Company Formation Portugal

When a foreign investor decides to set up a company in Portugal, he must decide from the beginning upon the type of company he wants to establish. The company law in Portugal states several types of companies that are legal in Portugal.

• Private Limited Company (Sociedadepor Quotas - LDA)

This type of company is the most common in Portugal. It is usually chosen by foreign investors who want to set up a small business in Portugal. At least two shareholders can establish a private limited company in Portugal, only if they provide a minimum share capital of 5,000 EUR. Liability of the founders for company’s obligations only extends to their own contributions to the initial capital.

• Public Company (SociedadeAnónima SA)

Foreign investors who want a medium or large sized company choose this type of structure. Public companies in Portugal require a minimum share capital of 50,000 EUR and at least five shareholders to be incorporated. Still, the founders are liable for the company’s obligations only to the extent of their contributions.

• Limited Partnership (SociedadeemComandita - SC)

Partnerships in Portugal are only formed between at least two partners. In order to set up a limited partnership in Portugal, no minimum capital is required. Its particularity is the one partner has to be general and have full liability for the company’s obligations (SociosComanditarias), while the other one must have limited liability (SociosComanditados).

• General Partnership (Sociedadeem Nome Collectivo - SNC)

As well as limited partnerships, general partnerships also have at least two partners to incorporate it. No minimum capital is required here either. As opposed to the limited partnerships, all the members in a general partnership in Portugal are fully responsible for the company’s obligations and they are as well able to make decisions on behalf of the company and manage the company.

• Company with a single shareholder (EIRL)

When only one founder decides to set up a company in Portugal, the only type he can incorporate is a company with a single shareholder. This type of company is quite simple to set up, but it is rather rarely formed. The founder is liable only with the company’s assets.

Partners: Company Formation Portugal, Firmengründung in Portugal