Company Registration in Portugal in 2025

Portugal continues to be one of the most attractive destinations for starting a business in the European Union. In 2025, the country offers investors not only a stable economic and political environment, but also favorable tax regimes, especially for foreign entrepreneurs and digital nomads.

Registering a company in Portugal opens access to the single European market, allows you to optimize taxation and obtain a residence permit under certain conditions.

Why choose Portugal for business

• Access to the EU market - free movement of goods, services, capital and personnel.
• Relatively low corporate taxes - the basic rate is 21%, but benefits are possible.
• Tax incentives for startups and innovative companies.
• The NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) program - makes it possible not to pay taxes on income abroad for 10 years.
• Developed infrastructure, stable banking system, high level of digitalization.

Main forms of business

The most popular forms of registration:

• LDA (Sociedade por Quotas) — similar to LLC, minimum authorized capital from 1 EUR per founder.
• SA (Sociedade Anónima) — joint-stock company, suitable for large businesses, capital from 50,000 EUR.
• IP (Empresário em Nome Individual) — registration as an individual entrepreneur.

For foreigners, the most convenient and common form is LDA.

Stages of company registration in Portugal

1. Choosing a name and legal form: You can use the online service for the name reserve or choose from the proposed templates.

2. Obtaining a NIF (tax number): For founders and directors — a mandatory condition. If you are a non-resident, the NIF is issued through a tax representative.

3. Opening a bank account: The authorized capital is deposited into the account. Some banks offer online registration for non-residents via video verification in 2025.

4. Submission of documents: The procedure can be carried out: in person at the local “Balcão do Empreendedor”, through the Empresa na Hora portal (company in an hour) or remotely through a lawyer or representative.

5. Registration with the Tax and Social Security: After receiving the registration certificate, the company is automatically registered with the Tax Service and the Social Security system.

Taxation in 2025

• Corporate tax (IRC): 21% (possible reduction to 17% on the first 25,000 EUR of profit for small businesses).
• VAT (IVA): standard rate of 23%, reduced - 13% and 6% (for some goods and services).
• Social contributions: 23.75% for the employer and 11% for the employee.

Some regions, such as Madeira and the Azores, offer reduced tax rates and special regimes (IFZ — International Business Centre of Madeira).

The IT-OFFSHORE consulting company provides full support for business registration in Portugal: from choosing a form and obtaining a NIF to opening a bank account and accounting services. We work with local lawyers, which allows us to speed up the process and avoid bureaucratic red tape.