1/3Ronaldo left the national team. Entrepreneurs, meanwhile, are moving into Portugal
The biggest football story of the week is Cristiano Ronaldo’s conflict with Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus. The captain left the national team camp ahead of the match against Denmark and later published an open letter explaining his decision. Even the Prime Minister has reportedly stepped in to help calm the situation.
While some are leaving the Portuguese team, others are building businesses in Portugal. Here is what matters in 2026.
Company formation: fast and affordable
The main corporate form is the LDA, broadly comparable to an LLC. It can be registered online for €220 using standard articles of association, with minimum share capital of just €1 per shareholder.
Corporate income tax is also decreasing: 19% in 2026, 18% in 2027, and 17% from 2028. Small and medium-sized businesses pay 15% on the first €50,000 of taxable profit. A municipal surcharge of up to 1.5% may also apply.
A company ≠ a residence permit — but there is an important nuance
Registering a company does not, by itself, grant residency. For founders from outside the EU, the main route is the D2 visa.
There is no statutory minimum investment amount. However, applicants need a viable business plan, proof of funds, and either an already established company or a clear plan to incorporate one as part of the application.
In other words, Portugal rewards genuine business activity, not purely formal incorporation.
What has changed with citizenship
A new citizenship law has been in force since 19 May 2026. For most foreign nationals, the qualifying period is now 10 years of legal residence. For EU and CPLP nationals, it is 7 years.
The period is counted from the date the first residence permit is issued. Rights attached to existing residence permits, including D2, D7 and others, remain unchanged.
Who Portugal is suitable for
Portugal is best suited to founders who genuinely plan to relocate and build a business with access to the EU market.
Those who were counting on a “passport in five years” should now reassess their planning horizon.
✉️ For all enquiries: @PfserBot
The biggest football story of the week is Cristiano Ronaldo’s conflict with Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus. The captain left the national team camp ahead of the match against Denmark and later published an open letter explaining his decision. Even the Prime Minister has reportedly stepped in to help calm the situation.
While some are leaving the Portuguese team, others are building businesses in Portugal. Here is what matters in 2026.
Company formation: fast and affordable
The main corporate form is the LDA, broadly comparable to an LLC. It can be registered online for €220 using standard articles of association, with minimum share capital of just €1 per shareholder.
Corporate income tax is also decreasing: 19% in 2026, 18% in 2027, and 17% from 2028. Small and medium-sized businesses pay 15% on the first €50,000 of taxable profit. A municipal surcharge of up to 1.5% may also apply.
A company ≠ a residence permit — but there is an important nuance
Registering a company does not, by itself, grant residency. For founders from outside the EU, the main route is the D2 visa.
There is no statutory minimum investment amount. However, applicants need a viable business plan, proof of funds, and either an already established company or a clear plan to incorporate one as part of the application.
In other words, Portugal rewards genuine business activity, not purely formal incorporation.
What has changed with citizenship
A new citizenship law has been in force since 19 May 2026. For most foreign nationals, the qualifying period is now 10 years of legal residence. For EU and CPLP nationals, it is 7 years.
The period is counted from the date the first residence permit is issued. Rights attached to existing residence permits, including D2, D7 and others, remain unchanged.
Who Portugal is suitable for
Portugal is best suited to founders who genuinely plan to relocate and build a business with access to the EU market.
Those who were counting on a “passport in five years” should now reassess their planning horizon.
✉️ For all enquiries: @PfserBot