For UAE residents looking to expand their horizons, Portugal offers a unique opportunity to combine business growth with European residency. Known for its strategic location, EU market access, and investor-friendly policies, Portugal has become one of the top choices for entrepreneurs.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of starting a business in Portugal as a UAE resident and explain how our team at Al Tawkel Center can help.
Why Portugal?
Portugal is part of the European Union, offering entrepreneurs access to a vast market of more than 400 million consumers. The country provides tax incentives, strong infrastructure, and a welcoming environment for foreign investors. It’s also a gateway to securing residency in Europe, making it especially attractive for UAE residents planning long-term business expansion.
Related read: How Indians Can Get the UAE Golden Visa Without Property Investment — a useful comparison if you’re weighing UAE and European residency options.
Step 1: Choose the Right Business Structure
Portugal offers several business structures, but the most popular for foreign investors include:
- Sole Proprietorship (ideal for small ventures)
- Private Limited Company (LDA) (most common for SMEs)
- Public Limited Company (SA) (for larger investments)
Your choice will depend on your investment size, number of partners, and business activity.
Step 2: Register Your Business Name
Just like in Dubai, your business name must be unique and comply with legal requirements. The name must be approved and registered before proceeding with incorporation.
If you’re new to company formation, check out our UAE-focused guide: Guide to Start a Business in the UAE as a Foreigner.
Step 3: Obtain a Portuguese Tax Number (NIF)
Every foreign investor needs a Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF), which is essential for opening a bank account, signing contracts, and registering your company.
Step 4: Open a Corporate Bank Account
To operate legally, you’ll need a Portuguese business bank account. This account is also required for depositing share capital (usually €5,000 for an LDA).
Step 5: Draft Articles of Association and Register the Company
Prepare your company’s Articles of Association and register them with the Portuguese Commercial Registry Office. Once approved, your company becomes a legal entity.
Step 6: Apply for a Business Visa or Residency
Starting a business in Portugal also opens the door to residency. Depending on your investment, you may qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa program, which provides residency rights and visa-free travel across the Schengen Zone.
To understand visa-related issues better, see our blog: What Happens If You Overstay on a Cancelled Visa in the UAE. While UAE rules differ, the principle of staying compliant is universal.
Benefits of Starting a Business in Portugal as a UAE Resident
- Access to EU markets
- Potential eligibility for residency and citizenship
- Lower operational costs compared to other European countries
- Strong double taxation agreements with the UAE
- Opportunity for family sponsorship through residency
Why Choose Al Tawkel Center?
At Al Tawkel Center, we specialize in helping UAE residents expand their businesses internationally. From document clearing to PRO services and visa guidance, we ensure a seamless process for your Portugal business setup.
- Guidance on business structures and legal requirements
- Assistance with company registration and bank account opening
- Support with residency and Golden Visa applications
- End-to-end solutions tailored to entrepreneurs
Ready to expand your business into Portugal? Contact our experts today on WhatsApp and let us help you start your journey toward European business success.da