Start a Business in Portugal: July 2025 Guide

Portuguese Company Registration

Why Start Your Business in Portugal This Summer?

Portugal continues to rise as one of Europe’s most startup-friendly ecosystems. With a warm climate, digital visa options, and an expanding support network for foreign entrepreneurs, July 2025 is the perfect time to launch your venture.

This guide walks you through the legal, financial, and practical steps to set up your company — whether you're freelancing or founding a tech startup.

🧾 What You Need to Start a Business in Portugal

Before registering a business, you must have:

• ✅ NIF (Tax Number)

• ✅ NISS (Social Security Number)

• ✅ Portuguese address

• ✅ Residency visa or legal stay status

• ✅ Portuguese bank account

🏢 Step-by-Step: Starting a Business in Portugal (July 2025)

Step 1: 💼 Choose Your Legal Structure

Type	Best For	Notes
Empresário em Nome Individual (Sole Trader)	Freelancers, consultants	Simple registration, taxed as personal income
Sociedade Unipessoal por Quotas (Single-Member LLC)	Startups with low liability	More protection, requires accounting
Sociedade por Quotas (LLC)	Partnerships, small teams	Most common for expat-led businesses

Step 2: 📑 Register Your Business Online or In-Person

Use Empresa na Hora (business in an hour) — available in over 200 offices or via ePortugal.gov.pt

You'll need:

• NIF and NISS

• Company name approval (or choose a pre-approved name)

• Company bylaws

• Share capital (€1 for sole proprietors; typically €5,000+ for LLCs)

🧠 Tip: Bring a certified translator if you're not fluent in Portuguese.

Step 3: 🏦 Open a Business Bank Account

Open an account in the company’s name with a Portuguese bank. Required documents:

• Company registration certificate

• NIF

• Proof of address

• Corporate structure details

Recommended banks: Millennium BCP, ActivoBank, Novo Banco, Santander Portugal

Step 4: 📚 Declare Activity to Finanças & Start Invoicing

• Declare "Início de Atividade" (Start of Activity) with Finanças

• Register for VAT (IVA) if applicable

• Get access to an invoicing system compliant with SAF-T standards

💡 Tip: Platforms like Moloni and InvoiceXpress are used widely in Portugal.

Step 5: 👔 Consider Hiring an Accountant or Fiscal Rep

Foreign-owned businesses are legally required to have a fiscal representative if the owner is non-resident. Hiring a Portuguese accountant also helps you stay compliant with tax obligations, SS contributions, and quarterly filings.

🧠 Resources & Support for Entrepreneurs in Portugal

• Startup Portugal: Grants, incubators, and mentoring

• IEFP: Employment-based support & hiring subsidies

• AICEP: Export-oriented business guidance

• IAPMEI: SME & innovation support

📘 Language & Legal Navigation for Business Owners

Portuguese business forms, contracts, and bureaucracy can be tough to understand without local fluency.

🎓 Recommended: Join the PLA Portuguese course for professionals — ideal for entrepreneurs managing staff, accounting, and government interactions.

🎯 Ready to speak the language of Portuguese business?👉 Enroll in the PLA Course Now

🗂️ Quick Startup Checklist (July 2025)

✅ Get your NIF + NISS

✅ Choose company structure

✅ Register on ePortugal / Empresa na Hora

✅ Open business bank account

✅ Declare Activity at Finanças

✅ Invoice legally (SAF-T)

✅ Start PLA Portuguese training for founders

❓ FAQs: Starting a Business in Portugal 2025

📌 Can I start a business without residency?

Yes — but you must appoint a fiscal representative if you are not a Portuguese resident.

📌 Do I need a minimum investment?

It depends on the structure:

• Sole trader: No minimum

• LLC: Minimum €1 per shareholder (though €5,000+ is typical)

📌 Can I get a visa by opening a business?

Yes — Portugal offers Entrepreneur and Independent Worker visas, often tied to your company’s viability and tax contribution.