Company registration in Portugal — start a business in Europe, low corporate tax, Portugal for foreigners, remote company setup, open bank account, NIF number, legal address, simplified taxation, ready-made company, LLC setup, fees, timeline, documents, Finextwin

Advantages of a Portugal company

Taxes
Low corporate taxation for small and newly established companies
Access to the EU market
Unrestricted access to all EU countries
For digital business
Suitable for SaaS, IT, marketing, consulting, eCommerce, crypto
Immigration
Opportunity to obtain a residence permit through business

Jurisdiction overview: Portugal

Portugal is an attractive EU jurisdiction for international business thanks to its political stability, competitive tax framework, and access to European financial systems. Company registration in Portugal is well-suited for consulting, IT, trade, holding activities, and businesses planning to combine operations with EU residency.
The standard legal form is the LDA (Sociedade por Quotas) – a private limited liability company. It can be registered remotely by a single shareholder and director, who may be foreign nationals. The minimum share capital is €1, though a higher capital (e.g. €1,000–€5,000) is often recommended for credibility. Incorporation typically takes 3–10 business days.
Portugal applies a standard corporate tax rate of 21%, with a reduced rate of 17% on the first €25,000 of taxable income for small companies. Businesses registered in the Madeira International Business Centre (IBCM) may qualify for a 5% tax rate, subject to substance requirements. Portugal also has over 75 double tax treaties, making it attractive for holding and trading structures.
A Portuguese company can obtain a VAT number, open accounts in EU banks, and integrate with SEPA and SWIFT systems. It is also a strong base for entrepreneurs planning to apply for a residence permit in Portugal through business activity.
Portugal’s transparent legal system, access to European markets, and tax flexibility – including the IBCM regime – make it a compelling choice for international business structuring.

Main features of the jurisdiction

  • Legal system: Based on continental law; ensures stability, investor protection, and compliance with EU standards
  • Currency: Euro (EUR), a stable international currency recognized across all EU member states
  • Taxes: Standard corporate income tax rate – 21%; regional and investment incentives are available
  • Reporting: Mandatory annual financial reporting, tax declaration, and submission to the Central Register
  • Confidentiality: Information on directors and shareholders is available in public registries; nominee services are allowed, but transparent beneficial ownership is required
  • Regulators: Serviço de Finanças (Tax Authority), Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (Company Registry), Banco de Portugal (Financial Supervisor)

Portugal is particularly attractive to international IT companies, startups, investors, e-commerce, and entrepreneurs planning to start a business with the potential to obtain a residence permit or tax residency.

Requirements for company founders

Available form: Sociedade por Quotas (LDA) – equivalent to Ltd
This is the most popular business form in Portugal. It is suitable for various industries: trade, technology, consulting, investment, and real estate. 100% foreign ownership is allowed, including by both individuals and legal entities.

Who can be a founder:
  • Any individual or legal entity (citizenship and jurisdiction are not relevant)
  • One or more shareholders (full foreign participation is allowed)
  • At least one director (can be a foreigner, no residency requirement)
  • No secretary appointment required
Also required:
  • Legal address in Portugal (included in the service package)
  • Minimum share capital: from 1 EUR (paid when opening a bank account; not required at registration stage)
  • Obtaining NIF (tax number) for shareholders and directors
  • Bank account opening (can be done remotely)
  • KYC/AML verification (passport, address, corporate documents)

Choose your plan

Incorporation
Company name reservation with RNPC
Preparation and submission of incorporation documents to the Conservatória do Registo Comercial
Certificate of incorporation (Certidão Permanente)
Drafting of the Articles of Association (Estatutos da Sociedade) and Incorporation Agreement
Entry of the company into the national commercial register (Registo Comercial)
Company registration documents
in digital form
_________________________________________
Address and Tax number
Registered legal address in Portugal
for 1 year
Corporate tax number (NIF) for the company
_________________________________________
Bank account
Personal tax number (NIF) assignment for the founder
Opening of a corporate bank account in Portugal
Get an offer
Incorporation
Company name reservation with RNPC
Preparation and submission of incorporation documents to the Conservatória do Registo Comercial
Certificate of incorporation (Certidão Permanente)
Drafting of the Articles of Association (Estatutos da Sociedade) and Incorporation Agreement
Entry of the company into the national commercial register (Registo Comercial)
Company registration documents
in digital form
_________________________________________
Address and Tax Number
Registered legal address in Portugal
for 1 year
Corporate tax number (NIF) for the company
_________________________________________
Bank account
Personal tax number (NIF) assignment for the founder
Opening of a corporate bank account in Portugal
Get an offer
Incorporation
Company name reservation with RNPC
Preparation and submission of incorporation documents to the Conservatória do Registo Comercial
Certificate of incorporation (Certidão Permanente)
Drafting of the Articles of Association (Estatutos da Sociedade) and Incorporation Agreement
Entry of the company into the national commercial register (Registo Comercial)
Company registration documents
in digital form
_________________________________________
Address and Tax Number
Registered legal address in Portugal
for 1 year
Corporate tax number (NIF) for the company
_________________________________________
Bank account
Personal tax number (NIF) assignment for the founder
Opening of a corporate bank account in Portugal
Get an offer

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before launching your business in Portugal
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Contact us
  • +1 814 300 8857
  • info@finextwin.com
  • 367-375 Queen's Road Central,
    Sheung Wan, Hong Kong


Contact us
  • +1 814 300 8857
  • info@finextwin.com
  • 367-375 Queen's Road Central,
    Sheung Wan, Hong Kong




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