Business
Portugal — Business: Limited Company (Lda) and Joint Stock Corporation (SA)
A Portuguese sociedade por quotas (Lda) needs at least two partners, the minimum value of each quota is €1, and the share capital is freely set in the company agreement (Decree-Law 33/2011); the older €5,000 minimum no longer applies. A sociedade anónima (SA) needs at least five participants and share capital of at least €50,000, with a minimum value of €0.01 per share, and shareholders must deposit at least 30% of the capital within five days of the permanent certificate. Confirm current figures in the Commercial Companies Code (arts. 201 and 276) or with a lawyer.
VerifiedGovernment / official sourceMinistério da Justiça — Capital social; Decreto-Lei 33/2011Last reviewed: 2026-10-23
Key facts
- Lda (sociedade por quotas): at least two partners; each quota at least €1; capital freely set in the agreement (Decree-Law 33/2011).
- SA (sociedade anónima): at least five participants and share capital of at least €50,000; minimum €0.01 per share.
- SA shareholders deposit at least 30% of the capital within five days of the permanent certificate.
- Confirm current figures in the Commercial Companies Code or with a lawyer.
Costs
- Lda minimum quota: €1 per quota
- SA minimum share capital: €50,000
Common mistakes
- Assuming the old €5,000 minimum capital for a Lda still applies — capital is now freely set.