Business

Portugal — Business: Limited Company (Lda) and Joint Stock Corporation (SA)

The Sociedade por Quotas (Lda) is Portugal's most common vehicle for small-to-medium businesses, requiring a minimum of 2 partners (sócios) with liability limited to the company's share capital (structurally as low as €1/share). The Sociedade Anónima (SA) is a joint stock corporation for larger enterprises seeking capital market access, requiring a minimum of 5 shareholders and €50,000 minimum share capital (at least 30% paid up at incorporation), with liability strictly capped at the nominal value of subscribed shares.

eportugal.gov.pt - Governo de Portugal · Last verified 2026-07-17

Key Facts

  • Lda (Sociedade por Quotas): minimum 2 partners, capital freely set in the articles, liability limited to share capital.
  • SA (Sociedade Anónima): minimum 5 shareholders, minimum €50,000 share capital with 30%+ paid up at incorporation.
  • SA liability is strictly capped at the nominal value of subscribed shares.
  • Both structures can use the fast 'Empresa na Hora' or 'Empresa Online' incorporation pathways.

Related Topics

company-formationsole-proprietorship
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