Set up a company in Portugal as a foreign founder: cost, time and ownership
The usual company type for a foreign founder in Portugal is the Lda (sociedade por quotas). Foreign ownership: The government says there is no legal bar on foreign citizens forming companies in Portugal; each foreign shareholder needs a Portuguese tax number (NIF) first. Government fee: €220 online with a pre-approved articles template (€440 urgent); €360 with your own articles (€720 urgent); €360 at an in-person Empresa na Hora desk.
The Lda (sociedade por quotas) in Portugal, from the official pages
| What | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle | Online you can form a single-member quota company, a quota company (Lda) or a public limited company | justica.gov.pt |
| Foreign ownership | "There is no legal bar on foreign citizens taking part in forming companies in Portugal. However, a Portuguese tax number (NIF) is required at formation." | gov.pt |
| NIF needed first | "A prior requirement is holding, at the date of formation, a NIF issued by Portugal's tax offices." | gov.pt |
| Government registration fee (online) | Online with a pre-approved articles template: €220 normal, €440 urgent. With articles you draft yourself: €360 normal, €720 urgent | justica.gov.pt |
| Government registration fee (in person) | "The price of the Empresa na Hora service is 360 euros." | eportugal.gov.pt |
| Time to register (online) | "If there are no errors, the registry registers within 5 days for a pre-approved template, or within 10 days for articles drafted by the founders." | gov.pt |
| Time to register (in person) | "At an Empresa na Hora desk you can do the whole formation process at a single desk, in a single moment." | justica.gov.pt |
| Online for non-residents | "Foreign citizen: with a Chave Móvel Digital linked to a passport, or European authentication (eIDAS)" | justica.gov.pt |
| Online exclusion | "You cannot create a company online if the shareholder(s) do not have a Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF)" | justica.gov.pt |
| Registered address | The online application asks for the registered office address (sede social) in the company details | justica.gov.pt |
| Share capital deposit | "You have 5 working days to deposit the share capital into the company's bank account" (or partners can declare delivery to the company by the end of the first financial year) | justica.gov.pt |
| Corporate income tax | 19% for tax periods starting in 2026 under the transitional rule to IRC Code art. 87 (18% in 2027, 17% from 2028) | info.portaldasfinancas.gov.pt |
| Small company rate | Small and medium enterprises (and small mid caps) pay 15% on the first €50,000 of taxable profit | info.portaldasfinancas.gov.pt |
| Annual compliance | The annual accounting and tax return (IES) must be filed electronically by 15 July (calendar-year companies) | info.portaldasfinancas.gov.pt |
Questions founders ask about Portugal
- Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Portugal?
- The government says there is no legal bar on foreign citizens forming companies in Portugal; each foreign shareholder needs a Portuguese tax number (NIF) first.
- How much does it cost to register a company in Portugal?
- €220 online with a pre-approved articles template (€440 urgent); €360 with your own articles (€720 urgent); €360 at an in-person Empresa na Hora desk.
- How long does it take to register a company in Portugal?
- Online: the registry registers within 5 days with a pre-approved template, or 10 days with custom articles, if there are no errors. In person: done at one desk in one sitting.
- Do I need a local director in Portugal?
- No Portuguese-resident manager (gerente) requirement is stated on the official pages checked; managers must accept the role and give a NIF.
- Can I register a company in Portugal from abroad?
- Yes for foreigners: the Empresa Online service accepts foreign citizens with a Chave Móvel Digital linked to their passport or EU eIDAS login, provided every shareholder has a Portuguese NIF.
- What is the corporate tax rate in Portugal?
- 19% for tax periods starting in 2026 (18% in 2027, 17% from 2028); SMEs pay 15% on the first €50,000 of taxable profit.
Other countries
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To weigh the choice, read where to incorporate as a remote founder.
- Company type
- sociedade por quotas (Lda), or sociedade unipessoal por quotas for one owner
- Foreign ownership
- The government says there is no legal bar on foreign citizens forming companies in Portugal; each foreign shareholder needs a Portuguese tax number (NIF) first
- Minimum capital
- Not confirmed from an official page in this run (see unverified)
- Government fee
- €220 online with a pre-approved articles template (€440 urgent); €360 with your own articles (€720 urgent); €360 at an in-person Empresa na Hora desk
- Time to register
- Online: the registry registers within 5 days with a pre-approved template, or 10 days with custom articles, if there are no errors. In person: done at one desk in one sitting
- Local director
- No Portuguese-resident manager (gerente) requirement is stated on the official pages checked; managers must accept the role and give a NIF
- Register from abroad
- Yes for foreigners: the Empresa Online service accepts foreign citizens with a Chave Móvel Digital linked to their passport or EU eIDAS login, provided every shareholder has a Portuguese NIF
- Corporate tax
- 19% for tax periods starting in 2026 (18% in 2027, 17% from 2028); SMEs pay 15% on the first €50,000 of taxable profit
- Official page
- justica.gov.pt
- Checked
Fees, capital rules and timings change. Check justica.gov.pt before you register, and get a written quote from any agent you use. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the members' chat.