OCTIS vs Unipessoal vs Lda vs SA: which Portuguese company to form
Three company types you can set up at one counter with Empresa na Hora. How many partners, what capital and what it costs.
Last checked · 3 sources
Otty's short answer
A sociedade unipessoal por quotas suits one owner, with a €1 minimum quota and liability limited to the company capital. A Lda suits two or more partners. An SA suits five or more shareholders, or a company holding all the shares. Empresa na Hora forms any of the three at one counter for €360, or €200 with a brand name.
Side by side
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| What matters | OCTISHong Kong company + OCTIS global plan | Sociedade unipessoal por quotas | Sociedade por quotas (Lda) | Sociedade anónima (SA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of partners | At least 1 shareholder, who can live anywhere | One | At least two | At least five |
| Minimum quota or capital | No minimum capital | €1 minimum quota | Not stated on the page | Not stated on the page |
| Capital set freely | No minimum capital | Yes | Not stated on the page | Equal-value shares |
| Personal liability | Limited to the company's assets (Hong Kong limited company) | Limited to company capital | Not personal for company debts | Limited to shares held |
| Management | At least 1 director, an individual | Not stated on the page | Not stated on the page | Sole administrator up to €200,000 capital |
| Empresa na Hora fee | At least 10% below any qualifying quote (Lowest Price Guarantee); government fees and first-year secretary included | €360, or €200 with brand | €360, or €200 with brand | €360, or €200 with brand |
| Extra brand class | Not needed for the Hong Kong company; local rules apply if you trade there | €44 each | €44 each | €44 each |
| Capital deposit deadline | No minimum capital | 5 working days | 5 working days | 5 working days |
| Beneficial owner filing | Not needed for the Hong Kong company; local rules apply if you trade there | Within 30 days | Within 30 days | Within 30 days |
| Formed in one visit | Filed online with the Companies Registry | Yes, all partners attend | Yes, all partners attend | Yes, all partners attend |
If you have staff, premises or local sales in this country, its own registration and tax rules still apply. OCTIS can help you arrange them.
Data sources & disclaimer: Comparison data was compiled from publicly available sources — including the competitors' own published pricing and feature pages — captured on 9 November 2026. Figures reflect the typical or advertised pricing at that time and may have changed since; plans, inclusions and prices vary by provider, region and promotion. OCTIS is independent and not affiliated with the named companies; all trademarks belong to their respective owners. This comparison is provided in good faith for general information only and is not professional, legal or financial advice — please verify current details with each provider before deciding.
Which one fits you
OCTIS · Hong Kong company + OCTIS global plan
Choose OCTIS if you want a Hong Kong company with one director and one shareholder from anywhere, run with accounts and banking in one place.
Sociedade unipessoal por quotas
Choose a unipessoal if you are the only owner and want limited liability with the lowest minimum capital.
Sociedade por quotas (Lda)
Choose a Lda if two or more people share ownership and you want a simple, common company form.
Sociedade anónima (SA)
Choose an SA if you have five or more shareholders, or one parent company that will hold all shares.
What the table does not show
Partners and capital
The Justice portal describes a unipessoal as one partner, who can be a person or a company, with capital set freely and a minimum quota of €1. A Lda needs at least two partners. An SA needs at least five shareholders, although one company may hold all the shares. The portal page does not state a minimum capital for the Lda or the SA, so confirm it with the registry or an adviser before you commit.
What Empresa na Hora costs
The counter fee is €360 for a standard request. If the name is tied to a brand in a product or service class, it is €200, plus €44 for each extra class. You choose a name from the approved list and a pre-approved articles model, then all partners attend one counter. Afterwards you have 5 working days to deposit cash capital and 30 days to request the beneficial owner entry.
After formation
You can name a certified accountant at the counter, who files the start-of-activity declaration. Otherwise you submit it at the tax office within 15 days. The page also lists what you must bring: an ID document and tax number (NIF) for each person. Rules for non-residents are not covered, so call Linha Justiça on 800 910 220 before travelling.
Where OCTIS fits
OCTIS does not incorporate companies in Portugal. If your Malaysian or Hong Kong company is thinking of a Portuguese subsidiary, treat it as a tax and legal decision and ask a local adviser. Your home company's secretary work, bookkeeping and audit coordination remain, and OCTIS handles those. Switching can take 10–30% off your current bill.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a unipessoal and a Lda?
A unipessoal has one partner and a Lda has at least two. Both limit personal liability. A unipessoal needs a minimum quota of €1. The Justice portal gives no minimum capital for a Lda on its company type page.
How much does Empresa na Hora cost?
A standard request costs €360. If the company name is tied to a brand in a product or service class, it costs €200, plus €44 for each additional class. Contributions in kind other than cash add a registration cost per asset.
Can one company own a Portuguese company?
Yes. A unipessoal can have a company as its single partner, and an SA can be held entirely by one company. A company partner brings its legal entity card, an authorising resolution and representative IDs.
Do I have to be in Portugal to form one?
Empresa na Hora needs all future partners at a counter, and the page describes only the in-person service. Individuals need an ID document and a tax number. Ask Linha Justiça about remote options for non-residents.
Sources
Checked on the date above. Links open the provider's or regulator's own page.