Question 1 — What is the most suitable legal form?

It depends on your project. The most common options:

• Individual Business Owner (ENI): no minimum capital, ideal for freelancers and service providers. Disadvantage: unlimited liability.
• Single-Member Limited Liability Company (Ltd): minimum capital of €1, liability limited to share capital. The most popular form for new businesses.
• Limited Liability Company (Ltd with partners): for projects with two or more partners.
• Public Limited Company (SA): minimum capital of €50,000, mandatory from a certain size and for regulated sectors.

Question 2 — How much does it cost to open a company?

Through the Empresa na Hora program:

• Single-Member Company: €360 (everything included)
• Company with partners: €360 (pre-approved partnership agreement) or more with customized agreement

Alternatively, through the traditional method (notary + registration):

• €400 to €1,200 depending on complexity

Question 3 — How long does it take?

With Empresa na Hora, the company is established on the same day. Through the traditional method, expect 5 to 15 business days.

Question 4 — What tax obligations will I have?

• CIT (Corporate Income Tax): rate of 21% on profits. For SMEs, the first €50,000 of taxable income benefits from a reduced rate of 17%.
• VAT: standard rate of 23%, reduced rate of 13% or super-reduced rate of 6% depending on the activity.
• PIT (for ENI): taxation on category B income, with the possibility of simplified regime.

Question 5 — Do I need an accountant?

Individual business owners with annual turnover below €200,000 can opt for the simplified regime (no mandatory accountant). All companies (Ltd, SA) are required to have a certified accountant.

Question 6 — What financing options are available?

Portugal offers a diverse support ecosystem:

• Portugal 2030: European co-financing for productive investment projects
• IAPMEI / SME Credit Line: preferential conditions for SMEs
• StartUP Voucher: monthly support of ~€691 for 12 months for young entrepreneurs
• Microcredit (CASES/ANDC): up to €20,000 without real guarantees
• Business Angels and Venture Capital: for technological and scalable projects

Question 7 — Can I work alone or do I need employees?

You can work alone as an ENI or managing partner. When hiring, keep in mind:

• National minimum wage: €870/month (2026)
• Employer contributions: ~23.75% of gross salary
• Mandatory work accident insurance

Question 8 — How does Social Security work for managers?

The manager of a Ltd pays contributions on declared remuneration:

• Contribution rate: 34.75% (21.25% employer entity + 11% worker)
• Minimum basis: 1 IAS (€509.26 in 2026)

In the first 12 months of activity, there is exemption from contributions for ENI.

Question 9 — Do I need special licenses?

It depends on the sector. Examples:

• Food and beverage: operating license + HACCP
• Food trade: ASAE registration
• Healthcare: licensing by ERS
• Construction: permit from InCI

The ePortugal.gov.pt portal lists all necessary licenses by activity.

Question 10 — How can I protect my idea?

• Registered trademark: via INPI, from €127.56 online
• Patent: via INPI for technical inventions
• Copyright: automatic protection, no mandatory registration

Question 11 — What support exists for foreigners?

Portugal is particularly welcoming to foreign entrepreneurs:

• StartUP Visa: residence visa for non-EU entrepreneurs with innovative projects
• Tech Visa: for work in certified startups
• NHR (Non-Habitual Resident): preferential tax regime for 10 years

Question 12 — Where can I get free advice?

• IAPMEI: technical and financial support for SMEs
• Entrepreneur Counters: in-person service throughout the country
• StartUP Portugal: national network of incubators and accelerators
• Digital tools like BoostPro IA to structure your business plan

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Sources: ePortugal Portal 2026, IAPMEI, Code of Commercial Societies, IRC Code.