Company types
Most foreign founders choose a private limited company, called Lda when there are two or more shareholders and Sociedade Unipessoal Lda when there is a single shareholder. Liability is limited to the company's capital, minimum capital is symbolic, 1 € to 2 €, and the company pays corporate income tax, known as IRC. Sole trader status, ENI, exists but offers no separation between personal and business assets, so it rarely suits foreign founders.
What you need before incorporating
Every founder needs a Portuguese tax number, the NIF. Non-EU residents also need a fiscal representative in Portugal. You will need a registered office address in Portugal, which can be a professional address service. With those in place, incorporation itself is same-day.
Real costs in 2026
Online incorporation with a pre-approved company deed costs 220 €; a customised deed costs 360 €. Reserving a custom company name costs 75 €. Corporate tax in 2026 is 19%, reduced to 15% on the first 50,000 € of taxable income for SMEs. Standard VAT is 23%. Every company must have certified accounting signed by a licensed accountant, a Contabilista Certificado.
The banking reality
Opening a business bank account is the least predictable step. Banks run their own compliance checks and approval is never guaranteed, particularly for non-resident founders. Allow time for it, prepare clean documentation, and treat the account as a workstream of its own.
Staying compliant
From the moment the company is active, monthly and quarterly obligations begin: VAT returns, payroll declarations if you hire, withholding taxes, and the annual corporate return. Missing deadlines triggers fines. This is exactly what our Portugal Launch package handles. The Portuguese version of this guide is at criar empresa em Portugal.
Portugal Launch
Portugal Launch covers incorporation, NIF support for one founder, fiscal representation, registered office for the first 12 months, certified accounting up to 60 documents per month, one bank or payment account, a standard website, and onboarding in English, from 1,490 € plus 199 €/month plus VAT.
Official fees, translations, apostilles, legal opinions, ongoing fiscal representation and bank fees are not included. Bank account opening is always subject to the institution's approval.
Frequently asked questions
Can a non-resident own a Portuguese company?
Yes. A non-resident can own 100% of a Portuguese company. You need a Portuguese tax number (NIF) and, if you live outside the EU, a fiscal representative in Portugal.
Do I need to travel to Portugal?
Usually not. Incorporation can be handled remotely with powers of attorney, although some banks still require the founder to be present to open the account.
How long does it take?
Incorporation itself takes a day once the paperwork is ready. Getting a NIF and opening a bank account set the real timeline, and banking is the least predictable step.
Do I need a local accountant?
Yes. Every Portuguese company must keep certified accounting signed by a licensed accountant, a Contabilista Certificado. That is exactly what we do.