Starting a Business - Portugal

There are no nationality or residency restrictions on shareholders or directors; an Lda can be wholly owned and managed by non-residents, and profits/dividends can be repatriated freely. Foreign investors follow the same regime as nationals.

Via 'Empresa na Hora' the registrar incorporates the company in a single in-person sitting (typically under 60 minutes), issuing the corporate tax number (NIPC), social security number (NISS) and a permanent online registration certificate immediately.

'Empresa Online' allows incorporation at registo.justica.gov.pt using a Citizen Card or Digital Mobile Key; official fees are €220 with a pre-approved articles model or €360 with founder-drafted articles (plus €100 if registering a trademark).

For a Sociedade por Quotas the minimum capital is effectively €1 per shareholder (€1 for a single-member Unipessoal), freely set by the founders, with no upfront deposit verification required at incorporation.

Founders pick a pre-approved name from the official list (or request a name admissibility certificate from the RNPC) and can use standard pre-defined articles of association to qualify for the fastest, cheapest route.

Each foreign shareholder needs a Portuguese tax number (NIF). EU/EEA residents are exempt from appointing a fiscal representative; non-EU/EEA residents must either appoint one or activate electronic tax notifications (Portal das Finanças) to obtain and keep the NIF active.