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Company Filing Requirements in Portugal

Legal requirement to file annual accounts

The articles of association governing a newly-formed quota company must be published in the official gazette and a Portuguese newspaper. Company records are filed with the local 'Registo Comercial'.

• There are approx. 120 publicly quoted companies.
• There are approx. 10,000 SA's (joint stock companies) who are obliged to file accounts.

If a Ltd becomes an SA there is a transition period of 3 years where accounts do not need to be filed.

Company registration and licensing procedures

It is required to apply for an authorization with the Registro Nacional de Pessoas Colectivas to be able to use the Company's business name.

Types of companies registered in Portugal

Form	Number of partners/shareholders	Minimum and/or maximum capital	Liability	Release of financial documents
The sociedade por quotas de responsabilidade limitada (Lda) is a Private Limited Company	Minimum 2 partners. Only 1 for a sole proprietorship.	Minimum 5,000 €, completely subscribed with obligation to release at least 50%.	Liability is limited to the amount contributed.	No
The sociedade anonima de responsabilidade limidada (SA) is a Public Limited Company.	Minimum 5 partners, who can be foreigners and non-residents.	Minimum 50,000 €, completely subscribed with obligation to release at least 30%.	Liability is limited to the amount contributed.	Yes If the company is quoted on the stock exchange.
The sociedade em nome collectivo is a general partnership.	Minimum 2 partners	No minimum capital.	Partners' liability is joint and unlimited towards third parties.	Yes If the company is quoted on the stock exchange.
The sociedade em comandita is a limited partnership.	Minimum 2 partners: active partners and sleeping partners.	No minimum capital.	Liability is unlimited for active partners, and limited to the amount contributed for sleeping partners.	Yes If the company is quoted on the stock exchange.