Company Formation in Portugal

Company Registration in Portugal | Open a Business as a Foreigner or Digital Nomad

Complete support for company registration in Portugal β€” from NIF and NIPC to incorporation and tax registration. We help foreigners, entrepreneurs and digital nomads set up their business fully compliant with Portuguese law.

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Your Complete Guide to Company Registration in Portugal

Portugal has become one of Europe's top destinations for entrepreneurs, digital nomads and investors. With its competitive tax regimes β€” including the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) program β€” and a welcoming legal framework for foreign-owned companies, registering a business in Portugal is an attractive option.

Whether you are opening a Unipessoal (single-member company), a LDA (limited company), or registering as an independent worker (ENI), our team of certified accountants guides you through every step β€” from obtaining your NIF (tax number) to the final company registration at the Commercial Registry.

  • NIF for Foreigners β€” tax number application for non-residents in Portugal
  • NIPC / Company Registration β€” incorporation at the Commercial Registry Office
  • VAT & Social Security β€” registration with Tax Authority and SeguranΓ§a Social
  • NHR & Tax Optimization β€” Non-Habitual Resident regime for qualified professionals
  • Ongoing Accounting β€” monthly bookkeeping, VAT returns and annual filings
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We help entrepreneurs from all over the world

From Brazil to the USA, UK to Germany β€” our English and Portuguese-speaking team makes company registration in Portugal simple and stress-free.


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Types of Companies You Can Register in Portugal

Choose the legal structure that best fits your business β€” we advise on the most tax-efficient option

Unipessoal (Single-Member LDA)

From €1 share capital | No partners required

The most popular option for solo entrepreneurs. A single-member limited company with full legal personality, limited liability and access to corporate tax rates (IRC). Ideal for freelancers, consultants and digital nomads scaling their business.

LDA (Limited Company by Quotas)

From €1 share capital | 2+ partners

Standard private limited company structure for businesses with multiple shareholders. Flexibility to bring in investors, distribute dividends and operate with full corporate status. The most common structure for SMEs and joint ventures.

ENI (Individual Entrepreneur)

No minimum capital | Individual liability

For self-employed professionals operating under the simplified or organized accounting regime. Best for lower revenue businesses. Income is taxed under IRS (personal income tax) rather than IRC. Easy to set up and low maintenance costs.

SA (Public Limited Company)

From €50,000 share capital | 5+ shareholders

For larger businesses seeking investment or planning to go public. Requires higher minimum capital and more formal governance structures. Suitable for startups raising venture capital or established international operations.

Branch of Foreign Company

No minimum capital | Permanent establishment

For foreign companies wanting a physical presence in Portugal without incorporating a separate legal entity. The branch acts as an extension of the parent company. Suitable for market testing and EU operations expansion.

Real Estate Company (SGOIC / SIIMO)

Special regimes | Property investment

Specialized structures for real estate investment and management. Includes tax-optimized vehicles for property holding, rental income and property development. Popular among foreign investors in the Portuguese real estate market.

How Company Registration in Portugal Works

A simple step-by-step process β€” we handle the paperwork so you can focus on your business

1

Initial Consultation

Free 30-minute call to understand your business, choose the best legal structure and plan your tax strategy including NHR if applicable.

2

NIF & Tax Registration

We apply for your Portuguese NIF (tax number) and register you with the Tax Authority. For non-residents, we act as your tax representative.

3

Company Name & Statutes

We check the availability of your company name at the National Registry of Legal Persons (RNPC) and draft the company statutes (deed of incorporation).

4

Incorporation & NIPC

Registration at the Commercial Registry Office, obtaining the NIPC (company tax number). This can be done online via the Empresa na Hora service for fast-track registration.

5

VAT & Social Security

Registration for VAT (IVA), Social Security enrollment for shareholders/managers, and any sector-specific licenses required for your activity.

6

Accounting & Compliance

We set up your accounting system, issue the first invoices, register in SAF-T, and manage ongoing monthly and quarterly tax obligations.

Our Company Registration Services in Portugal

End-to-end support for incorporating and running your Portuguese company

NIF for Foreigners

Tax number application for non-residents including tax representation. We handle all documentation and appointments with the Tax Authority.

Company Incorporation

Full incorporation of Unipessoal, LDA or other structures including statutes, commercial registry, and NIPC. Available via Empresa na Hora for same-day registration.

NHR Tax Regime

Application for Non-Habitual Resident status β€” 20% flat IRS rate for qualified professions and potential 10-year tax exemption on foreign income.

Visa & Immigration Support

Guidance on D2 (Entrepreneur), D7 (Passive Income) and Digital Nomad visas. We coordinate with immigration lawyers to support your residency application.

Ongoing Accounting

Monthly bookkeeping, VAT returns, payroll, SAF-T reporting, annual accounts and IES (annual business information) filing β€” 100% online.

Tax & Corporate Compliance

Corporate income tax (IRC) returns, withholding taxes, dividend taxation, transfer pricing documentation and permanent establishment compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions β€” Company Registration in Portugal

Can a foreigner open a company in Portugal?

Yes. Portugal does not require Portuguese nationality or residency to register a company. Foreigners can open a company with a Portuguese NIF (tax number) and, if non-resident, by appointing a tax representative. Many entrepreneurs from Brazil, the UK, USA, Germany and other countries successfully register Portuguese companies every year.

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

With the "Empresa na Hora" (Company on the Hour) service, registration can be completed in as little as 1-2 days. The full process including NIF application, name approval and VAT registration typically takes 1-3 weeks depending on the complexity and the type of company structure.

How much does it cost to open a company in Portugal?

Costs vary by structure. For a Unipessoal or LDA: government fees range from €200-€500 including commercial registry and publications. Our service fees for full incorporation start from €350. Minimum share capital is €1 for LDA and Unipessoal (though €5,000+ is common for credibility with suppliers).

What is the best company structure for digital nomads in Portugal?

Most digital nomads choose between: (1) ENI (individual entrepreneur) β€” simpler, lower costs, taxed as personal income (IRS); (2) Unipessoal β€” limited liability, corporate tax rates (IRC), better for higher revenues. The NHR regime can significantly reduce tax on Portuguese-source income for qualified professions. We recommend a personalized analysis based on your revenue and nationality.

Do I need a Portuguese address to register a company?

Yes, every Portuguese company needs a registered office address in Portugal. This can be a physical office, co-working space, or a virtual office address provided by us or partner providers. We can help arrange a compliant registered address for your company.

What are the ongoing obligations after registering a company in Portugal?

Portuguese companies must: file monthly VAT returns (if applicable), maintain organized accounting, submit SAF-T (standard audit file) monthly, deliver annual corporate income tax return (IRC), file IES annually, and hold annual general meetings. Our accounting service covers all these obligations.

Can I register a company remotely / online?

Yes. The entire process can be handled remotely β€” from NIF application to incorporation. We manage the paperwork, represent you before the authorities, and keep you updated at every step. Some steps may require notarized powers of attorney for non-residents, which we can arrange via your nearest Portuguese consulate.

What is the NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) regime and how does it work?

NHR is a special tax regime for new residents in Portugal offering: 20% flat rate on Portuguese-source employment and self-employment income (for qualified professions), and potential exemption on foreign-source income (pensions, dividends, capital gains, rents) for 10 years. We can assess your eligibility and handle the full application.

Ready to Register Your Company in Portugal?

Join hundreds of entrepreneurs who have successfully opened their business in Portugal with our support. Free initial consultation β€” no commitment required.