Start a Startup in Portugal
Portugal's Tech Visa is built for non-EU founders working with an accredited incubator or accelerator — a real, government-backed route into Lisbon, Porto, and Braga's startup scene.
BIZ TRP confirms the real conditions before you commit to anything.
At a glance
- Entity
- Lda. (Sociedade por Quotas)
- Capital
- 1 EUR per shareholder
- Remote formation
- Yes — via a digital certificate via Empresa Online, or a local Power of Attorney
- Corporate tax
- 17% — 2026 rate, reduced from 20/21%
- VAT
- 23%
- Registration time
- 5–15 working days — same-day via Empresa na Hora
Portugal Tech Visa (Startup Visa)
- Who it's for
- Non-EU entrepreneurs working in tech and innovation sectors
- Duration
- Tied to incubator/accelerator affiliation — confirm current validity terms before applying
- Approval via
- A Portuguese government-accredited incubator or accelerator
Startup visa requirements
- A validated, innovative business plan
- Affiliation with a government-accredited incubator or accelerator
Registration process
Choose your company type
The most common form is the LDA (Sociedade por Quotas), a private limited liability company.
Prepare the documents
Draft the Articles of Association (may require a notary); decide shareholders, capital, and management.
Register the company
Via the Empresa Online portal or in person with the Portuguese Companies Registrar — registration fee is roughly €360 for full registration, less for simplified processes.
Register for tax
VAT (IVA) and social security with the Tax and Customs Authority (Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira).
Apply for the Tech Visa
Requires a validated business plan and accredited incubator/accelerator affiliation.
What it costs
Government fees
- Company registration (Empresa Online, full registration)
- ~€360
- Share capital
- 1 EUR per shareholder — confirmed minimum; higher capital sometimes used for credibility
- Tech Visa application fee
- ~€250–€400
BIZ TRP fees
- Route confirmation & application support
- Ask us for a quote — from €120/hour
Why Portugal
- Tech Visa — streamlined immigration for non-EU founders in tech and innovation.
- Growing ecosystem — vibrant communities in Lisbon, Porto, Braga, and the Algarve.
- Favorable tax incentives — reduced rates, R&D credits, and hiring incentives for young talent.
- EU market access — full access to the European Single Market.
- Lower cost of living and operating — competitive versus Western Europe.
- Good quality of life — mild climate, strong healthcare, welcoming environment.
- English-friendly — widely spoken in startup hubs and international business.
Ready to start your company in Portugal?
BIZ TRP confirms the real requirements for your Portugal startup — company formation and visa, together.
Talk to us about Portugal Email us