Practice Area · 05

Your business in Portugal, built on solid ground.

Company formation, corporate structuring and ongoing counsel for founders and international groups establishing operations in Portugal, from the first quota to the shareholders' agreement.

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100%Foreign ownership allowed

DaysTo incorporate, not weeks

RemoteSetup by power of attorney

Good to know

Creating a Portuguese company with at least ten jobs is a qualifying route for the Golden Visa. If residency is part of your plan, we structure both together. See the Golden Visa routes →

What we cover

From incorporation to everything after.

Opening a company in Portugal is fast. Opening the right structure, with the right agreements behind it, is what determines whether it stays simple.

FoundationService 01

Company formation

Incorporation of LDA and SA companies, choice of structure, articles of association drafted for your reality, and registration with the tax authority and social security.

LDA or SA, incorporated in person or fully remote

Service 02

Branches & subsidiaries

For international groups entering Portugal: branch versus subsidiary analysis, registration of foreign entities and coordination with your legal and tax teams abroad.

The right vehicle for liability, tax and operations

Service 03

Shareholders & governance

Shareholders' agreements, quota transfers, capital increases, director appointments and the governance rules that prevent partner disputes before they start.

Clear rules between partners, in writing, from day one

Service 04

Commercial contracts & compliance

Supplier, distribution and service agreements, commercial licensing, and mandatory registrations such as the beneficial owner registry (RCBE) that many founders discover too late.

RCBE & licensing handled, deadlines never missed

The complete setup

Everything a company needs to actually operate.

The certificate of incorporation is the easy part. These are the pieces that make the company real.

NIF for founders

Portuguese tax numbers for foreign shareholders and directors, obtained remotely before incorporation.

Registered office

A legal address in Portugal, whether your own premises or a compliant virtual office solution.

Corporate banking

Company bank account opened with Portuguese banks, including for structures with foreign shareholders.

Certified accountant

Portuguese companies require a certified accountant (CC). We connect you with trusted partners and coordinate the handover.

RCBE registration

Mandatory declaration of beneficial owners after incorporation, with penalties for missing it. We file it as standard.

Licences & permits

Sector licensing and commercial permits where your activity requires them, mapped before you commit.

How we work

From idea to operating company.

Structure assessment

We review your activity, partners and tax context, and recommend the right vehicle within 48 hours.

Pre‑incorporation

NIFs, name approval, registered office and, where needed, powers of attorney for remote setup.

Incorporation

Articles drafted and signed, company registered, tax and social security registrations completed.

Operational setup

Banking, certified accountant, RCBE filing and any licences your activity requires.

Ongoing counsel

Contracts, corporate changes and day‑to‑day legal support as the business grows.

Common questions

Answers, before you ask.

Can foreigners own 100% of a Portuguese company?

Yes. There are no restrictions on foreign ownership. Shareholders and directors don't need to be Portuguese residents, though each will need a Portuguese tax number (NIF), which we obtain for you.

LDA or SA, what's the difference?

The LDA (limitada) is the flexible standard for most businesses, with low minimum capital and simple governance. The SA (sociedade anónima) suits larger operations and investment structures, with share capital of at least €50,000 and more formal governance. We recommend based on your partners, investors and growth plans.

How long does incorporation take?

With documents ready, a standard LDA can be incorporated in a matter of days. What takes longer is what comes before and after: NIFs for foreign founders, banking and licensing, which is exactly the part we manage for you.

Do I need to be in Portugal to open the company?

No. With a power of attorney, we handle the entire process remotely, from NIF to signature. Many of our clients first visit Portugal after their company already exists.

What is the RCBE and why does it matter?

The RCBE is Portugal's central registry of beneficial owners. Every company must declare who ultimately owns and controls it, shortly after incorporation and whenever ownership changes. Missing it blocks banking operations and carries fines, so we file it as a standard part of every incorporation.

Can a company help me get residency?

It can. Founders running a real business in Portugal may qualify for the D2 visa, and a company creating ten or more jobs is a qualifying route for the Golden Visa. Our Corporate and Immigration teams plan the two tracks together.

Related services

Your business deserves an answer today.

Tell us about your plans and receive an initial structuring assessment within 48 hours, with no obligation.

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