Portugal’s usual private vehicle is the Sociedade por Quotas (Lda), with a single-owner variant, the Unipessoal Lda.
Empresa na Hora
Portugal pioneered the one-stop "company on the spot" — Empresa na Hora — which can incorporate a company in a single visit using a pre-approved name, and there is also an online route. Minimum capital is effectively €1 per quota holder.
Get an NIF first
Every partner needs a Portuguese tax number (NIF). Non-resident, non-EU founders generally need a fiscal representative in Portugal — a common first step that is easy to overlook.
Registration
The company is entered in the Commercial Register (Registo Comercial), declares the start of activity to the tax authority, and registers with Social Security.
For foreign founders
Portugal is popular with international founders and remote businesses, but the NIF and fiscal-representative steps reward local help. A verified Portuguese colleague can obtain the NIF, reserve the name, and complete incorporation.
Requirements for non-EU founders change — confirm with admitted Portuguese counsel.