Portugal Company Formation
One of Europe's most attractive locations for founders and investors seeking quality of life, tax efficiency, and EU market access. The Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime (now in modified form), Golden Visa program, and growing startup ecosystem make Portugal a compelling choice for personal relocation and business formation.
Portuguese Company Structures
Portuguese companies are registered through the Empresa na Hora (Company in an Hour) service, which enables rapid digital formation.
| Structure | Cost | Timeline | Tax Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lda (Private Limited / Quotas) | EUR 360+ | 1-3 days | 21% (17% on first EUR 50K for SMEs) | Most businesses, consulting, technology, services |
| SA (Public Limited) | EUR 50,000 capital | 1-2 weeks | 21% | Larger companies, investor-backed |
| Branch of Foreign Company | EUR 500+ | 1-2 weeks | 21% on PT profits | Portuguese operations of foreign parent |
| Sole Trader (ENI) | EUR 0 (free) | Same day | Progressive personal rates | Freelancers, small independent operations |
Portuguese Banking
Portugal has a straightforward banking environment with Millennium BCP, Caixa Geral, Novo Banco, and Santander Totta leading the market. Digital banks and neobanks are also well-established. Account opening for properly documented companies is typically smooth.
Hyperform ensures your Portuguese banking is set up alongside your formation for immediate operational readiness.
Non-Habitual Resident regime
Portugal's NHR regime (modified 2024) provides significant tax benefits for qualifying new residents, particularly for foreign-source income and certain professional categories.
Portuguese Residency Options
Portugal offers several attractive residency pathways for entrepreneurs, investors, and remote workers.
Golden Visa
Investment-based residency from EUR 250,000 (fund investment) or EUR 500,000 (other qualifying investments). Minimal physical presence required (7 days per year). Path to citizenship after 5 years.
D7 Passive Income Visa
For individuals with stable passive income (pension, dividends, rental). Minimum income requirement approximately EUR 9,120/year (1x Portuguese minimum wage). Popular with retirees and remote workers.
Tech Visa / Startup Visa
For founders and employees of certified startups or technology companies. Streamlined process through IAPMEI certification. 1-2 year validity, renewable.
Portuguese Regulatory Framework
Portugal has a 21% standard corporate tax rate with a reduced 17% rate on the first EUR 50,000 of taxable income for SMEs (interior regions get further reductions). The Madeira International Business Centre (MIBC) offers a reduced 5% rate for qualifying international activities.
The NHR regime, while modified in 2024 to be more targeted, still provides significant benefits for qualifying new residents, particularly reduced rates on employment income for qualifying professions and exemptions on certain foreign-source income.
Key Regulatory Facts
- 21% standard corporate tax (17% SME rate on first EUR 50K)
- 5% MIBC rate for qualifying international activities in Madeira
- 23% VAT (reduced rates 13% and 6%)
- NHR regime for qualifying new residents (modified 2024)
- Golden Visa program active
- Social security contributions: 23.75% employer
- Annual accounts and tax returns required
- EU Single Market and SEPA banking access
Why Form Through Hyperform in Portugal
Guaranteed Banking
We do not charge for banking if we cannot deliver it. Your formation is not complete until your bank account is open and operational.
Published Pricing
No hidden fees. No surprises after you commit. Our pricing is fixed-fee and all-inclusive, published before you engage.
Multi-Jurisdiction
Portugal is often part of a larger architecture. We structure across jurisdictions as one coherent engagement.
Ready to form your
Portugal company?
Schedule a confidential discovery call. We will map your activities to the right structure and provide a fixed-fee proposal within 48 hours.