Structure
Which type of company can you open in Portugal?
Most small and medium businesses and startups use a single-member Lda. or an Lda. Your choice should reflect the number of founders, investors, liability and how you plan to be paid. See also our commercial lawyer page.
Single-member Lda.
Sociedade unipessoal por quotasOne shareholder with limited liability. A common choice for a solo founder or consultant. It can be converted when partners or investors join.
Private limited company (Lda.)
Sociedade por quotasTwo or more partners. The most common vehicle for small and medium businesses and startups. Share capital is agreed by the partners, with a symbolic legal minimum per quota.
Public limited company (SA)
Sociedade anónimaUsed for larger ventures and some investor structures. Higher capital and more formalities than an Lda.
Branch or subsidiary of a foreign company
Sucursal / subsidiáriaA foreign company can expand through a branch or a Portuguese subsidiary. Each has different registration, tax and liability consequences.
Sole trader
Empresário em nome individualNo separate legal entity. Simpler to start, but you are personally liable. We usually compare it with an Lda. before you choose.
Process
How to open a company in Portugal, step by step
Portuguese tax number (NIF)
Everyone involved needs a NIF. A founder who lives outside the EU or EEA generally needs a fiscal representative in Portugal to obtain it.
Business bank account
Open the account early. Banks run their own checks on foreign founders and may ask for in-person steps or extra documents.
Company name
Choose a pre-approved name or request a name admissibility certificate from the registry if you want a custom one.
Choose the structure and draft the articles
Decide the company type, share capital, quotas, management and the articles of association (pacto social).
Incorporate
Use one of the available routes, such as the on-the-spot service, the online service or a notary, depending on your case.
Beneficial owner register (RCBE)
The company must declare its beneficial owners in the RCBE within the legal deadline, and keep the information updated.
Accountant and start of activity
A certified accountant is needed for the company's tax compliance. The company registers its start of activity, VAT status and Social Security.
Licences and permits
Depending on the activity, you may also need licences, sector authorisations or a commercial licence before trading.
The exact order depends on the structure, the founders' residence and the bank. We sequence the steps with you instead of following a fixed template.
Incorporation
Three ways to incorporate
On-the-spot service
Empresa na HoraIn-person incorporation using a pre-approved structure. It can be fast once you have an appointment, but slots may take time to obtain.
Online service
Empresa OnlineIncorporation online with digital authentication. Often practical for foreigners who are represented by a lawyer, and fees may differ with pre-approved or custom articles.
Notary or lawyer
Escritura / documento particularNeeded or advisable for complex structures, contributions in kind, or when custom articles are required. We coordinate the process for you.
Costs & timing
How much does it cost to open a company in Portugal?
Government incorporation fee
FeesGuides report roughly €220 to €360 depending on the route and whether the articles are pre-approved. Fees change, so confirm the current amount.
Share capital
CapitalThe law sets a symbolic minimum per quota for an Lda. Founders, banks and investors often expect more, based on the business plan.
Accountant
MonthlyA recurring cost for bookkeeping, VAT and tax filings. The amount depends on the business and the accountant.
Legal fees
Professional feesDepend on the structure, the founders and the documents involved. We agree them in writing after understanding the project.
Government fees and rates change. The figures above come from published guides, not an official table, so confirm them with the registry, the tax authority or your accountant. Timing depends mainly on appointments, the bank account and the documents.
Quick check
Which structure may fit you?
Three short questions. This is a first indication, not legal advice, and your answers are added to the message you send us.
First indication
A single-member Lda. is usually the simplest start for a solo founder. It can be converted later if partners join.
Foreign founders
Opening a Portuguese company from abroad
What changes
- NIF through a fiscal representative if you live outside the EU or EEA
- Foreign documents may need apostille and translation
- Power of attorney lets us act for you in Portugal
- The bank account may need extra checks or in-person steps
Company and residence are separate
A company does not give residence rights. If you want to live in Portugal, compare the D2 visa, the Startup Visa and the Tech Visa. For tax, see IFICI and NHR. Documents: apostille and online notary.
After incorporation
Ongoing obligations for a Portuguese company
Corporate income tax (IRC)
AnnualA general rate was reported at 19% for 2026, with a reduced rate on the first €50,000 for qualifying small companies. Confirm current rates and conditions with your accountant.
VAT (IVA)
PeriodicDepends on activity and turnover. Filing frequency is set by the company's regime.
Annual accounts (IES)
AnnualThe company files its annual information with the tax authority, prepared by the certified accountant.
Manager Social Security
MonthlyManagers are generally covered by Social Security, with rules that depend on the case. Your accountant sets this up.
Needed licences depend on the activity. See our commercial licence and RCBE pages.
Avoid these
Common mistakes when opening a company in Portugal
- Opening the Portuguese bank account last, which can delay the whole timeline.
- Choosing a structure without thinking about future investors, co-founders or exit.
- Forgetting the RCBE beneficial-owner declaration or letting it become outdated.
- Using a company name that is too close to an existing one and having it refused.
- Ignoring the visa side: a company does not give residence rights by itself.
- Mixing personal and company money before the accounting is set up.
FAQ
Company opening in Portugal: common questions
How do I open a company in Portugal?
You obtain a NIF, choose a name and structure, draft the articles, incorporate through an available route, file the RCBE beneficial-owner declaration, register the start of activity with the tax authority and Social Security, appoint a certified accountant and open a business bank account.
What is the minimum capital for a company in Portugal?
For an Lda. or single-member Lda., the legal minimum is symbolic, at least €1 per quota. In practice founders, banks and investors often expect a higher amount linked to the business plan. An SA has a higher minimum.
Can a foreigner open a company in Portugal?
Yes. A foreigner can own a Portuguese company without being a resident. A founder who lives outside the EU or EEA generally needs a fiscal representative to obtain a NIF, and opening the bank account may require extra steps.
Can I open a company in Portugal remotely?
Often yes, with a power of attorney and a lawyer acting for you. The bank account can still require extra checks or in-person steps, so we plan that part first.
Does opening a company give me residence in Portugal?
No. A company does not by itself give residence rights. Some residence routes involve a business, such as the D2 visa or the Startup Visa, and each has its own conditions.
How much does it cost to open a company in Portugal?
Government fees reported in guides are roughly €220 to €360 depending on the route, plus share capital, accountant and legal fees. Fees change, so confirm the current figures. Legal fees depend on the structure and are agreed in writing.
What is the RCBE?
The RCBE is the central register of beneficial owners. A Portuguese company must declare its beneficial owners within the legal deadline after incorporation and keep the information updated. See our RCBE page for details.
Do I need an accountant?
Yes, Portuguese companies need a certified accountant (contabilista certificado) for tax compliance, including VAT, IRC and annual filings.
Related pages
Sources
General information only, not legal or tax advice. Fees, rates and procedures change, so confirm with the authorities. Updated 4 November 2026.
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