Setting up a company in Portugal: an overview

Many people who start a business in Portugal choose a private limited company, known as a sociedade por quotas (Lda). A company with a single owner is a sociedade unipessoal por quotas. This is an overview of the usual path.

Before you register

• Tax numbers. Each founder needs a Portuguese tax number (NIF). People who live outside the EU usually need a tax representative in Portugal to get one.
• The company name. The name must be approved and must not be too similar to an existing one.
• Share capital and owners. The law sets a low minimum capital, but the amount should be realistic for what the company will do.
• A registered address in Portugal.

The usual steps

1. Register the company. This can be done at a registry service, online, or through the same-day service (Empresa na Hora). The articles of association (pacto social) set out how the company is run.
2. Beneficial owners. The people who ultimately own or control the company are declared in the central register (RCBE).
3. Start of activity with the Tax Authority. You declare the activity (CAE codes) and the tax regime.
4. Social Security. The company and its managers are registered.
5. A business bank account.
6. An accountant. Most companies in Portugal must have a certified accountant (contabilista certificado) to keep the books and file taxes.

Who does what

We explain the options, help you prepare the documents and connect you with licensed professionals for the parts that the law reserves to them, such as legal acts and certified accounting.

This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules, fees and procedures change, so check the current requirements with the authority concerned or a licensed professional.