A project in Portugal?
Portugal isn't yet part of our established network of local contacts. We assess every project case by case, though, and can bring in a trusted local partner (lawyer, accountant) if needed to create and direct your structure.
The path to creating a Lda in Portugal, step by step
These timelines assume a complete file (ID documents, supporting evidence, governance decisions made): an incomplete file is the single most common cause of delay, ahead of the administrative timelines themselves. Once the file is genuinely complete, expect generally 1 to 3 weeks for the legal process itself.
Minimum share capital: €1 per quota — no overall legal minimum capital.
Project scoping & complete file
Gathering ID documents, mandate, governance decisions and choice of bank — the essential groundwork for the legal timelines below to actually start running.
Incorporation via Empresa na Hora or online
A notary is not mandatory; the company can be formed in person (Empresa na Hora) or online (Empresa Online).
Share capital deposit
Capital must be deposited into the company's bank account within 5 business days of registration.
Start-of-activity declaration
To be filed with the Portuguese tax authority within 15 days of incorporation.
Beneficial ownership register (RCBE)
Declaration to be finalised within 30 days of the company's creation.
Safety margin — opening the bank account
On top of the legal timelines above, allow one week of banking margin: KYC checks, extra documentation or a branch appointment can extend account opening, particularly for a non-resident director.
VAT
| Taux | ||
|---|---|---|
| Standard rate | 23% | |
| Reduced rates | 13% | catering, certain food products |
| Reduced rates | 6% | basic food, books, accommodation, housing construction from 2026 |
Corporate tax
19% generally in 2026; reduced 15% rate on the first €50,000 of profit for SMEs.
Is a visa required?
No for an EU national, who can relocate without particular formalities. A non-EU national needs a suitable visa, typically the D2 (entrepreneurs) or D3 (highly qualified profiles).
Information provided for guidance (July 2026), subject to change depending on local regulation, the bank and the relevant authority. We confirm the precise timeline with you during the initial assessment of your project.
Opening a bank account
Is presence in Portugal required?
Residing in Portugal is not mandatory to create the company, but at least one shareholder or a designated representative must be a fiscal and legal resident of Portugal.
Observed timeframe to open the account
5 business days to 3 weeks: capital must be deposited within 5 business days of registration, but choosing an online bank (Revolut Business, Wise) noticeably speeds up the process.
Share capital deposit
Minimum share capital: €1 per quota — no overall legal minimum capital.
Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) register
Every director or shareholder must be declared as an Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) in the national register — a requirement stemming from EU anti-money-laundering directives (or equivalent standards outside the EU). Bank scrutiny is heightened in two situations common among international clients: when a shareholder or director is a US citizen or US tax resident (FATCA then imposes extra reporting obligations on the bank, which can slow down or complicate account opening); and when a shareholder is based in an African country rated higher-risk by the FATF (extra proof of the origin of funds, longer KYC validation times). We anticipate this with you from the initial assessment if your structure involves such profiles.
Information provided for guidance (July 2026), subject to change depending on local regulation. We confirm the applicable detail with you during the initial assessment of your project.
Selling on-site and clearing customs
Securing a premises or retail location
Commercial lease and a premises-use licence (licença de utilização) from the town hall depending on the commercial activity.
On-site sales & till
An invoice or simplified invoice is mandatory for every sale, with VAT due within 5 business days at the latest.
Cash register suppliers
- SumUp
- Zettle (PayPal)
- Viva.com
- Shopify POS
- myPOS
Payment providers for small businesses
- Stripe
- Viva.com
- PayPal Business
- Adyen
- SIBS (acquéreur local)
Indicative, non-exhaustive list of examples of solutions present on the local market — availability and terms change quickly; we help you select the best-suited offer during the assessment of your project.
Customs & ATA carnet
To exhibit or sell equipment at a trade fair, the ATA carnet allows temporary import of goods — professional equipment, samples, stand fittings — without advancing customs duties or import VAT, provided they are re-exported within the allotted period (generally 12 months, sometimes 6 months for fair equipment). The carnet is issued by the chamber of commerce in the country of departure and recognised across the international network of ATA Convention countries, a network that covers Portugal.
Importing products from outside the European Union
To import goods from a non-EU country (China, the US, etc.), an EORI number is essential for any customs procedure. Customs duties depend on the tariff code (combined nomenclature) and the product's origin; import VAT is then due at the rate applicable in the destination country, generally recoverable if the business is VAT-registered. Depending on trade agreements in force, some products benefit from reduced or zero duties on presentation of a certificate of origin. The competent authority for these procedures is Tax and Customs Authority (AT).
On-site consumer rules
A sale concluded in person at a stand during a trade fair that is not your usual place of business is generally classed as an "off-premises" contract under the EU Consumer Rights Directive (2011/83/EU): the customer then has a 14-day right of withdrawal, subject to exceptions (personalised, perishable or sealed goods). This principle, harmonised across the EU/EEA, applies in Portugal — we check the local details with you based on your sales activity.
Information provided for guidance (July 2026), subject to change depending on local regulation. We confirm the applicable detail with you during the initial assessment of your project.