Updated: October 23, 2024

 

Portugal is celebrated for its scenic beauty and vibrant culture, which has made the Westernmost European Union country a popular expat and tourist destination. According to the Global Citizen Solutions Quality of Life Index, which scores each country according to environmental sustainability, cost of living, infrastructure, and personal and political freedoms, Portugal currently ranks as the 13th best country in the world.

In this guide to starting a business in Portugal as a foreigner, we will share insight into the country’s growing corporate and entrepreneurial innovation scene, discuss who is entitled to start a business in the Portuguese market, and explore other intricacies of opening a business in Portugal.

Who can start a business in Portugal?

Portuguese citizens and citizens from outside the European Union can start a business in Portugal. If you have the right to live and work in the country, a sound business structure, and ethical business practices that align with Portuguese business laws and have the minimum capital investment for personal and business assets, then you have all the boxes ticked to kickstart your business in Portugal.

It’s also important to note that Portugal welcomes foreign investment through business operations. The booming tourism industry, tech, and business opportunities create the perfect environment for setting up and running businesses.

In the sections below, we will go through two types of visa programs the Portuguese government offers, which will enable one to live and start a business in Portugal.

Exploring the Portugal D2 Visa for Entrepreneurs 

The Portugal D2 Visa is a residency visa created by the Portuguese government for entrepreneurs who want to start their private limited company in Portugal.

This visa program is intended to increase the growth of foreign investment in Portuguese companies, encourage more foreign investment projects, and boost the Portuguese economy by allowing digital nomads and foreign entrepreneurs with a sole proprietorship to live and work in the country.

Types of Portugal D2 Visas

There are two different types of Portugal D2 Visa that you can apply for depending on your unique situation, business structures, and entrepreneurial requirements.

The Portugal D2 Visa for entrepreneurial innovation

We will discuss the first type of Portuguese D2 Visa for entrepreneurs’ keen on opening their own company online, starting a business in Portugal, or investing in existing Portuguese companies. To apply for the D2 Visa, you will need to:

  • Obtain a NIF (Portuguese tax identification number) 
  • Open a business bank account in a Portuguese bank with the required minimum capital 
  • Complete commercial registration of your private limited company (LDA) or private limited liability company (LLC) 
  • Employing an accountant well-versed in the Portuguese tax system 

Foreign investors will also need to have enough minimum capital to acquire and maintain their personal and business assets for the duration of their time in Portugal and have sufficient funds for any business debts to pay the Portuguese Tax Authority taxes, such as corporate income tax and other tax obligations including social security contributions to Portugal.

The Portugal D2 Visa for independent service providers

The second type of the Portuguese D2 Visa is known as the independent service provider or sole trader route designed for freelancers, offering services to local or global clients. To apply for this type of D2 Visa, you will need to:

  • Apply for a NIF (Portuguese tax identification number) 
  • Open a Portuguese bank account  
  • Provide proof of a self-employment agreement or individual limited liability establishment agreement 
  • Register online or visit the Portuguese tax office to pay taxes such as personal income tax and social security contributions 

The D2 Visa application will come with certain costs and the need to prove financial eligibility by having sufficient finances to support yourself for at least a year and proof of long-term accommodation for your stay.

The Portugal Job Seeker Visa

Madeira real estate agentThe second type of visa program that could help you live and work in Portugal and eventually start your own business once you secure a residence permit is the Portugal Job Seeker Visa.

Starting a business in Portugal as a foreigner will require you to have a work visa and, for this, you will need to have received a job offer. Citizens of the European Union do not need a Portugal work visa to work in the country unless they plan to stay for a period longer than 90 days.

Should they wish to do so, they will need to apply for a residence certificate (Certificado de Registo). Below, we will explore the application requirements for the Portuguese Job Seeker Visa.

Portugal Job Seeker Visa requirements

To apply for the visa program, you must prepare the documents below before visiting your local Portuguese Embassy and applying for the Portuguese work visa.

  • A valid employment contract
  • Your business structure or business plan
  • A valid passport
  • Passport-size pictures 
  • Proof of sufficient funds to sustain yourself in a Portuguese bank account
  • Your criminal record certificate from your country of residence. 
  • Criminal record check document
  • Proof of health insurance
  • Proof of accommodation in Portugal

 

Are you ready to invest in Property? Discover the best places to buy property in Portugal.

Click Here Arrow Icon

How to Start a Business in Portugal as a Foreigner: A Step-by-Step Guide

Starting a business in Portugal is relatively straightforward, especially given the country’s entrepreneur-friendly environment. Plus, if you acquire the assistance of experienced professionals such as an accountant, legal representative, the Portuguese business environment and tax system will be much easier to navigate.

Additionally, Portugal’s world-class education system ensures that finding employees in the country who have the skills to help you build your business will be easier. Cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Braga have put Portugal on the map as a thriving tech hub offering ample opportunities for startups and tech companies. Below, we will explore the steps that will guide you along the journey of starting a company in Portugal.

Step 1: Research your competitors and choose your business type

Market research is essential before opening a new company in a foreign country. Start looking at potential competitors on the Portuguese company register and compare your potential company structure to theirs.

After looking at the competition and identifying potential risk factors, you must decide on your company structure. Do you want to be the sole owner, or do you want to be part of collective companies’ general partnership?

In the list below, we share the types of businesses you can set up or invest in for financial benefits in Portugal:

  • A Single Member Limited Company
  • Sole Trader
  • Individual Limited Liability Establishment
  • Private or Public Limited Liability Company
  • Cooperative Partnership, also known as Mutual Guarantee Companies
  • Limited Liability Company Partnership 

Step 2: Ensure legal compliance

Portugal’s vibrant entrepreneurial scene also features a labyrinth of legalities to navigate while establishing a company that adheres to legal regulations, such as registration with the Portuguese Trade Register. Acquiring the assistance of a legal expert will help you understand and navigate the complexities involved in company formation in Portugal, from acquiring a NIF (Fiscal Identification Number) to securing a NISS (Social Security Identification Number).

Step 3: Register your company, obtain a fiscal number (NIF), and register for social security

Research, paying attention to detail, and preparing a business plan tailored to the Portuguese business market will help make the process of setting up a company in Portugal as easy as possible.

Begin registering your company in Portugal by gathering essential legal documents such as your NIF number, residence permit, and Social Security number. Next, you must contact the company formation agents at the Portuguese Trade Register to discuss the legal structure of various company types and which business type your entity will be registered under in Portugal.

You will have three different setup processes when opening a company in Portugal. These include:

  • Empresa Online

The Empresa Online process is an online company register service that enables foreign investors, Portuguese citizens, and residents to create an online company easily through the Empresa Online 2.0 platform. You can create commercial and civil companies in a commercial form that includes a single-person limited liability company, standard limited liability company, or anonymous society. Registering a company will cost you about €360 – €435.

  • Empresa na Hora (Company on the Spot)

Similar to the traditional national registry process with a simpler and faster approach, the Empresa na Hora (Company on the Spot) company formation process is an in-person registration process where all parties involved in the business must be present. The company registration will occur at an approved commercial registry office, where you can choose and register a company name and a pre-approved contract template.

  • Traditional National Registry 

The traditional company registration route through the Portuguese Commercial Registry office will require careful consideration and, ideally, the assistance of legal counsel to ensure a smooth process. The process is also more complex and time-consuming due to the preparation of required documents, including the articles of incorporation and registration submissions to the Commercial Register. An experienced lawyer proficient in navigating Portuguese company formation intricacies will help you better understand and navigate this process and secure essential documents like the business registration certificate, certificate of association, enterprise card, and more.

Step 4: Open a business bank account

Once your company is legally registered and complies with all other legal requirements, you will need to open a business bank account for your financial transactions. Some options for local banking institutions include:

  • Millenium BCP
  • Banco BPI
  • Novo Banco
  • Caixa Geral de Depósitos
  • Banco Santanda Totta
  • ABANCA

Step 5: Register for tax

All new businesses in Portugal need to register for taxation with the Portuguese Tax Authority (Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira). This will include obtaining a VAT (IVA) number, if applicable. Further below, you will find more detail on the different types of tax your business may be liable for.

Step 6: Hire employees

In Portugal, adherence to labor laws is essential when hiring employees for your business. Ensuring your staff receives at least the lawful monthly minimum wage, which is €820 as of September 2024, is mandatory.

You can offer employees fixed or temporary contracts, however each option can last no less than six months. The employment contract must also outline a standard workweek of 40 hours, which is similar in many European countries.

When you begin the hiring process, finding suitable candidates, adhering to legal obligations, and considering the fixed monthly expenses associated with hiring are pivotal. Working with recruitment agencies can help you through this process, plus for companies just starting or with minimum capital, the Instituto do Emprego e Formação Profissional provides free recruitment and selection services. Exploring international recruitment avenues may be necessary in cases of difficulty in finding domestic labor.

Once you have found the best candidates for the job and have hired them, you must fulfill the Social Security obligations by registering employees and paying their Social Security contributions deducted from their monthly salaries.

Working as a Freelancer in Portugal

To legally work as a freelancer in Portugal, non-EU citizens must set themselves up as sole traders. There are a few key things to tick off your list. First, you will need a residence permit, which will allow you to live and work lawfully in Portugal for the long term.

The D2 Visa and the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa are popular freelancer options, so do some research on those visa programs to see which best fits your situation. You’ll also need a NIF number, which will be your tax identification number in Portugal. You can get this from the tax office (Finanças) and your social security number. Finally, remember that as a freelancer you’ll be responsible for paying taxes like income tax and social security contributions for the duration of your valid residence permit.

Foreign Companies Registered in Portugal

To open a new branch of an existing foreign company in Portugal, you must register the company with the tax office for Portugal corporate tax purposes and register the company name with the Portuguese National Registry, the Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN).

Once the registration process is complete, you must present the Commercial Registry Office with a power of attorney, an official document from the company’s board of directors that confirms the opening of a branch in Portugal, and the parent company’s incorporation papers.

Living in Portugal

If you’re planning to set up a business in Portugal, you’ll need a place to stay when you are in the country. An ideal city to look at is Porto, which is considered to be a business and innovation hub. It has proven to be attractive to digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and young professionals, with industrial and tech startups popping up in the city at increasing rates.

See our guide below for a full breakdown of the Porto real estate market and neighborhoods where you may consider investing in a second home.

Interested in Porto real estate? Find out why the city is a great investment.

Click Here Arrow Icon

Exploring Business Taxes in Portugal

Existing foreign companies or new companies opening their doors in Portugal must prepare to adhere to the country’s tax regulations and ensure that you can successfully navigate all tax-related matters and obligations to the Portuguese Tax Office, Finanças.

Below, we will briefly outline the taxes your company in Portugal will be liable for.

Corporate Income Tax (IRC) in Portugal

All companies earning income from the Portuguese market are liable for paying Corporate Income Tax (IRC). The standard rates for Corporate Income Tax (IRC) are 21 percent in mainland Portugal, 20 percent in the autonomous region of Madeira and 16.8 percent in the autonomous region of the Azores.

Working with an experienced accountant or tax practitioner can give you an excellent understanding of business income tax matters and identify potential eligibility for tax benefits.

Social Security (TSU) in Portugal

Social security tax (TSU) in Portugal is a mandatory contribution that finances the social security system. This system provides essential benefits like family allowances, pensions after retirement, and unemployment support. The TSU contribution is shared between employers and employees. Employees pay a portion of their gross salary at 11 percent. Employers contribute a larger share, at a rate of 23.75 percent. It’s important to note that employers are also responsible for an additional insurance premium to cover occupational accidents. This premium varies depending on the specific job and its associated risks.

VAT (IVA) in Portugal

mortgage-calculator-PortugalVAT, or IVA in Portugal, is an indirect tax levied on the consumption of goods and services. The seller or service provider collects IVA at the point of sale and then pays it back to the Portuguese government or Portuguese Tax Authority.

There are three primary IVA rates in Portugal: 

  • Standard rate of 23 percent (16 percent Azores and 22 percent in Madeira)
  • Reduced rate of 13 percent for certain goods and services like restaurant meals (9 percent Azores and 12 percent in Madeira)
  • A low rate of 6 percent for essential items like essentials and groceries (4 percent Azores and 5 percent in Madeira)

Work Compensation Fund (FCT) and Guarantee Fund for Work Compensation (FGCT)

Established in 2013, the European Union created two national compensation funds, namely the Work Compensation Fund (Fundo de Compensação do Trabalho – FCT) and the Guarantee Fund for Work Compensation (Fundo de Garantia de Compensação do Trabalho – FGCT) which protects employees by ensuring that they will receive a payment of up to 50 percent of the monthly compensation they are entitled to for labor according to the contract signed by both the employer and employee.

Advice and Support for Opening a Business in Portugal

Opening a company in Portugal can be exciting, but navigating the legal and financial landscape can be daunting, especially for foreign entrepreneurs. Here’s where securing the services of a lawyer, HR professional, tax advisor, and accountant familiar with the Portuguese business environment becomes invaluable.

Securing the services of a lawyer

Portuguese company formation has its own regulations, and a lawyer can ensure your business complies with all legal requirements. They can guide you through the incorporation process, choose the most suitable company structure, and handle legal complexities. Language fluency is another crucial benefit. A lawyer can bridge the communication gap, ensuring an accurate understanding of contracts and official documents. Furthermore, they can identify potential tax advantages, helping you optimize your financial position.

Government agencies and support in opening your company

Several Portuguese government agencies offer valuable assistance to new businesses. IAPMEI (Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation), Turismo de Portugal (Portugal Tourism), and AICEP (Portuguese Agency for Investment and Foreign Trade) all provide programs and resources specifically tailored to support foreign investors. The Portuguese Ministry of Economy, Portugal Global, and the Program of Support for Local Employment Initiative are additional resources offering data, guidance, and potential financial support.

You could gain a comprehensive support network by partnering with legal and financial professionals, as well as our residency and citizenship division, Global Citizen Solutions, who can help you along the journey of living as an expat in Portugal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a Business in Portugal

Foreign residents can start a business in Portugal if they have the right to live and work in the country, a sound business structure, and ethical business practices that align with Portuguese business laws.

The cost of setting up a business in Portugal depends on the business type and the minimum capital investment required for business assets, personal assets, taxes and residency costs, and other aspects of the process. However, if you set a company up online through the Empresa Online process, registration costs around €360- €435.

Starting a business in Portugal can be a profitable venture with the possibility of high returns for a minimum investment. Cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Braga have put Portugal on the map as a thriving tech hub offering ample opportunities for startups and tech companies.

This depends on the type of business you will be conducting in Portugal. However, the standard taxes your company in Portugal will be liable to pay include Corporate Income Tax (IRC), Portugal Social Security (TSU), VAT (IVA), the Work Compensation Fund (FCT) and Guarantee Fund for Work Compensation (FGCT).

To be eligible for the company set-up option for a Portugal Golden Visa, you may either incorporate a company in Portugal, with a share capital of €500,000 plus create five permanent jobs, or you may increase the share capital of an exiting Portuguese company by €500,000 and fulfil the job requirements set out by the Portuguese government. 

If you are looking to start a business in Portugal, you should choose an industry that matches your strengths. Industries that are thriving in Portugal include hospitality, tourism and software and technology. 

As a Portugal Golden Visa holder, you will only have a tax responsibility and qualify as a Portuguese tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in the country per year.  

The technology and digital marketing industries currently have lots of opportunities for businesses to enter the market. The tourism industry also gets financial backing from the National Tourism Board using venture capital, so this also presents a unique opportunity in this sector. 

Yes, Portugal is great for startups, with many government initiatives in place to assist you in relocating to Portugal and getting a startup company off the ground.