Portugal is a country that attracts a lot of foreign investment, and it has a vibrant and growing business ecosystem. If you are considering starting a business in Portugal, you will need to register your company with the appropriate authorities. This article will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to register a business in Portugal.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Decide on the type of company
The first step in registering a business in Portugal is deciding on the type of company you want to establish. Portugal recognizes several types of companies, including sole proprietorship, limited liability company, public limited company, and partnerships. The most common type of company is the limited liability company (LLC) or “Sociedade Limitada” (Lda).
Step 2: Choose a name
Once you have decided on the type of company, the next step is to choose a name for your business. The name must be unique and not already registered with the National Registry of Collective Persons (Registo Nacional de Pessoas Coletivas – RNPC). You can check the availability of the name by conducting a search on the RNPC’s website.
Step 3: Obtain a taxpayer number
Before you can register your business, you must obtain a taxpayer number or NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal). You can apply for this number at a tax office or through a certified accountant.
Step 4: Register the company
To register the company, you will need to submit the following documents to the RNPC:
Completed form model 2 (impresso modelo 2)
Articles of association (estatutos)
Proof of payment of the registration fee
Identification documents of the company’s directors and shareholders
Certificate of incorporation from the commercial register
Proof of the company’s registered address
A declaration of acceptance of the appointment of the company’s directors
The RNPC will review the documents and issue a registration certificate if everything is in order.
Step 5: Register with other authorities
Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to register with other authorities, such as the Portuguese Social Security Institute (Instituto da Segurança Social – ISS) or the Portuguese Labor Authority (Autoridade para as Condições do Trabalho – ACT).
Generis Global can help you with your business in Portugal
Registering a business in Portugal can be a complex process, but Generis Global can help you navigate through it. Our team of experienced legal and financial professionals can provide you with guidance and support throughout your business journey in Portugal. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you.