Company registration in Portugal - COREDO

Company registration in Portugal

The Republic of Portugal is a small state situated in the southwest of continental Europe. It occupies a small part of the Iberian Peninsula and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. Portugal is a member of the European Union, with the euro as its official currency.

The country welcomes foreign investment, offering entrepreneurs certain tax benefits, along with special economic zones such as Madeira and Azores, providing favourable conditions for business activities. Portugal’s economy is classified as developed, with its foundation resting on industries such as mining, metallurgy, mechanical engineering, and agriculture, as well as services like tourism. In recent years, there has been significant growth in renewable energy sources, with a strong push to encourage enterprises focusing on innovative ideas and technologies.

ADVANTAGES OF REGISTERING A COMPANY IN PORTUGAL

In addition to the easy access to the vast European market, registering a company in Portugal offers several advantages, including:

  • stability of the economic and political environment;
  • presence of special economic zones;
  • ease of opening a new enterprise;
  • low operating costs for doing business;
  • availability of sufficiently highly qualified but inexpensive labour;
  • opportunity to own 100 percent of the company’s shares without being a resident of the country.

As mentioned above, Portugal boasts several free trade zones. Among the benefits of establishing enterprises in these zones are reduced tax rates (5%), exemption from customs duties, and also from fees and taxes applicable in the country.

AVAILABLE TYPES OF BUSINESS ORGANISATION IN PORTUGAL

Foreigners can establish enterprises of various organisational and legal forms in Portugal. Among the most common and practical options are:

  • S.A. — an open joint-stock company with limited liability, suitable for large businesses. The minimum authorised capital is 50,000 euros, with 30% required to be deposited into the account at the time of registration.
  • Lda. — a closed joint-stock company with limited liability, ideal for small and medium businesses. The minimum authorised capital is 5,000 euros, with the entire amount required to be deposited into the account upon registration. This type of company can be established by at least two shareholders.
  • EIRL — a private enterprise with a single owner, particularly convenient for startups. The minimum capital required is 2,000 euros, which must be paid at the time of registration.

FEATURES OF COMPANY REGISTRATION IN PORTUGAL

Foreigners have the opportunity to establish a company in Portugal across a wide range of industries, except for the defence sector and public services. Alongside a comprehensive set of documents detailing information about the founders and the company’s charter, businessmen aiming to penetrate the Portuguese market will require a local legal address and an account with a local bank.

Typically, the registration process for a company in Portugal can be completed within 10 working days. While in some instances it may be necessary for all founders to be physically present, arrangements are often manageable remotely. To streamline the company registration process and mitigate any potential challenges, we recommend seeking assistance from experienced managers at COREDO.

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