Anyone setting up a company in Portugal nearly always chooses between two forms: the single-member private limited company (Unipessoal, Lda.) and the private limited company (Lda.). In both, the owners’ liability is limited to the company’s capital, and both pay corporate tax (IRC) on profits.
Single-member company (Unipessoal, Lda.)
It has a single owner. It’s the natural choice if you’re starting alone and want to keep your personal assets separate from the company’s.
Private limited company (Lda.)
It has two or more owners, each with their own share. It makes sense when there are partners in the project, because it sets out each person’s stake, rights and rules from the start.
What they have in common
Share capital is set by the owners, with a minimum of €1 per share, and both need organised accounts and a certified accountant. A single-member company can later become a multi-member one if new partners join.