services / Company Registration
Set up your business in Portugal
we make it simple
Whether you’re moving to Portugal or expanding your operations, we take care of every legal detail so you can focus on building your business.
Key Steps to Start Your Company
Setting up a company in Portugal involves a few important decisions — but don’t worry, we make them simple.
Setting up a company in Portugal involves a few important decisions
Choose the Right Company Type
- Lda (Private Limited Company) – Ideal for small to medium businesses. Fewer formalities, minimum €1 per quota, and limited liability.
- SA (Public Limited Company) – Suitable for larger operations or those planning to raise capital. Requires €50,000 minimum capital and at least 5 shareholders.
Pick a Company Name
You can create your own unique name — just make sure it’s approved via a Certificate of Admissibility from the Commercial Registry.
In a hurry? Choose a name from the official pre-approved list for instant registration.
Define Your Business Activity
The corporate purpose must state your company’s main and (if applicable) secondary activities, using Portugal’s official classification system (CAE codes).
Set Your Share Capital
- For Lda, the minimum is symbolic — just €1 per partner.
- For SA, a minimum of €50,000 is required.
Decide on the Shareholders
- Lda: At least one (for single-shareholder version) or two partners.
- SA: Minimum five shareholders, unless all shares are held by one entity.
Establish a Portuguese Address
Every company must have a registered office in Portugal — this is your legal and tax address.
Appoint Management
- Lda: Needs at least one manager (gerente).
- SA: Requires one or more administrators; larger companies need a board structure.
Use a Standard or Custom Articles of Association
Speed up the process with pre-approved templates available at the Commercial Registry — or we can help you draft a custom agreement that fits your needs.
Open a Bank Account
You’ll need a business bank account in Portugal or elsewhere in the European Union to deposit your share capital and manage finances.
Appoint a Certified Accountant
All companies must have a Portuguese certified accountant. For SA companies, appointing a statutory auditor (ROC) is also mandatory.
Documents You’ll Need to Start a Company in Portugal
Before we can incorporate your company, make sure you have these essentials ready:
Portuguese Tax Number (NIF)
All shareholders and managers must have a valid Portuguese NIF.
Identification Documents
Provide a valid passport or EU national ID for each shareholder and manager.
Company Certificate (if a shareholder is a company)
If a legal entity is investing, we’ll need its Permanent Certificate (Certidão Permanente) issued by the Commercial Registry.
Shareholder Resolution (if shareholder is a company)
Also required is a Shareholder Resolution or Board Minute approving the investment and appointment of a company representative.
Company Registration Process
The standard steps to incorporate and activate a company in Portugal are:
Mandatory Company Documents
What You’ll Need to Validate the Purchase or Sale
Before we can incorporate your company, make sure you have these essentials ready:
Company Registry Certificate (Certidão Permanente)
Digital proof of the company’s legal existence, accessible online via the Commercial Registry.
UBO Declaration (RCBE)
The official record of the company’s ultimate beneficial owners, as filed with the Central Register of Beneficial Ownership.
Minute Book (Livro de Atas)
Used to record shareholder and board resolutions. This can be digital or physical, depending on the company’s structure.
Company Card (Cartão da Empresa)
A summary document listing the company’s key details — including NIF, legal name, activity code (CAE), and registered address.
Our Services
Starting Your Company the
Right Way
Setting up a company in Portugal involves key legal steps — and we’re here to make them simple, secure, and compliant.
At Step Inside Legal, we offer flexible ways to support your incorporation process:
01
Get Full Legal Support for Company Registration
From choosing the right legal structure to registering your company, submitting the RCBE declaration, and preparing your shareholder documents — we handle it all.
Submit the form below to receive a personalised proposal from our legal team with full details and pricing.
Full Incorporation Service
02
Book a Legal Consultation
Need advice on choosing between an Lda or SA? Want help understanding corporate governance, capital requirements, or cross-border shareholders?
Book a one-on-one consultation with one of our lawyers for clear, tailored legal guidance.
What to Expect
From First Question to Full Incorporation
Starting a company in Portugal doesn’t need to be complicated. At Step Inside Legal, we guide you through each stage — with legal clarity, structured support, and full compliance with Portuguese regulations.
Initial Consultation
We begin by understanding your business goals, your shareholders, and the structure you have in mind — and outline the key legal requirements and options that apply to your case.
Company Name and Legal Structure
We advise on selecting the appropriate legal form (Lda or SA) and assist with company name registration — either through a custom Certificate of Admissibility or the pre-approved list.
Document Collection and Preparation
We guide you through gathering all required documents: shareholder IDs, Portuguese NIFs, and company resolutions if a corporate shareholder is involved. We also help draft or review the articles of association and management appointments.
Formal Incorporation
The company is officially registered — online or in person — with the Commercial Registry. Share capital is deposited, and your company receives its registration number and tax identification.
UBO Declaration (RCBE)
We file your company’s beneficial ownership with the Central Registry, a mandatory step under Portuguese law.
Tax and Social Security Registration
These steps are carried out by a certified accountant, but we guide the process and ensure everything is compliant and submitted on time.
Post-Incorporation Compliance
We ensure your company has all mandatory corporate documents — including the Permanent Certificate, Company Card, and Minute Book — and is ready to operate legally in Portugal.
Want expert support from first decision to full compliance?
Talk to our team – Start your company the right way
Why Choose Step Inside Legal
A Legal Team That Works With You — and for Your Company
At Step Inside Legal, we’re not just document drafters — we’re a dedicated law firm. That means we don’t simply prepare contracts or submit forms. We provide clear, strategic legal guidance, defend your interests, and support you at every step of your company registration.
Why clients choose Step Inside Legal:
Proven expertise in company registration — from legal structure to official registration.
Multilingual team, international perspective
Trusted by families, professionals, and investors
Transparent pricing and direct contact with lawyers
Real Clients, Real Results
Resources
Understand Portuguese Company Law with Clarity
Whether you’re launching your first business, expanding into Portugal, or managing a cross-border venture, clear and reliable legal information is essential. That’s why we’ve created a growing library of articles and guides — available in Portuguese, English, and Spanish — to help you navigate every stage of the company registration process.
Explore our expert-written guides:
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a foreigner set up a company in Portugal?
Yes. Both EU and non-EU citizens can incorporate a company in Portugal. You’ll need a Portuguese tax number (NIF) and valid ID. A local registered address is also required.
What’s the minimum capital to start a company?
- For an Lda, the minimum is symbolic — as little as €1 per shareholder.
- For an SA, the legal minimum is €50,000.
Do I need to be in Portugal to incorporate?
No. Company formation can be done remotely through a power of attorney. However, you’ll need Portuguese NIFs and identification documents in advance.
What’s the difference between an Lda and an SA?
- Lda: simpler, lower capital, ideal for small to medium businesses.
- SA: more complex, higher capital, suited for larger businesses or those seeking investment.
How long does it take to register a company?
If all documents are in order, the process can take as little as 2–4 weeks when using a pre-approved name and articles of association.
Is a certified accountant mandatory?
Yes. All companies must appoint a Contabilista Certificado. Public companies (SAs) and larger Ldas may also need a Revisor Oficial de Contas (ROC).
Do I need a business address in Portugal?
Yes. A registered address in Portugal is required for all companies.
What taxes does a Portuguese company pay?
Companies in Portugal are subject to Corporate Income Tax (IRC), generally at 21%. Additional municipal and state surcharges may apply depending on profit levels.
Are shareholders personally liable for company debts?
No. In both Lda and SA, shareholders have limited liability, meaning they are only responsible up to the amount they invest.
What are the annual obligations after incorporation?
Companies must:
- Keep organized accounting
- Submit annual accounts and tax filings
- Maintain corporate records (e.g., minutes, beneficial ownership updates)
- File the IES (Simplified Business Information) yearly
Can a company have only one shareholder?
Yes. A single-member Lda (Sociedade Unipessoal por Quotas) is permitted in Portugal.
Can the manager (gerente) be non-resident?
Yes, but they always need a tax number in Portugal first.
Can a foreign company be a shareholder in a Portuguese company?
Yes. A legal entity from abroad can hold shares in a Portuguese company, but must provide official documents (e.g. Certificate of Incorporation, shareholder resolution) and may need certified translations.
Can I use a virtual office as my company address?
Yes, as long as it’s a valid registered address in Portugal and the provider allows use for legal and tax purposes. Many startups begin with this setup.
Is a business bank account in Portugal mandatory?
Not necessarily — the account can be in any EU country, but opening a Portuguese bank account may simplify tax, operational, and client-related processes.
What’s the RCBE and why is it mandatory?
The RCBE (Beneficial Ownership Register) identifies who ultimately owns or controls the company. It’s a legal obligation to promote transparency and fight money laundering.
What happens if I don’t appoint an accountant or submit tax filings?
The company may face fines, penalties, and even dissolution for non-compliance. Appointing a certified accountant is not optional — it’s legally required.
Can I change the company’s structure or name later?
Yes. It’s possible to amend the articles of association, change shareholders, transfer quotas, or even convert an Lda into an SA. These changes must be registered.
Still Have Questions? Let’s Talk.
We understand that setting up a company in Portugal comes with legal and financial concerns.
If you’re unsure about the process, your obligations, or which structure best fits your goals, we’re here to help.
Whether you need help choosing between an Lda and an SA, have questions about share capital, documents, tax registration, or want to make sure you’re setting things up correctly, we’ll support you.
Sometimes a quick exchange with a lawyer can save weeks of uncertainty.
Just fill out the short form, tell us what’s on your mind, and we’ll get back to you with clarity and direction.
Ready to Start Your Business in Portugal?
From choosing the right company structure to handling incorporation, registrations, and compliance, Step Inside Legal offers the clarity, confidence, and expert support you need to build your business on solid legal ground.