the relocation industry and a decisive trial run for the foundation of Ei!”

The first Migration Agency founded in Portugal

Ei! Asssessoria Migratória was established in September 2014 to assist individuals and businesses looking to start a new life abroad or settle in Portugal. “The name Ei! comes from Emigrant – Immigrant”, she explained.

The company was created solely with personal funds, using savings from her work in Angola. “It took about a year to refine the business model”, she recalled. “I did not conduct market research or receive assistance from professionals in this field.” The venture quickly gained media attention in Portugal as it was the first company entirely dedicated to geographic mobility and migration movements.

Ei! operates mainly in two areas of geographical mobility: individual and corporate migration. “Essentially, we are a one-stop shop, offering all the necessary services for a safe, reliable and hassle-free relocation”, she stated.

For businesses, the focus is on attracting and retaining international talent. “We specialise in securing work visas and visas for highly qualified professionals.” Among private clients, the most requested services are D7 visas for retirees or passive income holders and D8 visas for digital nomads. “We also accommodate for entrepreneurs through Portugal’s startup visa programme.”

Beyond the legal processes, Ei! features a broad range of complementary services, including obtaining tax identification numbers (NIF), opening bank accounts, enrolling children in schools, and diploma equivalency.

A human centred approach

This company possesses in-depth knowledge of the current legislation, having even advised various governments on amendments to Immigration Law. “Ei! was a pioneer in migration advisory services in Portugal”, she shared. “We have a true understating of the needs and challenges faced by our clients, providing legal solutions to overcome any obstacles with precision, competence, professionalism, and a human-centred approach.”

“In 11 years, we’ve built a multidisciplinary, multicultural, and multigenerational team of 20 professionals across two offices in Lisbon and Porto, operating in seven departments: private visas, corporate visas, relocation, tax, finance, legal, and administration.” As a result of the digital transformation, Ei! developed Migration Track, a software system where clients can upload documents, track application progress, and access billing information.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Client;

Regarding inclusion and social impact, the company plays a crucial role in helping foreigners adapt to Portugal, working closely with clients to familiarise them with the country’s customs. “Our support doesn’t end when the process is completed, we also organise and participate in numerous events to accelerate cultural integration.”

“I am a people-oriented person, and Ei! was built around that.” For Pereira, the company represents a perfect alignment between her personal and professional purpose. “Finding solutions and helping clients achieve their dreams gives us a sense of being part of something greater, it’s incredibly rewarding.”

Shaping the migration landscape

At Ei!, clients are the priority. “Regardless of uncertainties, legislative changes, and shifting landscapes, we maintain the highest level of attention, teamwork, and humanity”, she expressed. “We understand that moving to another country is a sensitive matter that can cause significant anxiety.”

“Empathy is the key to success”, she noted. Around 50 percent of their work is handling technical and bureaucratic matters, but the other half is about the human aspect, psychological support, and the ability to listen. “We often are their first contact in Portugal, and our relationship begins while they are still abroad.”

“I believe 2025 will bring various challenges but also a range of opportunities”, she said. The company plans to reopen an office in Faro, Algarve, where there is a high demand from expatriates. “We had a presence there before the pandemic, and it makes sense to return.”

Internationally, Ei! is expanding its footprint. “We have initiated a partnership policy and have already secured the opening of a representative office in Canada, with our sights on the United States next”, she concluded. Until now, the company has acquired clients without a physical presence abroad, but given the growing demand in certain markets, closer support at the start of the process is becoming essential.

“I deeply love Portugal, it’s a spectacular country, which fills me with pride, and I enjoy knowing that I am helping my clients become part of it”, she concluded. Many stories have passed through Ei! from romantic to amusing, “mission impossible” cases, and people fleeing wars or discrimination. “One day, I might write a book about it all!”

For further information, please visit https://eimigrante.pt/pt/

Author

A journalist that’s always eager to learn about new things. With a passion for travel, adventure and writing about this diverse world of ours.

“Wisdom begins in wonder” -  Socrates

Kate Sreenarong