Company Creation
Your Portuguese company set up from scratch — choosing the right structure, handling registration and getting you ready to trade.
From first decision to first invoice
One point of contact for the whole incorporation process — the right structure chosen, the registrations completed, and your obligations set up correctly from day one.
Choosing the structure
Sociedade por quotas (Lda.), unipessoal, or sole trader — we compare the options against your plans, partners and liability before anything is registered.
Incorporation & registration
Company name approval, articles of association, and registration with the Registo Comercial — including the Empresa na Hora route where it suits you.
NIF & NISS set-up
Tax numbers for the company and, where needed, for non-resident shareholders and directors — plus appointment of a tax representative if required.
Início de atividade
Declaring the start of activity with the Autoridade Tributária under the correct CAE codes, VAT regime and accounting regime.
Beneficial ownership & compliance
RCBE (beneficial owner register) filing and the initial Social Security registrations for directors and any first employees.
Ready to trade
Certified accountant appointed, invoicing software and Portal das Finanças access set up, and your ongoing filing calendar in place.
Built for people starting something in Portugal
First-time founders
Starting a business in Portugal and wanting the structure and registrations right from the outset.
Freelancers incorporating
Already trading on recibos verdes and ready to move the activity into a company.
International businesses
Non-resident owners setting up a Portuguese or Madeira entity, including subsidiaries and branches.
Simple, transparent pricing
- A dedicated accountant from day one
- Structure advice before you commit
- Company incorporation handled end to end
- All official registrations completed for you
- Support in English, Portuguese, Spanish and French
- Start-of-activity declaration filed with the tax office
- Correct tax and VAT regime selected for you
- Social security registration completed
- Ready to issue invoices straight away
- Portuguese business bank account opened for you
- Entire process handled remotely — no travel required
- Paperwork and bank liaison managed on your behalf
- Account ready for deposits and payments
Your final quote depends on the structure chosen, the number of shareholders, and whether the owners are resident in Portugal. Official registration fees are charged separately at cost. Book a meeting to get an exact figure for your situation.
Good to know
Do I need to be resident in Portugal to own a company here?
No. Non-residents can own and direct a Portuguese company. You will need a Portuguese tax number (NIF), and non-EU residents generally need to appoint a tax representative. We arrange both.
How long does incorporation take?
Via Empresa na Hora, a company can be incorporated in a single appointment once the paperwork and tax numbers are in place. Where a custom name or bespoke articles are needed, the process takes longer. We confirm a realistic timeline before we start.
Can the company be set up under the Madeira IBC (CINM)?
Yes, where the activity and substance requirements are met. The licensing process and conditions differ from a standard incorporation — we assess eligibility first and explain what would be required.
Do I need a certified accountant?
Yes. Portuguese companies must have a certified accountant (Contabilista Certificado) appointed. We take on that role, so your accounting is in place from the moment the company exists.
Ready to hand over the paperwork?
Book a free, no-obligation call. We'll look at your situation and tell you exactly what setting up your company would involve.