Business Startup Consulting in Portugal

Business Startup Consulting is HVR's service for founders, scaling freelancers, expats and foreign groups who want to implement a company in Portugal quickly, correctly and with tax optimisation. From idea to first invoice in 2 to 4 weeks, fixed price from €750.

The 4 Phases

Phase 1 — Diagnosis & Strategy (2 to 5 days)

• Legal form: ENI, Sole-Shareholder Lda, Lda or SA
• Primary and secondary CAE analysis
• Tax regime recommendation: simplified vs organised accounting
• VAT framework: normal, exempt or dispensation
• Tax projection for the first year of activity

Phase 2 — Legal Incorporation (1 to 3 days)

• Incorporation via Empresa On-line, Casa Pronta or Notary
• Permanent Certificate and articles of association
• Declaration of start of activity with Portuguese Tax Authority
• Registration of the company with Social Security
• Digital certificate and company card issuance

Phase 3 — Operational Setup (1 to 2 weeks)

• Business bank account opening (Millennium, Novobanco, ActivoBank and others)
• Certified invoicing software configuration (TOCONLINE included)
• Template contracts, terms of sale and service policies
• GDPR framework and privacy policy
• Sector licensing when applicable (local accommodation, healthcare, hospitality)

Phase 4 — Supported Launch (3 months in Complete package)

• Validation of first invoices and receipts issued
• First payroll processing, where applicable
• First VAT return and DMR
• Monthly financial management reports
• Direct line with a dedicated Certified Accountant

Who Is This Service For

• Founders and startups — founders who need to start from scratch with the right fiscal setup on day 1.
• Scaling freelancers — self-employed workers with annual turnover above €45,000 who benefit from switching to a company.
• Expats and foreigners — non-residents (Golden Visa, D7, D8) and foreign citizens who want to open a business in Portugal.
• Foreign subsidiaries and groups — companies opening a branch, office or subsidiary in Portugal.
• Liberal professionals — doctors, lawyers, architects and consultants moving from ENI to a company.
• Real estate projects — SPVs for acquisition, refurbishment or local accommodation, with IMT, AIMI and VAT analysis.

Packages & Pricing 2026

Fixed price, no hidden costs. HVR fees are included in the indicated price. Official costs (registries, notary fees) are invoiced separately by the official body.

Why HVR

• +200 companies implemented across more than 10 years of experience in Portugal.
• Certified Accountant registered with OCC (Hugo Ribeiro, Professional ID 64356).
• Partner from day 1 — we're not a €300 company factory; we only launch projects where we continue as the recurring accountant.
• Bilingual service (Portuguese and English) — for expats and international clients.
• Full transparency — fixed price, clear deliverables, committed timeline, zero surprises.
• Average response time 24h and dedicated Accountant per project.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to set up a company in Portugal?

With the Essential package, the company is incorporated in 24 to 72 hours using Empresa On-line. Full operational setup (bank account, software, contracts) takes 2 to 4 weeks. For non-residents, add 2 to 3 weeks for Portuguese NIF issuance.

Can I handle incorporation myself online?

Technically yes, but Empresa On-line requires a digital certificate, correct CAE selection, proper articles of association and fiscal decisions with multi-year impact. Most founders lose €500 to €2,000 per year by choosing the wrong tax regime. Our service pays for itself in the first year of operation.

Which legal form is best for my business?

It depends on three factors: number of partners, expected turnover and asset-protection needs. Solo freelancers with high turnover typically choose Sole-Shareholder Lda. Two or more founders choose Lda. Projects with external investors or capital-raising ambitions choose SA. This analysis is delivered in the initial diagnosis.

Which tax regime should I choose in the first year?

It depends on expected turnover and operating margin. The simplified regime (up to €200,000 of income) applies fixed coefficients and can be favourable for low-expense activities. Organised accounting deducts actual costs and is preferable for activities with high expenses, asset acquisition or financial reporting needs. We provide a comparative projection before the choice.

Can I open a company in Portugal without being a tax resident?

Yes. Foreign citizens can be partners and managers of Portuguese companies without residing in Portugal. A Portuguese NIF is required (HVR handles the process, including appointment of a fiscal representative when applicable) and, in some cases, a Portuguese bank account. The Premium Expat package covers the entire process.

How much does it cost to keep a company active monthly?

Minimum fixed costs for an operational company without employees include accounting (from €150/month with HVR), the manager's Social Security (€289.99/month in 2026), certified invoicing software (included in Complete package) and mandatory insurance. Indicative total between €450 and €700 per month.

What happens if the business does not take off as expected?

Two planned options: temporarily suspend activity (keep the company without active fiscal obligations) or proceed with formal dissolution and liquidation. HVR's closure support is delivered with the same rigour as the launch.