In short
Non-EU founders can use Portugal's Startup Visa if an IAPMEI-certified incubator accepts their innovative project; the D2 visa suits founders of a conventional business with a plan and funds. Companies can then hire highly qualified non-EU staff through the Tech Visa. Startups certified by Startup Portugal under Law 21/2023 pay 12.5% corporate tax on their first €50,000 of profit (the general rate is 19% in 2026), and their qualifying workers can use IFICI — a 20% flat income tax for 10 years. Companies are formed same-day through Empresa na Hora (€360) or online (€220 with standard articles), with capital from €1. New self-employed people are exempt from social security for 12 months. US owners usually file Form 5471 and should plan for NCTI.
Startup in Portugal: key facts
Last verified 28 September 2026| Startup Visa | For non-EU founders accepted by an IAPMEI-certified incubator; leads to a residence permit# Source: Portaria 344/2017 (Informador) |
|---|---|
| Entering as a tourist | Since 4 June 2024 you can no longer switch from a visa-free stay to residence (manifestação de interesse abolished) — you need a residence visa from a consulate first# Source: Estrangeiros: Extintas as manifestacoes de interesse: APCMC |
| Usual company type | Lda or single-member Unipessoal Lda: capital from €1 per share; same-day Empresa na Hora (€360) or Empresa Online (€220 with standard articles)# Source: Decreto-Lei 33/2011 (Diário da República) · InvoiceXpress: Como criar uma empresa em Portugal em 2026 |
| Corporate tax | 19% in 2026 (18% in 2027, 17% in 2028); 15% on the first €50,000 for SMEs, 12.5% for certified startups; plus up to 1.5% municipal surcharge# Source: CIRC art. 87 (Portal das Finanças) · PwC Tax Summaries: Portugal corporate income |
| IFICI (successor to NHR) | 20% flat tax for 10 years on income from qualifying highly skilled jobs, research and startups, with most foreign income exempt — not pensions; you must not have lived in Portugal in the previous 5 years# Source: Incentivo fiscal a investigacao cientifica e inovacao: AT leaflet · Startup Portugal: Legal Bites #03 IFICI |
| Self-employed social security | 21.4% on 70% of service income, declared quarterly; exempt for the first 12 months# Source: Segurança Social: Folha informativa trabalhadores independentes |
| VAT | 23% mainland (13%, 6% reduced); 22% Madeira, 16% Azores; small-business exemption up to €15,000 turnover since 2025# Source: CIVA art. 18 (Portal das Finanças) · PwC Tax Summaries: Portugal other taxes · AT Ofício-Circulado 25062/2025 |
| Accountant | Every Lda and SA must appoint a certified accountant (contabilista certificado)# Source: OCC: Registo Central do Beneficiário Efetivo |
| Beneficial owners | Owners of more than 25% declared to the RCBE within 30 days and confirmed each year; since November 2025 only people with a legitimate interest can see it# Source: OCC: Registo Central do Beneficiário Efetivo · Cuatrecasas: Amendments to the RCBE regime |
| US anti-deferral tax | GILTI became NCTI for tax years from 2026; Portugal's 15% SME rate is below the 18.9% high-tax threshold — get US advice# Source: Greenback: GILTI high-tax exception · CIRC art. 87 (Portal das Finanças) |
| US company reporting | US owners usually file Form 5471; an Lda can elect to be disregarded (then Form 8858), an SA cannot# Source: IRS: About Form 5471 · 26 CFR 301.7701-2 (Cornell LII) · IRS: About Form 8858 |
Not American?
Canadians, Australians, Brits and other non-EU citizens: the same rules apply
Founder routes are the same for all non-EU citizens. What differs:
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- Japan
- South Korea
- + other visa-free countries
| EU founders | Need no visa to set up and run a company in Portugal. |
|---|---|
| Home-country tax | US citizens are taxed on worldwide income and have extra filings for a Portuguese company (Form 5471, FBAR, NCTI). |
| Citizenship | 10 years for Americans; 7 for citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries. |
| Documents from abroad | Need an apostille; the US, Canada (since 11 Jan 2024), the UK, Australia and NZ issue them.Source: HCCH: Apostille Convention status table |
Overview
Launching Your Startup in Portugal
Portugal offers low company-formation costs, a Startup Visa linked to certified incubators, and tax incentives for certified startups. Lisbon has the largest community of founders and investors; Porto, Braga and Coimbra have strong universities.
Plan residence and tax together: the visa, the company's startup status and IFICI for you and your team are separate applications.
In Portugal the right incubator matters as much as the right visa — it unlocks the Startup Visa and helps with certification.
Our Services
Your Partner for a Portuguese Launch
Route choice
Startup Visa, D2 or D8 — matched to your project and funding.
Company set-up
NIF, Empresa na Hora or Empresa Online, RCBE filing and a certified accountant.
Certification and tax
Startup status with Startup Portugal and IFICI for founders and staff.
Hiring
Tech Visa for highly qualified non-EU employees.
US side
Form 5471, check-the-box and NCTI planning with your US adviser.
Residence Routes
Navigating Founder Visas & Residency
Startup Visa
Your innovative project must be accepted by an incubator certified by IAPMEI; you then get a residence visa and permit.
- Gatekeeper
- IAPMEI-certified incubator
D2 Visa
For your own business or investment, with a business plan and means of subsistence. Since October 2025 there is also a permit for innovative ventures in certified incubators.
- Applied at
- Consulate (VFS)
D8 Visa
If your company and clients stay outside Portugal, €3,680 a month of remote income qualifies.
- Min. income
- €3,680/month
Tech Visa
IAPMEI-certified companies can hire highly qualified non-EU staff on a fast track.
- For
- Your employees
Costs & Tax
Business Costs and Tax in Portugal
| Item | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Company formation | Empresa na Hora €360; Empresa Online €220 (standard articles) |
| Share capital (Lda) | From €1 per share |
| Corporate tax | 19% (18% in 2027, 17% in 2028); 15% on first €50,000 for SMEs |
| Certified startups | 12.5% on the first €50,000 |
| IFICI for founders and staff | 20% flat income tax for 10 years on qualifying income |
| VAT | 23% mainland; exemption up to €15,000 turnover |
| Self-employed social security | 21.4% on 70% of income; first 12 months exempt |
Sources: Law 64/2025 (IRC), Law 21/2023 (startups), EBF art. 58-A (IFICI).
Ecosystem
Portugal's Startup Hubs
Lisbon
The largest ecosystem, investors and international talent. Living in Lisbon →
Porto
Strong engineering universities and lower costs.
Braga and Coimbra
University cities with the lowest living costs among Portugal's main cities.
Startup status under Law 21/2023 is certified by Startup Portugal; the Startup Visa and Tech Visa run through IAPMEI.
Step by Step
Essential Steps for American Founders
Pick your visa
Startup Visa with an incubator, D2 for your own business, or D8 if the business stays abroad.
Get a NIF
Non-EU residents can get a NIF without a fiscal representative (one is needed once tax activity starts); since July 2025 a lawyer can request it online.
Form the company
Empresa na Hora or online through a lawyer; founders need personal NIFs first and the company gets its tax number at incorporation.
Register beneficial owners
Owners of more than 25% declared to the RCBE within 30 days and confirmed each year; since November 2025 only people with a legitimate interest can see it.
Appoint a certified accountant
Every Lda and SA must appoint a certified accountant (contabilista certificado).
Apply for startup status and IFICI
IFICI applications are due by 15 January of the year after you become resident.
Why Portugal
Why Portugal for US Founders
Startup-specific visas
Startup Visa for founders and Tech Visa for hires.
Tax incentives
12.5% startup rate and 20% IFICI for qualifying staff.
Low formation costs
Same-day companies from €220–360 with capital from €1.
US owners usually file Form 5471; an Lda can elect to be disregarded (then Form 8858), an SA cannot. GILTI became NCTI for tax years from 2026; Portugal's 15% SME rate is below the 18.9% high-tax threshold — get US advice. 28% for non-resident individuals, 25% for companies; 15% under the US treaty (5% for a US company with 25%+ held 2 years).
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does Portugal have a startup visa?
Yes. Non-EU founders whose innovative project is accepted by an IAPMEI-certified incubator can get a residence visa and permit.
Who certifies startup status?
Startup Portugal certifies startups under Law 21/2023 — not IAPMEI, which certifies incubators for the Startup Visa and companies for the Tech Visa.
What corporate tax does a startup pay?
12.5% on the first €50,000 of profit for certified startups; otherwise 15% on the first €50,000 for SMEs and 19% above in 2026.
Is NHR available to founders?
No — NHR closed in 2024. Its successor IFICI gives qualifying founders and staff of certified startups a 20% flat rate for 10 years.
How fast can I set up a company?
Same day through Empresa na Hora (€360), or online through a lawyer (€220 with standard articles).
Portugal
Everything about moving to Portugal
Startup visas · other countries
Startup visas in other countries
Ready to Launch in Portugal?
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