Incorporation
of S.A.s - Joint stock
companies

Are you looking to incorporate a company with strong share capital and a wide shareholder base?

That can provide smooth capital inflows and outflows, attract investment, and strengthen management?
We provide legal support throughout the entire process, allowing you to focus on sustainable growth from day one.

Constituição
de S.A - Sociedades
anónimas

Pretende uma empresa com capital robusto e estrutura acionista alargada? Entrada e saída de capital com fluidez, atrair investimento e uma administração reforçada? Oferecemos apoio jurídico em todo o processo para foco no crescimento sustentável desde o 1º dia.
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For further information, please contact us here.

Step-by-step

Step-by-step

01

Selecting and registering your
company’s name

02

Obtaining a Portuguese Tax ID Number for foreign shareholders and members of the board of directors

03

Preparing your company’s articles of association

01

Selecting and registering your
company’s name

02

Obtaining a Portuguese Tax ID Number for foreign shareholders and members of the board of directors

03

Preparing your company’s articles of association

04

Registering your company’s articles of incorporation and
articles of association

05

Registering your company on the Beneficial Owner Central Register platform

04

Registering your company’s articles of incorporation and
articles of association

05

Registering your company on the Beneficial Owner Central Register platform

FAQs

Who can incorporate a limited liability company by shares (S.A.)?

Any person of legal age with full legal capacity can incorporate a limited liability company by shares.
Both individuals and companies, whether national or foreign, can be shareholders.

How long does it take to incorporate a limited liability company by shares (sociedade anónima)?

The process usually takes between 4 and 6 weeks, depending on how quickly the required documents can be obtained and the complexity of the case, including opening a bank account and depositing the initial share capital.

What is the minimum share capital required?

The minimum share capital required is EUR 50,000.

How many shareholders are required?

Limited liability companies by shares may be incorporated with a single shareholder, provided that the shareholder is a company, or with a minimum of five shareholders.

Can I incorporate the company if I live outside Portugal?

Yes, but you will need a Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF), and if you do not reside in the European Union or the European Economic Area, you must appoint a tax representative.

What documents are required for individual shareholders?

Observations: Individuals can be sole shareholders in only one sole shareholder limited liability company (sociedade unipessoal por quotas).
The following documents are required for individuals:
  • Valid identification document (Citizen Card, Passport)
  • Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF)
  • Foreigners without a tax ID number may be required to appoint a tax representative, depending on their country of residence.

What documents are required for shareholders that are Portuguese companies?

Observations: A sole shareholder private limited company cannot be the sole shareholder of another company.
  • Commercial registry certificate (Permanent Certificate)
  • Updated articles of association
  • Minutes or resolution authorizing the incorporation of the new company (if applicable).

What documents are required for shareholders that are foreign companies?

For companies registered outside Portugal:
  • Commercial registration certificate from the country of origin
  • Power of attorney appointing a representative in Portugal to sign the incorporation documents
  • Portuguese Legal Person Identification Number (NIPC). Appointing a tax representative in Portugal may be required, depending on the country of origin.

Is it necessary to have a registered address for the company?

Yes. It is mandatory to provide an address for the registered offices in Portugal. P.O. boxes are not allowed.
If you do not have an address available or prefer to keep your home address private, you can use a registered office address service (serviço de domiciliação).

What additional information is required at the time of incorporation?

In addition to the identification of shareholders and directors, it will be necessary to define:
  • Company name – we can choose your company name based on the stated corporate purpose
  • Corporate purpose (company business)
  • Classificação das Atividades Económicas (Standard Industrial Classification) codes (CAE)
  • Share capital
Before signing the articles of incorporation and registering the company, you will need to open a company bank account and deposit the share capital.

How much does it cost to incorporate a company?

Incorporation of a company and appointment of corporate bodies: EUR 447.50
Urgent processing/late filing: double the above fee

What happens after the incorporation?

After incorporation, the company’s commercial registry certificate will be issued by the Registry Office, serving as proof of official registration. Subsequently, you must register the company with the Tax Authority and Social Security.
To facilitate these steps and ensure efficient management from the outset, contact us.

Get started

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