Setting Up a Company in Portugal: Administrative Procedures

Published on April 25, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Portugal is attracting more and more foreign entrepreneurs thanks to its favorable economic environment and quality of life. Starting a business in this Mediterranean country can be an excellent opportunity to expand your operations internationally. However, it is crucial to fully understand the necessary administrative procedures to ensure a legally compliant start.

Key steps to launch your business in Portugal

Starting a company in Portugal involves several important steps that every entrepreneur must follow carefully. Here is an overview of the main administrative procedures to carry out:

1. Choose the legal form suited to your project

The first crucial step is to select the most appropriate legal structure for your business. In Portugal, the most common forms are:

• Sociedade por Quotas (Lda) – equivalent to the French SARL
• Sociedade Anónima (SA) – equivalent to the French SA
• Empresário em Nome Individual – sole trader status

Each legal form has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of liability, taxation, and management. It is recommended to consult an accountant or lawyer to help you make the best choice based on your situation.

2. Reserve your company name

Once the legal form is chosen, you must check the availability of your future company’s name with the Registo Nacional de Pessoas Coletivas (RNPC). This step can be done online on the official Portuguese government website. It is important to note that the company name must be unique and not already in use by another company in Portugal.

3. Draft the company’s articles of association

Drafting the articles of association is a crucial step that defines the operating rules of your company. The articles must include information such as:

• The company’s corporate purpose
• The amount of share capital
• The distribution of shares among partners
• The decision-making procedures
• The rules for transferring shares

It is highly recommended to hire a lawyer specialized in corporate law to ensure the articles comply with Portuguese legislation.

4. Open a professional bank account

Opening a professional bank account is essential for depositing your company’s share capital. This account will also be used to manage your company’s financial transactions. Many Portuguese banks offer services tailored to foreign companies, making this process easier.

5. Register your company

Your company is registered with the Registo Comercial, the equivalent of the French Trade and Companies Register. This step can be done online via the “Empresa Online” portal or in person at a registration office. You will then obtain a tax identification number (NIF) for your company.

6. Register with tax authorities and social security

Once your company is registered, you must register with the tax authorities (Finanças) and the Portuguese social security system. These steps are essential to comply with your tax and social obligations.

Essential documents based on your legal structure

The documents required to create your company in Portugal may vary depending on the legal form chosen. Here is an overview of the main documents needed for the most common structures:

For a Sociedade por Quotas (Lda)

The Lda, equivalent to the French SARL, is the most popular legal form in Portugal. To create an Lda, you will need the following documents:

• Identification documents for the partners
• Proof of address in Portugal for the registered office
• Articles of association signed by all partners
• Certificate of deposit of share capital (minimum €1 per partner)
• Declaration of commencement of activity

For a Sociedade Anónima (SA)

The SA is generally chosen for larger-scale projects. The documents required for its creation are:

• Identification documents for the shareholders
• Proof of address in Portugal for the registered office
• Articles of association signed by all shareholders
• Certificate of deposit of share capital (minimum €50,000)
• Minutes of the constitutive meeting
• Declaration of commencement of activity

For an Empresário em Nome Individual

This sole trader status is suitable for small activities. The necessary documents are:

• Identification document of the founder
• Proof of address in Portugal
• Declaration of commencement of activity
• Personal tax identification number (NIF)

Specifics to know for a successful business creation in Portugal

Creating a company in Portugal has certain particularities that are important to know to carry out your project successfully:

The central role of the Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF)

The NIF is the equivalent of the SIRET number in France. It is essential for all administrative and tax procedures for your company. Foreigners can obtain a personal NIF from the Portuguese tax authorities, which will then make it easier to obtain the NIF for their company.

The importance of the tax representative

If you are not a tax resident in Portugal, you will need to appoint a tax representative. This person or entity will be responsible for your company’s tax obligations with the Portuguese authorities. Many accounting firms offer this service.

The need for a physical address in Portugal

Any company created in Portugal must have a physical address in the country. If you do not have premises, it is possible to use company domiciliation services, which are very common in major cities like Lisbon or Porto.

Tax advantages for foreign entrepreneurs

Portugal offers attractive tax incentives for foreign entrepreneurs, notably the “Non-Habitual Resident” (NHR) regime, which allows you to benefit from advantageous taxation for 10 years. It is recommended to consult a tax expert to optimize your situation.

Conclusion: A simplified process that requires good preparation

Creating a company in Portugal is a relatively simple and quick process, especially thanks to efforts to digitize administrative procedures. However, it is crucial to prepare well and surround yourself with competent professionals to ensure you meet all legal and tax obligations.

By carefully following the steps described in this article and gathering all the necessary documents, you will maximize your chances of successfully establishing yourself in Portugal. Remember that mastering the Portuguese language, while not mandatory, can greatly facilitate your procedures and your integration into the local economic fabric.