As part of our series of articles about doing business in Portugal this briefing note covers the incorporation procedures in Portugal.
The Articles of Association are the company's main documents which contain complete information about:
• the name of the company you wish to set up in Portugal
• the name of the shareholders, their nationality and the country of residence
• the future activities of the newly-opened company in Portugal
• the responsibilities and the rights of directors managing the company
• the transferability of share and the assignment of the rights of shareholders
• the voting rights in the company and details about the dissolution procedure.
It is mandatory that the name of the newly formed company in Portugal is checked at the National Registry of Collective Entities (Registro Nacional de Pessoas Colectivas, RNPC). If the name is available, it can be reserved for a period of 48 hours if a fee is paid. Also, a pre-approved name can be elected from the RNPC database.
It should be noted Portuguese companies are usually incorporated via a public deed signed before a notary or a lawyer. The incorporation document and the Articles of Association must be registered within 60 days after the signing of the deed. The registration is done online.
The authorities will deliver the corporate tax number, the company's social security number and the declaration of commencement of business activities. The entity's employees must be registered at the Centros de Formalidades das Empresas or at the Business Registry Offices 24 hours before they start their activity or 10 days at the latest after the declaration of starting the business.
The Labour Inspectorate must also be notified regarding its existence by providing the newly formed business name and tax number, a copy of the published announcement regarding the company incorporation, the company's activities and the headquarter address. The registration for the employees' accident compensation insurance is performed online at a private insurer and cannot cover the individual which doesn't receive a salary.
ILS World is a global provider of independent fiduciary services. We create and professionally manage bespoke, multi-jurisdictional structures to meet the personal and commercial needs of our clients including market entry, tax mitigation, asset protection, property ownership and assisting cross-border business. Our independence is what sets up apart. We are a privately owned group of companies and our directors have a hands-on approach, dealing directly with clients, guaranteeing a high level of service. Our Portugal office opened in 1999 and works in Portuguese, English, Spanish and French.
Why choose ILS World
As a leading provider of independent fiduciary services to professional advisors, corporate groups, private and digital clients, we are here to help achieve your financial goals.
At ILS World, we don’t restrict ourselves, we like to go beyond the borders. That is why we operate globally. You will find our offices in Isle of Man, British Virgin Islands, Hong Kong, and Portugal.
Share