Starting a business in Portugal is a smart move if you want access to the EU market, low operational costs, and a country that welcomes entrepreneurs. But while the process can be straightforward on paper, it can feel overwhelming when you’re abroad, dealing with unfamiliar bureaucracy, and trying to understand legal requirements in another language.
That’s where our European Virtual Office in Portugal comes in. We handle every step for you, so you don’t have to fly in, deal with government queues, or lose weeks figuring out paperwork. You focus on your business idea — we take care of the rest.
Below, we’ll walk you through the process of registering a company as a foreigner in Portugal, explain what’s required, and show you exactly how we can do it for you quickly, efficiently, and without stress.
1. Choose your company type
In Portugal, most foreign entrepreneurs choose one of two main structures:
LDA (Sociedade por Quotas) – the equivalent of a limited liability company. Ideal for most businesses that want a professional European office image.
Sole Trader (ENI) – a simpler setup, but the owner has full personal liability.
Our advice: For 90% of our clients, the LDA is the right choice. It offers credibility, especially when working with EU partners, and protects your personal assets.
What we do for you: Once you tell us which structure you prefer, we prepare all necessary forms, pre-fill shareholder details, and guide you on the small share capital requirement (which can be as low as €1 per shareholder).
2. Get your Portuguese NIF (Tax ID)
The NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is essential. You cannot open a company, sign contracts, open a bank account, or even rent office space without it.
The problem: Applying for a NIF from abroad requires a tax representative in Portugal, official identification, and formal requests to the tax office. This can take weeks if done manually.
Our solution: As part of your European Virtual Office package, we can get your NIF remotely. We act as your legal tax representative, submit your application on your behalf, and deliver your NIF within days — no travel needed.
3. Choose and reserve your company name
Your company name must be unique and approved by the RNPC (Registo Nacional de Pessoas Coletivas).
What can go wrong: If your name is too similar to another, it will be rejected. If you submit the wrong format, you’ll lose time.
How we make it easier: We do a pre-check for name availability before submitting your request. If you’re unsure, we can provide pre-approved company names so your registration is instant.
4. Register your company
Portugal allows company registration online through the “Empresa Online” portal or in person via “Empresa na Hora” counters.
The issue for foreigners:
The online portal requires a Portuguese citizen card or digital signature, which you don’t have if you’re abroad.
In-person registration requires travel to Portugal.
Our shortcut: We can complete the entire registration on your behalf. Once you give us your details (shareholder information, company address — which can be your virtual office address), we submit the registration directly. In most cases, your company is active in 48 hours.
5. Open a Portuguese bank account
Every company needs a Portuguese bank account to deposit share capital and run daily operations.
Challenges for foreigners: Banks require in-person verification for non-residents, which can mean flights, appointments, and language barriers.
How we solve it: We work with partner banks and fintechs that accept remote verification when you have a registered Portuguese office address through us. In many cases, we can open your account without you stepping foot in Portugal.
6. VAT registration
Depending on your business activity and revenue, you may need a Portuguese VAT number.
Our role: We register your company for VAT from the start if needed, ensuring you can issue invoices to EU clients without delay.
7. Accounting and compliance
Portuguese law requires every company to have a certified accountant.
Our advantage: We work with trusted accountants who are used to working with international clients running virtual offices in Portugal. They handle monthly filings, annual reports, and communication with tax authorities so you stay compliant.
What we need from you to get started
To register your company through European Virtual Office, you only need:
A scanned copy of your passport or EU ID card.
Proof of address in your home country.
Basic details of your company structure (number of shareholders, business activity).
Your preferred company name(s).
From there, we do everything else.
Why choose European Virtual Office instead of doing it yourself?
Faster: No waiting weeks for approvals or dealing with slow responses.
No travel costs: Everything is done remotely.
One point of contact: You don’t deal with five different offices — we handle it all.
Experience: We’ve helped entrepreneurs from Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Taiwan, India, and beyond.
Professional image: Your new business address in Portugal instantly boosts credibility in Europe.
💡 Final tip: If you’re serious about opening your business in Portugal, don’t waste months trying to navigate the system alone. Partner with us and have your Portuguese company, European office, and virtual office ready in days, not months.
📞 Contact us today — your European office in Portugal is just a few steps away.
Defense
In a Sticky Situation? We Can Help
- IRS Representation
- Entity Selection
- Payroll Services
- Estate Tax Preparation
Contact Us
Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; Donec velit neque, auctor sit amet aliquam vel, ullamcorper sit amet ligula.