Opening a company in Portugal is a savvy move for businesses looking to stay ahead of the curve. With its stable political environment, strategic location in Europe, and competitive tax regime, Portugal offers an attractive option for companies seeking to expand internationally.
Portugal (Madeira) company registration - business setup
Register your Company in Florida in 5 to 7 days (upon validation of your identification documents).*
Client confidentiality protection via secured systems.
Your company and its application for a bank account, including eBanking and credit card. Opening by correspondence.
A dedicated manager is available throughout the year to administer your company.
Company Formation In Portugal: Registration Process
5 simple steps are needed to register a company in Portugal
Complete our application form - Portugal
Complete our order form and make the payment for your chosen services. You will then be assigned a client manager to assist you through the incorporation process.
Upload your documents
Your account manager will ask you for official documents which are required for your company formation.
Incorporate your company successfully
Once your documents have been processed your company will be successfully incorporated subject to local authority approval.
Process any additional services
Your account manager will guide you through the steps of completing your request of additional services such as bank accounts.
Manage Your company via our client portal
Our client portal will give you immediate access to all your documents as well as display your company structure.
Company Formation In Portugal: Bank Options
GCM offers a banking introduction service to various banks around the world. While your business is registered in Portugal, it is free to open bank accounts anywhere in the world. The banks offered on our website do not constitute an exhaustive list. The choice of banking institution is always determined by the client, and GCM will guide the client and streamline the whole process.
Company Formation In Portugal: Benefits & Tax Advantages
- Capital gains payments to non-resident shareholders from blacklisted jurisdictions are exempt.
- No withholding tax is imposed on global payments for interest, royalties, and services.
- Portugal has a Value-Added Tax (VAT) system with three different rates: standard, reduced, and super reduced.
Company Formation in Portugal: Types & Criteria
Characteristics Of Portuguese Company
| Company type | Limited Liability Company / Limitada (Lda) |
| Governing corporate legislation | Madeira companies are regulated under the Portuguese Commercial Companies Code. |
| Information published relating to company officers | Upon registration of the company, the names of company officers and shareholders will appear on public record. |
| Accounting requirement | Annual accounts and quarterly VAT returns must be filed. |
| Taxation | Madeira’s corporate tax rate is 14.7% (11.9% up to 25,000 € taxable profit). Licensed Madeira International Business Centre’s companies can apply a reduced CIT rate of 5% under certain conditions. |
| Standard currency | EUR |
| Time to form | Madeira has a fast and efficient registry. Company formation can be processed within 2 weeks (upon validation of your identification documents)* |
| Stability | Very stable jurisdiction with an excellent reputation. |
| Communication | Good communication means. |
| Time zone | Convenient time zone (GMT). |
| Secretary required | No |
| Paid up capital requirement | Minimum share capital: EUR 2 |
| Renewal Date | Anniversary date of the company / Each Year |
| Basis of legal System | Civil Law |
| Minimum directors/shareholders | Minimum of 1 Manager and 1 Member (shareholder). |
| Bearer shares | Bearer shares are not permitted |
| Additional Facts | Madeira’s strong legal and regulatory landscape makes the country an attractive and stable place to do business. Portuguese regulators across different sectors have a strong reputation for excellence. |
Documents Required
for the Creation of the Company
A certified copy 
of your passport, a certified copy of proof of domicile dated less than three months, a curriculum vitae, as well as last 3 months’ bank statement. All in original.**
Why Choose GCM As Your Corporate Provider?
We prioritize confidentiality and data protection to ensure the safety of your sensitive information. We offer competitive pricing to provide cost-effective solutions for your business needs. GCM has a high client satisfaction rate, which is a testament to our commitment to excellent service. Additionally, we have a team of experts with extensive knowledge and experience, business experts and an international group of companies who are members of leading associations. GCM also has a strong executive team that conducts business with integrity and due diligence, guaranteeing the best possible outcome for your company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Offshore Company Formation in Portugal
What is the process for registering a company in Portugal?
In order to establish a Limited Liability Company in Madeira, it is required to follow these steps:
- Obtain a tax number (“NIF” or “Número de Identificação Fiscal”)
- Apply for the approval of the company name and business purpose (activity) at RNPC;
- Prepare the articles of association (to be signed and notarised by all members) as well as acceptance letter to be signed by the future director(s).
- Register the company and the articles of association with the Portuguese Commercial Registry and obtain an official registration certificate.
Our teams will be assisting you at each step to make sure you have a smooth process.
What types of companies can be registered in Portugal?
There are two types of company registration in Madeira:
- Limited Liability Company / Limitada (Lda) (Madeira Local Company)
- Madeira IBC
It is important to note that our company can assist in registering a Limited Liability Company.
What are the requirements for registering a company in Portugal?
The following documents are required to be shared by email and then to be sent to our office by courier.
- A certified copy of passport,
- a certified copy of proof of domicile dated less than three months,
- a curriculum vitae
- the last 3 months’ bank statement.
What is the minimum share capital required for registering a company in Portugal?
There is no specific requirement to deposit a share capital while establishing Limited Liability Company in Madeira.
How long does it take to register a company in Portugal?
Once we have received and confirmed all the required documents, it will take about 2 weeks to establish the Limited Liability Company in Madeira.
Do I need a lawyer to register a company in Portugal?
A lawyer is not required to register a Madeira Local Company, however the company must have a Registered Address in Madeira. Our company will be assisting in the process of company registration and will be providing you with the registered agent and registered address services to comply with local regulations and establish your Limited Liability Company in Madeira.
What taxes will my company need to pay in Portugal?
Madeira’s corporate tax rate is 14.7% (11.9% up to 25,000 € taxable profit). Licensed Madeira International Business Centre’s companies can apply a reduced CIT rate of 5% under certain conditions.
Do I need to have a physical office in Portugal to register a company?
Whereas a Madeira Limited Liability Company (Local Company) is not required to have a physical office but rather a Registered Address which is provided through our services while you establish your Limited Liability Company in Madeira, the Licensed Madeira International Business Centre’s companies (IBC) will require that the company operates physically from Madeira.
Can a foreigner register a company in Portugal?
Yes, it is allowed for a foreigner to establish a Limited Liability Company in Madeira.
What are the benefits of registering a company in Portugal?
Registering a company in Portugal offers numerous benefits. One advantage is the strategic location of the Island of Madeira, which serves as a significant financial, commercial, and tourist hub. Additionally, Madeira Local companies enjoy a low Corporate Tax rate, starting from as modest as 11.9% for taxable profits up to 25,000 €, making it one of the lowest rates in the region. Entrepreneurs can also expect reduced operation and maintenance costs. Non-EU investors may be eligible for a special visa, allowing them and their immediate family to work or study legally in Portugal and travel within the Schengen area, provided they meet specific minimum investment criteria. Moreover, Portugal’s fully integrated financial system ensures a reliable partnership for managing business transactions in the international and European markets.
Portugal Jurisdiction News
Portugal is expected to discontinue the non-habitual tax resident regime in 2024
24 October 2023
Portugal Company Registration for EU & Non-EU Residents
19 April 2023
* Subject to the constraints of the due diligence procedure.
** Documents must be provided for every person related to the company.
Disclaimer: Nothing on this webpage shall be construed as a contractual commitment or as a warranty. Services conditions are governed by the applicable terms and conditions.
Our Client Reviews
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customer rating
Overall
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Customer satisfaction rate, testimonials verified by Feefo.com
09-Aug-2024
I was particularly well received by Christelle, the Managing Partner of the Dubai branch. GCM demonstrated great agility in their quotation process, which was crucial as I was leading a nascent structure in Dubai. The support provided during the administrative procedures for establishing my company in the UAE, along with the responsiveness of the service—especially from one of their team members, Oksana—truly reassured me and gave me confidence during a stressful period of establishing a professional presence abroad. I highly recommend GCM to any professional looking to set up in the UAE or even just to benefit from their advice.
02-Aug-2024
The service renderade was proactive, engaged and well excecuted.
25-Jul-2024
Service was excellent from start to finish. Anna Hochberg was always available to give advice and options and walk us through the process.
12-Jul-2024
Transparent, efficient with very good communication flow. The result was a smooth and quick registration of a new company, exactly as required.
20-Jun-2024
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