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Begin your business journey in Portugal with confidence

We provide expert advice on selecting a business structure, setting up a tax system, and opening a bank account. Start your venture in Portugal today.  

Start your business now

Build Your Portugal Business with Right Structure

Sole Trader (Empresário em Nome Individual)
  • Ideal for freelancers and small business owners
  • Easy to register and manage
  • Full personal liability for debts
  • Taxed under personal income tax (IRS)
  • One-person company with limited liability
  • Legally separate from the owner
  • Requires minimum share capital of €1
  • Subject to corporate tax (IRC)
  • Most popular structure in Portugal
  • Requires at least two shareholders (can also be single-member)
  • Limited liability protection
  • Minimum share capital starting from €1 per partner
  • Ideal for SMES and foreign investors
  • Suitable for large businesses and companies planning to go public
  • Minimum share capital of €50,000
  • Requires at least five shareholders
  • Heavier reporting and audit requirements
  • Extension of a foreign company in Portugal
  • No separate legal entity
  • Must register with Portuguese authorities and appoint a local representative
  • Can carry out full business operations
  • Cannot engage in commercial activity
  • Used for market research or promotion
  • No income-generating activities allowed
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Group 1000007106
Group 1000007106 1
Group 1000007106 2
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Group 1000007106 4

Company Registration in Portugal

Register your company in Portugal in 8 easy steps:

Frame 22 e1744098852632
Group 1000007242 1 e1744026594943

Ready to establish your
Business in Portugal?

Let us help you choose the best approach for your business goals. Build a strong foundation now. 

Grab the opportunity now

Whatever You Need, We’ve Got You Covered!

  • Company Formation
  • Open a subsidiary
  • Open a Branch
  • Offshore Companies
  • Accounting
  • Recruitment Service
  • Serviced Offices
  • Banking Service
  • Trademark Registration
  • Business Reports
  • Immigration & Visa Advice
  • Domain Registration
  • Business Planning
  • Merchant Service
  • Reputation Management
  • Virtual Offices

Whatever You Need, We’ve Got You Covered!

  • Company Formation
  • Open a Subsidiary
  • Open a Branch
  • Accounting
  • Immigration & Visa Advice
  • Banking Service
  • Serviced Offices
  • Recruitment Service
  • Business Planning
  • Merchant Service
  • Business Reports
  • Virtual Offices
  • Trademark Registration
  • Reputation Management
  • Domain Registration

Happy Clients Make us Happy

The team efficiently registered my sole proprietorship and clarified the local tax system, making it a reliable partner.
Michael Adams
They helped me set up a single-member LLC remotely, handling all paperwork and tax registrations perfectly. Excellent service.
Sophie Green
They guided me through NIF registration and LDA setup—making the process smooth. Very professional and responsive.
David Carter

Don’t wait until tomorrow - Grab the Opportunity Now

Book a free consultation with our experts to get complete guidance every step of the way.

start today

FAQs

Yes, both EU and non-EU nationals can legally open a business in Portugal. You will need a Portuguese tax identification number (NIF), a registered address, and a business bank account. Our team can assist with every step remotely.
The Sole Trader (Empresário em Nome Individual) is the simplest to register and manage, ideal for freelancers and solo entrepreneurs. However, if you want limited liability, a Single-Member LDA (Unipessoal) is also fast and popular.
An LDA (Sociedade por Quotas) requires two or more partners (though one-person LDAs are allowed), while a Unipessoal LDA is a limited liability company owned by a single individual. Both offer personal asset protection and are taxed under corporate tax (IRC).
Companies are subject to corporate income tax (IRC), VAT (if applicable), and social security contributions for employees. Sole traders are taxed under personal income tax (IRS). We assist with registration and ongoing compliance.
Depending on the structure and documentation, company registration can take 5–10 business days. We offer fast-track services for most legal structures, including online formation options.
Not necessarily. Many structures, such as the LDA or branch office, can be opened remotely with a legal representative and a registered address. We offer end-to-end remote setup support.

Open A European Company.com is a trading name of Universal Company Incorporations Ltd. Universal Company Incorporations Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 08455371

Phone Number

+44 (0) 20 8421 7470

Office Hours

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Office Location

Profile West Suite 2, Floor 1, Great West Road, Brentford, TW8 9ES

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The information and any commentary on the law contained on this website is provided for information and guidance purposes only. Every reasonable effort is made to make the information and commentary accurate and up to date, but no responsibility for its accuracy and correctness, or for any consequences of relying upon it is assumed by Open A European Company, its directors , employees or associated websites.

The information and commentary on Open A European Company’s site does not, and is not intended to amount to legal advice to any third party on a specific case or matter. You are strongly recommended to obtain specific, direct legal advice from professional advisers whether these be your own advisers or those that appear on the OpenAeuropeancompany.com site. You should consider taking advice both in the country in which you are domiciled and in the country in which you are seeking to open a company. and not to rely on the information or comments on this site.

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