Company registration in Madeira

Registration fee is from 4500 €

Registration period — 4 weeks

Minimum authorized capital - 1 EUR

Remote opening — yes

Financial statements — yes

Company registration in Madeira (IBCM): Your gateway to the European market with a 5% tax rate

Are you looking for a stable European jurisdiction with a low tax burden that is not on any blacklists? Madeira (Portugal) is a unique solution for international business. Thanks to the International Business Centre (IBCM), this region offers some of the most attractive conditions in the EU, while remaining completely transparent and respectable.

Why do businesses choose Madeira?

Madeira is not an offshore jurisdiction. It is an autonomous region of Portugal operating within the framework of European Union legislation. The IBCM's special tax regime has been officially approved by the EU and extended until the end of 2028, guaranteeing stability and predictability for investors.

Key advantages of the jurisdiction:

  • Lowest income tax in the EU: only 5% for companies operating within the IBCM.
  • Company status: Your firm is considered a full-fledged Portuguese company with an EU tax number (VAT ID).
  • Market access: An ideal hub for trading within the European Union, as well as for entering the African and Asian markets.
  • Reputation: Not included in any international offshore blacklists.
  • Maritime register: Favourable conditions for shipping and yacht registration.

Popular forms of ownership for registering a company in Madeira

Most often, investors choose one of two types of companies that allow shareholders' liability to be limited to the amount of their contribution:

  • LDA (Limitada): Private limited liability company. The most popular option for small and medium-sized businesses.
  • SA (Sociedade Anónima): Closed joint-stock company. Suitable for large projects involving significant capital.

Important! Companies in Madeira have access to Portugal's extensive network of double taxation agreements, which allows for further optimisation of costs when paying dividends and royalties.

Who is suitable for registering a company in Madeira?

The special IBCM regime covers a wide range of activities:

  1. International trade (e-commerce, export/import).
  2. Provision of IT services and consulting.
  3. Intellectual property management.
  4. Shipping and logistics.
  5. Holding activities.

Would you like to know the cost of registration and detailed requirements for the company?

Leave a request for a free initial consultation, and we will help you scale your business through the jurisdiction of Madeira.

Madeira advantages

1

5% income tax for IBCM companies

2

Possibility to open a bank account in Portugal

3

Non-resident can be a director and shareholder

4

Madeira is not on the blacklist of offshore zones

General Information

Registration Features

Advantages of company formation in Madeira in the IBCM zone: 1. Dividends - 0% in case of payment to non-residents of Portugal. 2. Exemption from withholding tax on royalties and interest. 3. Exemption from capital gains tax on the sale of shares. 4. 80% reduction in stamp duty and municipal real estate taxes.

Company Name

The name of the company must end with a word, phrase or abbreviation indicating its limited liability, for example: “Limitada”, ‘Lda.’ or ‘Unipessoal’.

Authorized Capital

The minimum authorized capital is EUR 1. However, to successfully open an account with a Portuguese bank, it is recommended to increase it to 5000 EUR and make a full payment after the company registration in Madeira is completed.

Director

At least one individual is required, without any residency requirements.

Shareholders

At least one participant is required, which can be an individual or a legal entity, with no residency requirements.

Financial Reporting

All companies registered in Madeira and the IBCM zone are required to maintain and submit annual financial statements. An audit is mandatory if the company exceeds two of the three limits for 2 consecutive years: 1.The total value of assets exceeds EUR 1,500,000. 2. The total level of net sales and other income is more than EUR 3,000,000. 3. Number of employees - more than 50.

Taxation

The standard corporate tax rate for companies registered in Madeira outside the IBCM zone is 14.7%. Companies registered in the IBCM are subject to a reduced corporate tax rate of 5% (until 2028). In the case of working with local Portuguese companies, the income tax rate will be 21%. In order for companies registered in Madeira to apply for the 5% corporate tax reduction, they must meet one of the following requirements: 1. Creation of one position (including part-time positions) for a Portuguese resident. 2. Investments of at least EUR 75,000 in fixed assets in the first two years of operation (real estate in Portugal, intellectual property, software, etc.). The VAT rate in the Autonomous Region of Madeira is 22%.

Confidentiality

The public register is open. Information about the director, shareholder, beneficiaries and the size of the company's share capital is available to the public.

Stages of company registration

01

Choosing the name and form of the company

Before registering a company in Madeira, you must submit a request to the National Registry of Legal Entities to check the availability of the name. Once the name is confirmed, the preparation of corporate documents begins.

02

Preparation and collection of documents

Each shareholder of the company must provide a passport and proof of residence (utility bill). A Portuguese tax number (NIF) is required for the director and shareholder.

03

Identification of company participants

Company registration in Madeira can be carried out remotely or with the personal presence of the director and shareholders in Portugal.

04

Formation of the share capital (if necessary)

After company formation in Madeira a bank account is opened in a Portuguese bank to deposit the share capital (the recommended amount is EUR 5000).

05

Company registration

The process of company registration in Madeira generally takes 10-14 business days from the date of receipt of the required set of documents. During company formation in Madeira the mandatory IBCM stamp duty is paid.

06

Receiving of corporate documents

As soon as a company in Madeira is registered, the registry issues ready corporate documents with the appropriate stamps.

07

Legalization of documents (if necessary)

If necessary, the documents of company registered in Madeira are submitted for legalisation and apostille.

08

Delivery of corporate documents

Originals of corporate documents of company registered in Madeira are sent by courier service.

Answers to the Most Common Questions:

To register a company in Madeira, it is necessary to choose a unique name, prepare the incorporation documents, appoint at least one director and shareholder (natural or legal person without residency requirements), obtain a Portuguese tax number (NIF) for the members, deposit the minimum share capital (from 1 euro) and submit the documents to the relevant public authorities. The process can be done remotely with the help of trusted representatives.
The timeframe to register a company in Madeira is about 4 weeks. The cost of incorporation starts from 4500 euros, which includes the preparation of documents, government fees and support for the incorporation process.
Companies incorporated in the International Business Center of Madeira (IBCM) enjoy a preferential income tax rate of 5% until 2027. The standard income tax rate for companies outside the IBCM area is 14.7%. To qualify for the preferential rate, it is necessary to create at least one job for a Portuguese resident or invest at least 75,000 euros in fixed assets in the first two years of operation.
Madeira is not considered an offshore zone and is not included in any international blacklist. Companies registered in Madeira are considered Portuguese and are subject to the laws of the European Union.
Yes, non-residents can register a business in Madeira. The director and shareholder of the company can be a natural or legal person without residency requirements. The incorporation process can be done remotely.

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