“We’ve Never Had So Many Inquiries”: 10 on the Weekend – Patricia Valadas Coriel

Ten On The Weekend is a semi-weekly feature in IMI, the concept of which is simple: Each time, we ask the same ten questions of a different industry figure, letting readers get to know the interviewee on a more personal and informal level than they might in an ordinary business setting.

Our guest this weekend is Patricia Valadas Coriel of Valadas Coriel & Associados.

How do you spend your weekends?
Although we are experiencing very unusual times where most businesses are affected due to the pandemic, our firm has never had so many residence requests and, as a consequence, since June, I have to work every weekend, even if it’s only for a couple of hours. Besides obligations that need to be fulfilled, what I most enjoy about weekends is to spend time with family and friends, travel, do sports, and drink wine. 

What are your top three business goals this year?
Increase our client portfolio, which we have successfully done, expand our team by employing more members, also done, and be known in a medium-to-short term as one of the biggest and most expert immigration law firms in Portugal.

What is your biggest business concern right now?
Travel restrictions, which are affecting and delaying residence requests. Regarding the current chaos everyone is experiencing, I believe that in any crisis there are new business opportunities. Positivity and commitment must always be in place.

Which book is on your night-stand right now?
Rogue Lawyer by John Grisham and The Churchill Factor by Boris Johnson.

I am a Netflix-obsessed viewer and, when I go to bed, I usually can only read 5 pages. Reading is my sleeping pill.

How and when did you first get into the investment migration industry?
In 2017, when I met my mentor and dear friend Sandra Jardim Fernandes, a lawyer with 30 years of experience in real estate and who started to work with the Portuguese golden visa program once it was put in place in Portugal, in 2012. Sandra and my father, Joao Coriel, founder of VCA Law Firm, attended some conferences and decided to join forces and expertise. Since that time, Sandra started as of counsel of VCA and is now the head of the immigration department. Everything I know and have learned, Sandra taught me.

What was your proudest moment as a service provider?
Every time a client receives his/her residence card. Our job is inevitably a job focused on people and their lives, concerns, and desires, and being able to assist them in achieving their goals is the most satisfying result. 

Which investment migration market development has surprised you the most in the last year?
The strong interest from US citizens. We have clients from all over the world but usually they come from countries where possibilities, quality of life, safety, and stability are lacking. It’s surprising to note that so many citizens from the most powerful nation are wishing to relocate to Europe.

If you could go 10 years back in time, what business decision would you change?
Life is good, I would not change anything.

Every rock in the road is a learning experience. I feel professionally fulfilled and my eyes are focused on the future, what can be improved and achieved. I am a very driven person and small, daily successes make me feel accomplished.

What investment migration industry personality do you most admire?
My dear mentor and colleague Sandra Jardim Fernandes, because of her knowledge, compassion for others, life experience, and fun personality. It is a pleasure and joy to be working together.

If all goes according to plan, what will you be doing five years from now?
Travelling frequently to promote Portugal and Europe, having representative offices in five or more strategic places, tripling the number of team members, participating in as many conferences as possible, writing more articles, and having quality holidays in beachy and sunny destinations more often.