Start a Business in Portugal: Everything You Need to Know to Succeed

Starting a business in Portugal is an increasingly popular move among entrepreneurs, startups, and international companies looking to grow in a stable, innovation-friendly European market.

Portugal stands out due to its strategic geographic location, qualified workforce, competitive tax regime, and government-backed incentive programs that attract foreign investment. However, entering a new market also comes with legal, cultural, fiscal, and operational challenges that shouldn’t be underestimated.

At Dual Up, we’ve developed a dedicated Soft Landing service tailored to help companies start a business in Portugal — supporting every step, from initial planning to operational implementation and continuous growth.

Why Start a Business in Portugal?

Portugal is one of the most attractive countries in Europe for entrepreneurs and businesses alike. Key reasons to start a business in Portugal include:

• A competitive business environment that promotes innovation

• Access to the European Union market with legal and political stability

• Tax benefits for investors and startups, including the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime

• Incentive programs like Portugal 2030, Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), and Startup Visa

• Highly skilled workforce with strong language and digital skills

• Lower cost of living and a high quality of life

Starting a business in Portugal opens the door to scalable, sustainable growth in a welcoming and innovation-driven environment.

Who Is the Soft Landing Service For?

Our program is designed for companies and entrepreneurs who want to start a business in Portugal efficiently and with reduced risk. It’s ideal for:

• International companies expanding to Portugal

• Startups and scale-ups looking to validate products or services in a new market

• Organizations seeking legal, cultural, and commercial adaptation to Portuguese standards

What’s Included in Our Soft Landing Service?

Business Consulting, Tax, and Incentives

Starting a business in Portugal requires the right legal setup, strategic planning, and compliance with all tax and regulatory requirements. We offer:

• Support in choosing the best legal structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, branch, subsidiary)

• Full assistance with company registration and tax office onboarding

• Guidance on fulfilling tax obligations (IRS, VAT, CIT)

• Support with grant applications and public funding such as Portugal 2030

More details on available incentives: iapmei.pt

Accounting (Managerial and Analytical)

Accurate financial control is key to sustainable growth. Our accounting services include:

• Setting up managerial and analytical accounting systems

• Producing detailed financial reports to support informed decision-making

• Continuous cost control and profitability analysis

Sustainability: ESG and DNSH Compliance

If you’re applying for EU funding or want to align with global standards, sustainability is crucial.

• We develop ESG-based strategies (Environmental, Social, Governance)

• Ensure compliance with DNSH (Do No Significant Harm) principles

• Help you meet EU environmental and social project requirements

Certified Professional Training

Empowering your team is critical for success in a new market. We provide:

• Certified training in areas like leadership, communication, and project management

• Tailored learning plans aligned with your business needs

• Training recognized by national authorities (e.g., DGERT)

Digital Transformation

Portugal has a thriving tech ecosystem, and digitization is key for competitiveness. Our digital transformation service includes:

• Business process assessment and identification of automation opportunities

• Implementation of digital tools (ERP, CRM, invoicing platforms)

• Improved team collaboration through tech solutions

Marketing, Branding & Digital Strategy

Starting a business in Portugal also means building visibility and trust in a new market.

• Brand positioning and tailored marketing strategies

• Campaign planning across SEO, social media, Google Ads, and email marketing

• Lead generation and online reputation building

Learn more about how we help brands grow here: dualup.pt/marketing-digital

How Do We Implement the Process?

Phase 1 – Diagnosis and Planning (2 to 4 weeks)

Every project begins with understanding your company and your goals. We will:

• Collect detailed information on your current business and internationalization plans

• Analyze the Portuguese market and identify potential opportunities and risks

• Define a tailored action plan with clear priorities and milestones

Phase 2 – Specialized Consulting (4 to 6 weeks)

We take care of your business’s legal, fiscal, and structural foundation:

• Register the company and open activity with tax authorities

• Set up financial and management reporting systems

• Provide continuous legal and tax advisory services

Phase 3 – Operational Setup (6 to 8 weeks)

We support your operational start-up:

• Help choose your physical location or virtual office

• Assist in recruiting and organizing logistics

• Offer certified training to align your team with Portuguese work culture

Phase 4 – Commercial & Digital Strategy (4 to 6 weeks)

We create and launch your communication and marketing strategy:

• Market positioning, branding, and content creation

• Digital advertising and SEO-optimized content strategy

• Lead generation, B2B outreach, and strategic partnerships

Phase 5 – Ongoing Support and Strategic Adjustment (monthly)

Once your business is running, we monitor and optimize:

• Track financial, operational, and commercial KPIs

• Suggest strategic adjustments based on data and market feedback

• Provide continuous advisory and technical support

Success Stories

We’ve helped tech companies, product brands, and service-based businesses successfully start a business in Portugal and scale efficiently. From setup to growth, our hands-on approach delivers tailored, results-driven support.

Useful Resources for Starting a Business in Portugal

• Portal das Finanças – For tax registration and company setup

• ePortugal.gov.pt – Centralized access to public services

• Startup Portugal – National entrepreneurship support agency

Ready to Start a Business in Portugal?

If you’re considering starting a business in Portugal, don’t let bureaucracy or unfamiliar processes slow you down. With our structured Soft Landing service, you’ll enter the Portuguese market legally, efficiently, and with a clear strategy.

Book a consultation with us to discover how we can help you launch and grow your business in Portugal.