For UK businesses, Brexit didn’t just change trade rules, it changed the entire way of operating in Europe. Portugal has become a natural choice for companies looking to keep their EU access simple, cost-effective, and compliant.
Here’s why Portugal works, how to structure your business, and what tax advantages you can actually use.
Why Portugal?
Brexit created barriers, but it also created opportunities. Portugal offers UK businesses a way to maintain—or even improve—their EU market position.
Full EU market access
No tariffs, no quotas, no customs delays. Portugal gives UK companies the same seamless trade with 500 million EU consumers that they had before Brexit.
Lower taxes, real incentives
Portugal’s corporate tax rate is 21%, compared to the UK’s 25%. But the real advantage comes from incentives like SIFIDE, which can cut your R&D tax bill by up to 82.5%. For businesses investing in innovation, this isn’t just a benefit—it’s a game-changer.
Fast setup, fewer headaches
Registering a company in Portugal takes 5 to 7 days, not weeks. Visas for entrepreneurs (D2) and remote workers (D7) make relocating teams straightforward. Compared to other EU countries, Portugal keeps bureaucracy to a minimum.
How to structure your business
The right legal structure depends on your goals. Here’s what UK businesses typically choose:
Lda (Limited Liability Company)
- Best for startups, SMEs, or businesses testing the Portuguese market.
- Pros: Limited liability, €1 minimum capital, flexible management.
- Cons: Requires a local fiscal representative if directors are non-resident.
- Tax note: 21% corporate tax, but reduced rates may apply for SMEs in certain regions.
Branch Office
- Best for established UK brands expanding into Portugal.
- Pros: No separate legal entity (extension of the UK parent), easier profit repatriation.
- Cons: Parent company has unlimited liability for debts.
- Tax note: Profits taxed at 21% in Portugal; risk of double taxation if not structured correctly.
Holding Company
- Best for international groups or businesses focused on tax optimization.
- Pros: 95% exemption on dividends from EU subsidiaries, asset protection.
- Cons: Higher setup costs, complex compliance.
- Tax note: Ideal for businesses with multiple EU operations looking to streamline tax efficiency.
Tax incentives you can actually use
Portugal doesn’t just offer lower taxes, it offers smart tax planning opportunities for UK businesses.
SIFIDE (R&D Tax Credit)
- Up to 82.5% tax credit on eligible R&D expenses (salaries, equipment, patents).
- Example: A UK fintech company relocated its R&D team to Porto and claimed €250,000 in credits in its first year.
Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) Regime
- 10-year tax exemption on foreign-sourced income (dividends, royalties, pensions) for qualifying expats.
- 20% flat tax on Portuguese-sourced income (e.g., salaries).
- Note: Check if this regime is still active in 2026, as rules have evolved.
PT-UK Tax Treaty
- Reduces withholding taxes on dividends (0%-15%), interest (10%), and royalties (10%).
- Avoids double taxation if structured correctly.
How to make the move
Setting up in Portugal is simpler than you think. Here’s the process:
- Choose your structure (Lda, branch, or holding).
- Register your company (we handle the paperwork, including NIPC and tax authority registration).
- Set up payroll and compliance (visas, social security, contracts).
- Optimize taxes (we’ll help you claim incentives like SIFIDE and structure transfer pricing).
Most businesses complete the process in under two weeks.
Why this works for UK businesses
Portugal isn’t just a Plan B after Brexit, it’s a smarter way to operate in the EU. Lower taxes, faster setup, and real incentives make it a practical choice for businesses that want to keep trading in Europe without the post-Brexit complications.
If you’re considering the move, we can help you structure it right.
For further clarification, you can reach out through our contact page.
