Company Formation in Portugal

Company Formation Process in Portugal

Establishing a new company in Portugal is a structured process that typically takes 1-2 business days (Empresa na Hora). ShelfCompanies24 handles the entire formation process on your behalf, from preparing the articles of association to registering with all relevant authorities.

Available Company Types in Portugal

The following legal structures are available for company formation in Portugal:

Company Type	Description
Lda. (LLC), S.A. (JSC), Unipessoal Lda. (single-member LLC), Sucursal (Branch)

The minimum share capital requirement is 1 EUR for Lda. (since 2011).

Step-by-Step Formation Process

1. Choose your company structure — Select the appropriate legal form based on your business needs, number of shareholders, and capital requirements.
2. Prepare documentation — Our team prepares the articles of association, shareholder agreements, and all necessary corporate documents.
3. Company name verification — We verify the availability of your chosen company name with the Portuguese commercial registry.
4. Capital deposit — Deposit the required share capital (1 EUR for Lda. (since 2011)) in a designated bank account.
5. Notarization and registration — Documents are notarized (where required) and submitted to the commercial registry.
6. Tax registration — Register the company for corporate tax (at a rate of 21% (17% for SMEs in inland areas)) and VAT (23%).
7. Bank account opening — Open corporate bank accounts with Portuguese banks for business operations.

Required Documents

• Valid passport copies of all shareholders and directors
• Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement, not older than 3 months)
• Description of planned business activities
• Proof of source of funds (where applicable)
• References from existing banks or professional advisors

Tax Environment in Portugal

Companies formed in Portugal are subject to a corporate tax rate of 21% (17% for SMEs in inland areas). The standard VAT rate is 23%. The currency is EUR (Euro).

Timeline and Costs

Standard company formation in Portugal takes approximately 1-2 business days (Empresa na Hora). For exact pricing tailored to your specific requirements, please contact our consultants.

Related Services in Portugal

• Overview of Portugal — Shelf Companies & Company Formation
• Ready-Made Shelf Companies in Portugal
• Bank Accounts for Portuguese Companies

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to register a company in Portugal?

Company registration in Portugal typically takes 1-2 business days (Empresa na Hora). ShelfCompanies24 handles the entire process on your behalf.

What documents do I need to form a company in Portugal?

You will need valid passport copies, proof of address, description of business activities, and proof of source of funds. Our team guides you through all documentation requirements.

Can a foreigner set up a company in Portugal?

Yes, foreign nationals can establish companies in Portugal. There are generally no restrictions on foreign ownership of Portuguese companies.

What is the minimum capital to start a company in Portugal?

The minimum capital requirement in Portugal is 1 EUR for Lda. (since 2011). Our consultants can advise on the optimal capital structure for your business.