Open a Company in Portugal Online: The Only Way How
Are you about to start a business? Or thinking of expanding yours to Europe?
If you answered “yes” to at least one of those questions, you’re not alone – many entrepreneurs are relocating to the country. Portugal has been on the radar for some time… So, if you’re about to start your journey, this step-by-step guide will help you a lot (as we hope).
Once you know how to open a company in Portugal online, you’re halfway down the road. You’re about to find the answers to your main doubts: from how to do it to whether you need to be a resident, which documents to deliver, and how much it’ll cost.
Here we go.
What You’ll Learn:
Open a Company in Portugal Online: Your Main Doubts Answered
Can I Open a Company Online in Portugal Without Being a Resident?
Where Can I Create a Company in Portugal Online?
What Are the Mandatory Requirements? What Documents Do I Need?
How Much Will It Cost?
Can a US Citizen Own a Business in Portugal?
How to Open a Company in Portugal Online: The Step-by-Step
Step 1: Choose the Company’s Name
Step 2: Define the Articles of Association and Other Important Information
Step 3: Adhere to an Arbitration Center (Optional)
Step 4: Validation of the Articles of Association
Step 5: Sign and Submit the Mandatory Documents
Step 6: Payment
Open a Company in Portugal Online: Your Main Doubts Answered
You’re about to unveil the only way to start or expand a business to Portugal. It’s not a complicated process if you follow a clear step-by-step. But, as in everything, don’t expect it to be a smooth path from start to finish. You’ll probably face obstacles along the way, making you question if you can do it alone.
But don’t get discouraged. You’ll probably feel like that because you still have a lot of doubts in your mind. Let’s answer them first.
Can I Open a Company Online in Portugal Without Being a Resident?
First, you need to have a Citizen Card. Then, your digital signature needs to be activated and associated with a unique digital mobile key. Only then can you start the process through the Empresa Online service, which has a brand-new platform.
Once you’re in, the process will follow all requirements and compliance matters. In short, using this service means you don’t have to fly to Portugal (if you hold a Citizen Card) to go to a service desk and wait hours in line to start or expand your business in the country – as long as it is one of these types of company:
Private Limited Company; or a
Sole Quota Holder Private Limited Company; or a
Public Limited Company
But (and there’s always a but)...
The good news is that mandated lawyers, notaries, and solicitors (with a professional digital certificate) can also use the service to incorporate companies online – on behalf of their owners. This means that you can also create a company online if you don’t have a Portuguese Citizen Card. In that case, you must formally authorize a lawyer (for example) to handle the process for you. However, if you do that, it means you can’t complete the company’s creation 100% online. And that’s because lawyers (as other professionals) need their handwritten signatures to be certified and recognized (as said in Portuguese) in person by a formal entity – like a notary, for example.
After that’s done, you’re good to go.
Where Can I Create a Company in Portugal Online?
There are 2 ways of doing it: using the ePortugal portal or Empresa Online 2.0. If you comply with the requirements mentioned above, you’re all set.
What Are the Mandatory Requirements? What Documents Do I Need?
Depending on the company you’ll open, you may need these documents upfront:
Declaration of Acceptance from Certified Accountants
Declaration from the actual shareholder controlling the company
Declaration of acceptance from the manager or administrator
Declaration stating not knowing any circumstances preventing the manager and administrator from occupying the position
How Much Will It Cost?
The cost of opening a company in Portugal online varies, depending on the service you use. You can spend around €300. And remember that if you’re mandating a professional to do this on your behalf, you’ll have to pay them, too.
Can a US Citizen Own a Business in Portugal?
Of course. Portugal doesn’t impose restrictions on business ownership based on nationality. If you’re a US citizen, you have the same rights as any other entrepreneur to own and operate a business in Portugal. But know that you can also hire in Portugal without opening a physical company if you find the next step-by-step too complex – though we can assist you with that, too, as business incorporation is one of our core services.
How to Open a Company in Portugal Online: The Step-by-Step
After checking all the boxes above, it’s time to start the process. Follow this step-by-step to ensure nothing is left behind. Let’s do it using ePortugal’s portal, which you can manage on a computer or mobile device.
Step 1: Choose the Company’s Name
Pick 1 of 3 options:
Choose a name from a list of online corporate names proposed by the National Registry of Legal Entities. These options already have a Legal Entity Identification Number, the respective taxpayer number (known as “NIPC”), and a Social Security number (issued when you end the online company creation).
Submit a name of your choice for approval by the National Registry of Legal Entities (within 1 business day). Once the name is approved, you’ll receive an email with a link to start the online incorporation in the next 24 hours.
According to Aicep, you can also opt for prior filing for a corporate name approval certificate with the National Registry of Legal Entities. The name approval certificate is valid for 3 months from the date it was issued.
Step 2: Define the Articles of Association and Other Important Information
Now, it’s time to fill in all the complex information. You must select either a pre-approved template of the articles of association or a customized document (which needs approval). You can’t leave anything unnoticed as there’s a lot to fill in, mainly about:
The company
The applicants (in case you have other shareholders)
The board of directors and supervisory board
The chartered accountant
Visit the Aicep’s portal for the complete information – something you should do at every step.
Step 3: Adhere to an Arbitration Center (Optional)
Once you complete all the company’s information, decide (and inform) if you agree to adhere to an arbitration center. The adhesion is simple, voluntary, and has no cost.
You just need to complete the form Adesão Plena e Imediata during the online incorporation. Doing this means you accept to submit to such center’s exclusive jurisdiction – relating to any eventual conflicts.
Step 4: Validation of the Articles of Association
For pre-approved articles of association, you only need to review the document to correct possible errors. This happens in a private forum with limited access to shareholders (as long as you share each one’s emails).
However, if the shareholders are the ones preparing the articles of association, you have to upload them – so they’re available to everyone in the private forum.
After being noticed by all shareholders, you can proceed with any necessary alterations. Access the process in the Company’s Electronic File (Dossier Eletrónico da Empresa). Once you complete this step, the application will automatically generate your company’s Social Security number.
Step 5: Sign and Submit the Mandatory Documents
Depending on the company you create in Portugal, you’ll need to sign some documents (the amount grows if you have more people involved). Plus, if you have authorized a professional (like a lawyer) to do this, expect more paperwork. Ensure you have everything you need by visiting Aicep’s portal.
Step 6: Payment
Now, it’s time to make it official. According to the Portuguese Government, the cost of opening a company in Portugal online varies, depending on the service you use:
€220 if you used a pre-approved model of articles of association; or
€360 if you prepared the articles and all the shareholders agreed with them
Plus, if the company has a trademark associated with one class of goods or services, it costs €100 more. Each additional class costs €44. And remember that if you’re mandating a professional to do this on your behalf, you’ll have to pay them, too.
It seems a lot because it is. So, before jumping into the process alone, consider asking for professional help.
Knowing how to open a company online in Portugal is critical for every entrepreneur. But it can get complex along the way. Although the Government’s platforms are user-friendly, there are a lot of documents to fill in. Having someone advising you from the start may save you time – and ensure you don’t miss any step while remaining compliant.
