Company Formation in Portugal
HVR Business Consulting provides full company formation services in Portugal, from choosing the right legal structure to tax registration and Social Security enrolment. The process takes 1 to 5 business days and costs from €220 online.
Types of Companies in Portugal
| Type | Partners | Min. Capital | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unipessoal Lda | 1 | €1 | Solo founders, freelancers, consultants |
| Sociedade por Quotas (Lda) | 2–50 | €1 | SMEs, family businesses, startups |
| Sociedade Anónima (SA) | 5+ | €50,000 | Large companies, investment vehicles |
| Sole Proprietorship (ENI) | 1 | €0 | Low-risk, low-turnover activities |
Company Formation Costs in Portugal 2026
| Method | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Empresa Online (standard articles) | €220 | 1–3 business days |
| Empresa Online (custom articles) | €360 | 1–3 business days |
| Empresa na Hora (in-person) | €360 | Same day |
| Notary (public deed) | €575–€875 | 1–3 weeks |
Step-by-Step Process
- Choose company name — check availability at RNPC or use a pre-approved name (free)
- Define articles of association — partners, shares, registered office, business activity (CAE)
- Register the company — via ePortugal.gov.pt, Empresa na Hora, or notary
- Get the NIPC — corporate tax number assigned automatically at registration
- Tax registration — certified accountant files the start-of-activity declaration within 15 days
- Social Security enrolment — register the company and managing director
- Open a business bank account — required for share capital deposit and operations
- Appoint a certified accountant — mandatory by law for all companies in Portugal
Why Choose HVR for Company Formation
- Full process handled in English — no language barriers
- Accounting included in the first month
- Experience with 200+ company formations
- Support for foreigners: NIF, bank account, IFICI regime
- Fixed fees — no surprises