Company Creation PORTUGAL
BTOBExchange — Company Formation in Portugal
Europe at reduced cost.
The tax passport that changes everything.
A Portuguese Lda with the NHR regime — zero tax on your foreign income for 10 years, access to the European single market, and a natural bridge to 300 million Lusophone clients including Brazil.
Why Portugal
The EU jurisdiction offering
the best return on investment
Available structures
Which company in Portugal
is right for you?
The Lda is the starting structure for 95% of foreign entrepreneurs in Portugal — flexible, minimum capital of €1, recognised throughout the European Union. BTOBExchange qualifies your project and guides you to the exact right structure.
The reference structure · Recognised across the EU
Lda (Sociedade por Quotas)
Ideal for : Entrepreneurs, consultants, e-commerce, agencies, startups, holdings, and any international activity targeting Europe or Lusophone markets.
- —Minimum capital of €1
- —Minimum 1 shareholder
- —Liability limited to contributions
- —No residency required
- —21% corporate tax (NHR exemptions available)
- —EU intra-community VAT
- —Access to Stripe EU, Wise Business, Revolut Business
For fundraising and large structures
SA (Sociedade Anónima)
Ideal for : Growing companies requiring a formal shareholder structure, fundraising, or a future stock market listing.
- —Minimum capital of €50,000
- —Minimum 5 shareholders (or 1 for SA unipessoal)
- —Board of directors mandatory
- —Structure suited to institutional investors
- —Share and bond issuance possible
Branch of a foreign company
Sucursal
Ideal for : Foreign companies seeking an official presence in Portugal without creating an autonomous local entity.
- —Linked to the parent company
- —No minimum capital of its own
- —Parent company accounts filing required
- —Ideal for testing the Portuguese market
- —Upgradeable to an autonomous Lda
Methodology
From zero to an operational Portuguese Lda
in 5 to 10 business days
Pricing
Portugal Company Pack
Each project is individually assessed. A BTOBExchange advisor specialising in Portugal will present an offer tailored to your activity, tax residence and ambitions in European and Lusophone markets.
Lda · Full Incorporation
Starter
Entrepreneurs wanting an operational Portuguese Lda with all required legal documents.
- —NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal)
- —Articles of association drafting
- —NIPC (equivalent to company number)
- —Commercial Register registration
- —Certified and archived articles
Lda + EU VAT + Bank Account
Business
Operators who want to be active immediately with a Portuguese IBAN, intra-EU VAT and full access to Stripe and Wise.
- —Everything in Starter
- —Intra-EU VAT number (VIES)
- —Wise Business / Revolut Business account
- —Stripe EU activation if applicable
- —NHR qualification if eligible
- —Full support
NHR, Golden Visa & Complex Structures
Enterprise
International holdings, Golden Visa / D2 Visa dossiers, multi-entity structures or projects simultaneously targeting Europe and Lusophone markets.
- —Everything in Business
- —Complete NHR dossier and filing
- —Holding or multi-entity structure
- —Golden Visa / D2 Visa support
- —Multi-jurisdiction tax optimisation
- —Advanced banking support
* Commercial Register fees (~€200–400) are not included unless expressly stated. The minimum capital of €1 is your responsibility.
Frequently asked questions
What you need to
know about the Portuguese Lda
The Portuguese Lda is the most accessible European structure — €1 capital, 5 to 10 days to incorporate, NHR available. Here are the 8 essential answers before you get started.
Do I need to live in Portugal to create an Lda?
No. There is no residency requirement to create or manage a Portuguese Lda. You only need a NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal), which BTOBExchange obtains on your behalf by proxy, without travel. You can manage your Lda from any country.
How does the NHR regime work exactly?
The Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime is a tax status granted to people who become tax residents in Portugal after being non-residents for the previous 5 years. It offers a flat rate of 10% on qualified Portuguese-source income, and a full exemption on foreign-source income (dividends, interest, royalties, foreign employment income) for 10 years. BTOBExchange prepares and files your NHR application.
What is the difference between Golden Visa, D2 Visa and Digital Nomad Visa?
The Golden Visa is obtained through a qualifying financial investment (from €250,000 in approved funds) and gives access to an EU residence permit without extended stay requirements. The D2 Visa is for entrepreneurs who create or take over a business in Portugal. The Digital Nomad Visa (D8) is for remote workers with foreign-source income above €3,480/month. BTOBExchange identifies the visa suited to your profile.
What is the minimum capital to create an Lda?
The minimum legal capital of an Lda is €1 — the lowest in Western Europe. In practice, a capital of €1,000 to €5,000 is recommended to strengthen your company's credibility with banks and partners. BTOBExchange advises on the optimal capital for your activity.
Does the Portuguese Lda give me access to the European market?
Yes. A Portuguese Lda is a full European Union company. You obtain an intra-EU VAT number valid in all 27 member states, a SEPA IBAN, and the ability to invoice B2B VAT-free across Europe. Your European partners deal with a recognised EU company.
Can I open a Portuguese bank account without travelling?
Yes. Wise Business, Revolut Business and some Portuguese banks allow you to open a professional account remotely with your NIPC and certified articles. For traditional banks (Millennium BCP, Santander PT), a visit or notarised proxy may be required. BTOBExchange handles these steps for you.
Why choose Portugal over Spain for targeting Brazil?
Spain targets 20 Spanish-speaking countries but has no direct link with Brazil (which speaks Portuguese). Portugal is the only EU jurisdiction with a common language with Brazil, favourable bilateral tax agreements, and immediate cultural affinity. If your main market includes Brazil, Angola or Mozambique, Portugal is the natural choice.
How long does it take to create an Lda in Portugal?
The full process typically takes 5 to 10 business days: NIF in 48–72h, Commercial Register registration in 1 to 3 days via the Empresa na Hora portal, NIPC obtained almost immediately. Activation of the intra-EU VAT number can take an additional 1 to 3 weeks depending on the Autoridade Tributária's processing times.
