Looking to expand your business to Europe?

Portugal offers foreigners many corporate advantages, and we'll make the process of incorporating your company in Portugal as quick and simple as possible.

Why open a company in Portugal?

Since Portugal is a member of the European Union (EU), it's also part of the EU's single market (free trading zone). This means that Portuguese companies can easily sell goods and services to other EU countries. In addition, Portugal has good relations and diplomatic agreements with countries all over the world.

But how easy is it to open your company in Portugal as a foreigner? First, you don't need to be a Portuguese citizen or even a Portuguese resident to open your company. You also don't need to hire a local director to run your business in Portugal.

In addition, Portuguese Commercial Law doesn't require any specific amount of share capital to establish a limited liability company. This means that you can open your limited liability company with as little as 1 EUR (for sole shareholders, 2 EUR if your company has multiple shareholders). For public limited companies, Portuguese Law imposes a minimum share capital of 5,000 EUR.

As an added benefit, Franco Law can incorporate your company without you having to be physically present in Portugal.

Services

Company Incorporation

This service includes drafting a Power of Attorney (allowing us to act on your behalf), issuing your Portuguese Tax Identification Number, drafting the Articles of Association, and registering your company at the Commercial Registry.

Tax Identification Number

Having a Portuguese Tax Identification Number (TIN) is mandatory if you want to conclude any type of contract in Portugal. We will draft a Power of Attorney so we can issue your TIN without you having to deal with any bureaucracy.

Non-Habitual Resident Scheme

There are several scenarios where you can benefit from the non-habitual resident scheme. Our team will evaluate your specific case and advise you on how to proceed. If you decide to move forward, we can apply for the scheme on your behalf.

European Certificate

If you are a European citizen living in Portugal, it is necessary for you to obtain a European Certificate in order to legalize your stay in Portugal. We will help you gather all the necessary documents and obtain the certificate on your behalf.

Contract Drafting

We can draft various types of contracts for you, from service agreements to purchase and sale agreements. If your company has employees in Portugal, we can draft labour contracts and assist you with Labour Law matters.

Legal Advice

Just need some legal advice from an experienced corporate lawyer? Let us know which legal matter you need assistance with and we'll be happy to provide our legal opinion.

FAQ

Do I need to be in Portugal to incorporate my company?

No. We can assist you and incorporate your company for you without you having to be physically present in Portugal.

What documents do I need to incorporate my company in Portugal?

If you want to open a new independent company, we just need a copy of your passport, proof of address, and a Power of Attorney signed. These documents must be certified by a notary and apostilled in order to be valid in Portugal.

Do I need to have a physical address in Portugal for my company?

No, you don’t need a physical address in Portugal. You can choose a virtual office provider with a Portuguese address that will handle incoming mail for your new company.

Do I need to have a local shareholder or manager for my company?

No, you do not need to have a local shareholder or manager run your company in Portugal.

Can I open a company as a sole shareholder?

Yes, it is possible to incorporate a sole shareholder company in Portugal.

What is the minimum share capital to incorporate a company?

1 EUR if you want to incorporate a sole shareholder company or 2 EUR if the company has more than one shareholder.

When do I have to deposit the share capital?

You have until the end of the financial year (December 31st) to deposit the company's share capital in your company's bank account.

What government fees do I have to pay to incorporate my company?

If done in person (appointment required due to COVID-19), the company registration fee is 360 EUR. If done online, the company registration fee is 220 EUR. There is an additional fee of 75 EUR if you want to request a specific name for your company (otherwise, the commercial registry will assign your company a random pre-approved name).

How long does the process to incorporate my company take?

The process of incorporating a company generally takes 4 to 5 weeks. If you require a quick turnaround, our team will do their best to shorten this timeframe.

How much is the Corporate Tax in Portugal?

The Corporate Tax rate is 21% over taxable profits. However, there is a special rate for companies with an annual revenue of less than 50 million euros.

About us

Franco Law is an English speaking law firm based in Lisbon, Portugal. We provide services to our clients in all areas of the business lifecycle, and will always tailor our services to your specific needs.

We're focused on building long-term partnerships with our clients, understanding their business and industry, and providing succinct guidance with the legalese kept to a minimum.

Contact us

We’d love to discuss your legal needs in Portugal.
Get in touch to schedule your free consultation.

Contact us
Get in touch to schedule your free consultation with an experienced lawyer.