Portugal company formation
The EU’s friendliest entry point for founders. We register your Lda in Portugal, open the bank and tax files, and advise on the residence route for you and your family.
Portugal at a glance
- 🏢 Entity: Lda (sociedade por quotas)
- 💰 Minimum capital: €1 per shareholder (most clients start with €1,000–€5,000)
- ⏱️ Formation time: 1–3 working days with Empresa na Hora, 1–2 weeks with a custom deed
- 🧾 Corporate tax: 20% corporate income tax (16% on the first €50,000 of profit for small companies)
- 🌍 Remote formation: Yes, with a Portuguese tax number (NIF) and power of attorney
Key facts
Portugal company formation facts
Figures on this page are indicative and change often. Government fees, taxes and timelines are confirmed in your written quote after a free consultation. Company formation does not by itself grant residence or citizenship; where a residence route exists we say so and explain its conditions.
Why Portugal
The EU’s friendliest entry point for founders
- Company formation in a single day through Empresa na Hora
- Clear route from a Portuguese company to the D2 residence visa
- Full Schengen mobility for you and your family once resident
- English widely spoken, strong startup and remote-work community
Who it suits
Entrepreneurs who want an EU company and an EU residence permit from the same project, remote consultants, and families planning for EU citizenship.
Residence
Living in Portugal through your company
Residence route: easyD2 entrepreneur visa, D8 digital nomad visa, or the Golden Visa for qualifying investments; citizenship possible after 5 years of legal residence.
| Funds required (approx.) | Our residence service fee | Family can join | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| About $12,500 (+$6,300 spouse, +$3,800 per child) | $11,400 | Yes | Easy |
Residence fees are quoted separately from company formation. Government fees, deposits, translations and insurance are not included.
Documents to prepare
- Passport copies and Portuguese NIF for each shareholder
- Proof of address
- Company name approval certificate (we obtain it)
- Registered office in Portugal (we provide one)
- Business plan if you will apply for the D2 visa
Process
How we register your company in Portugal
- Consultation
We confirm Portugal fits your goal and send a written quote.
- Documents
Passport copies, proof of address and powers of attorney.
- Filing
Partner lawyers reserve the name and file with the Commercial Registry.
- Tax and bank
Tax numbers issued and bank or payment account opened.
- Residence
Optional: we file the residence application for you and your family.
FAQ
Portugal company formation questions
Do I need to live in Portugal to own the company?
No. You can own and run a Portuguese Lda from abroad. Living there is only required if you want the residence permit.
What is the real tax rate for a small company?
Small and medium companies pay 16% on the first €50,000 of taxable profit and 20% above that, plus a small municipal surcharge in most cities.
How long does the D2 visa take after the company exists?
Typically 3–6 months from a complete application at the Portuguese consulate, depending on your country of residence.
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Register your company in Portugal
Send us your activity and ownership plan and we reply with a written quote, timeline and document list.