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Residence Permit through Business Registration in Portugal (Article 88, No. 2) – a real opportunity to live and work in the country.
The entire process can be divided into stages:
- Obtaining NIF (Tax Identification Number): This is a key document for all legal actions. You’ll need your passport, proof of address, and a guarantor.
- Company Registration: • Choosing the type of company: • Registration cost for LDA: from €400, minimum share capital: from €1.
- Signing a contract with an accountant: Cost of services: around €200 per month.
- Obtaining licenses and insurance: If necessary.
- Applying for Visa D: After company registration, apply for a visa at the Portuguese Consulate in your country of residence, followed by the residence permit in Portugal. Compliance with all requirements ensures success.
If you need expert advice, we can assist at each stage.
Opening a Company in Portugal:
- Company Registration: Submit documents at a specialized office or via an online platform. Empresa na Hora (Company in an Hour): A fast process that allows you to register a company within one day at a specialized office.
Online registration can also be done online, which is convenient but may take a bit more time.
To create a company through the “Empresa na Hora” service, follow these steps:
- Find the nearest service point: Find the nearest service center in your area and municipality.
- Choosing the type of company: Decide what form of company you want to register: • LDA (Limited Liability Company) – suitable for small businesses. • Unipessoal LDA (Single-Member LLC) – a company with a single founder. • SA (Public Limited Company) – for large companies with shares.
Tip: Consult to choose the best option.
- Choosing the company name: Choose a name from a pre-approved list or get a certificate for your own name.
To create a company in Portugal, you must specify the types of economic activity using CAE codes (Classification of Economic Activities). The object of the company describes these activities. You need to select a primary CAE code and, if necessary, up to three additional codes. These codes can be modified via SICAE after registration. We can advise on CAE codes and activities.
The text describing the company’s object must clearly define the types of activities, avoiding vague expressions. For example, for construction, you can use a description like “Construction, building maintenance, equipment rental, etc.” (without ambiguous terms).
- Checking the cost: Get familiar with the possible expenses for registration. • Fees: Pay the required registration fee. • To create a company through the “Empresa na Hora” service, follow these steps: • Cost: Standard fee for the service — €360.
Additional costs:
- €50 per asset or share.
- €30 per movable asset.
- €20 for motorcycles, scooters, and ATVs up to 50 cm³ (up to €30,000).
Payment methods: Payments can be made through Multibanco, in cash, or by check from a Portuguese bank.
- Presence of founders: All founders must be present and have a citizen’s card. If the card is not available, you can provide a tax number and another identity document, such as a passport or residence permit. If a founder cannot be present, a representative with a power of attorney and a citizen’s card can replace them. Assistance in power of attorney representation
- Document preparation: Provide a passport, NIF (tax number), address, and other necessary documents. Note: We assist with obtaining NIF and drafting powers of attorney.
- Formation of share capital: • The minimum share capital is €1 per shareholder. • Share capital does not need to be paid immediately but must be paid before starting the company’s activities. Choose the company’s statute model: review available models for different company types (e.g., LLC or public limited companies). Legal assistance in preparing the statute.
Founders must deposit the share capital into the company’s bank account within five business days after registration. After the company is created, they will receive the following documents: • Company Statutes • Access code to the permanent commercial certificate • Access code to the company card
- Receiving documents: After registration, you will receive all necessary corporate documents: • Registration Certificate (Certidão de Registo). • Company Tax Number (NIPC). And begin operations.
- Open a bank account: After company registration, it’s recommended to open an account in a Portuguese bank for financial transactions.
- Define accounting system: Choose a certified accountant or register activities with the tax authorities.
Note: We can assist with selecting a certified accountant.
Estimated Monthly Expenses
Business expenses:
- Company formation and registration: Includes obtaining a tax number (NIPC), opening a bank account, paying for legal services, and other minor expenses. Cost: from €400.
- VAT (IVA): Rate: 6%–23% on the amount billed.
It’s logical that the company must generate income to cover its expenses. The amount of income depends on the owner’s capabilities.
- Social Security contributions (Segurança Social): 11% from the employee’s salary. 23.75% from the company’s fund.
Minimum wage in 2025: €870.
- Office rent / physical address: Cost: from €100 per month. Can be combined with housing rent.
- Office expenses: Includes phone, internet, electricity, water, etc. Can be combined with personal expenses. Cost: €150–200 per month.
- Certified accountant fee: Cost: from €150 per month.
- Income Tax (IRS) for non-residents: Rate: 25% of the salary earned.
For residents: progressive scale from 0% to 49% (depends on income).
Personal expenses:
- Obtaining a personal tax number (NIF): Cost: by agreement.
- Housing rent / physical address: Cost: from €500 per month.
- Utility bills: Includes electricity, water, phone, internet, etc. Can be combined with office expenses. Cost: €150–200 per month.
Summary: With this data, you can estimate monthly, semi-annual, and annual expenses.
You should add the cost of our services if they are ordered.
- One-time services: €40 per hour + transport costs.
- Ongoing support: by agreement.
All services are discussed and calculated individually.
Conclusion: Opening a company and obtaining a residence permit in Portugal require thorough preparation and financial investment.
At the same time, your company could start generating income from the first year of operation, covering expenses and creating a sustainable foundation for your life in Portugal.
Contact us to minimize risks and get professional support at every stage!