Company formation in Portugal
Lda
Legal minimum, year 1£1,670
Legal minimum, per year after£1,130
Typical year 1£3,120
Corporation tax19%Ease Banking
Every fee
Setting up
Government fee£310
€360 Empresa na HoraNIF and tax representative£130 to 430
Required
Registered address£100 to 300
Required
Lawyer or agent£0 to 600
Optional
Share capital€1 per partner
Time to form1 day to 2 weeks
Running it, per year
Certified accountant (contabilista certificado)£900 to 2,200
RequiredLegally mandatory
Tax representative£130 to 430
Required
Registered address£100 to 300
Required
Legal minimum after year 1£1,130
Audit: Exempt below thresholdsForeign ownersNo resident director, but a tax representative and NIF are neededOnline only with Portuguese digital ID; otherwise in person or via lawyer
Tax19% (15% on first €50k for SMEs), plus municipal derrama up to 1.5%Dividend withholding: 25% (28% individuals, treaty reduced)VAT/GST: 23%
BankingLocal banks often want a visit
A certified accountant (contabilista certificado) is mandatory. CIT falls to 18% in 2027 and 17% in 2028.
Questions
- How much does it cost to set up a company in Portugal?
- The legal minimum for the first year is £1,670, counting only what the law requires and doing every filing yourself. A typical first year, with an accountant, costs about £3,120. The government fee is £310 (€360 Empresa na Hora). Share capital is not included.
- How much does it cost per year to run a company in Portugal?
- The legal minimum after the first year is £1,130 a year. Running costs including optional and practically needed services range from £1,130 to 2,930. Audit: Exempt below thresholds.
- Do I need a local director in Portugal?
- No. No resident director, but a tax representative and NIF are needed.
- Can a non-resident form a company in Portugal remotely?
- Not fully. Online only with Portuguese digital ID; otherwise in person or via lawyer.
- What is the corporation tax rate in Portugal?
- 19% (15% on first €50k for SMEs), plus municipal derrama up to 1.5%. Dividend withholding: 25% (28% individuals, treaty reduced). VAT/GST: 23%.
- How long does it take to form a company in Portugal?
- 1 day to 2 weeks.
Elsewhere in Europe
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