Certidão Permanente in Portugal

Planning to start a business in Portugal? One essential document you should be aware of is the Certidão Permanente.

Certidão Permanente in Portugal: A Complete Guide for Entrepreneurs

Thinking of starting a business in Portugal? One document you’ll come across is the Certidão Permanente. This digital certificate is essential for proving your company’s legal status and staying compliant with authorities.

In this guide, INLIS Consulting walks you through everything you need to know—from understanding what the Certidão Permanente is, to how to apply for it, and why keeping it updated is crucial for your business.

Online Company Registration in Portugal: How It Works

The process of registering a company in Portugal has become much simpler thanks to Decree-Law No. 125/2006. This law introduced online company registration, significantly reducing the need for in-person visits and streamlining the whole process.

What Changed With This Law?

• Applies to LDA, single-member LDA, and S.A. company types

• Digital signatures with electronic certificates are accepted

• Less bureaucracy and lower administrative costs

• Automatic assignment of the Company Identification Number (NIPC)

• Instant access to the Certidão Permanente and Articles of Association

Thanks to this digital transformation, starting a business in Portugal has never been more accessible.

What Is the Certidão Permanente?

The Certidão Permanente is a digital certificate that serves as official proof of your company’s registration. Instead of requesting a paper version each time, this document can be accessed online using a 12-digit code provided at registration.

It is always updated in real-time, making it one of the most reliable sources for verifying company information.

What’s Included in the Certidão Permanente?

The document includes key information such as:

• Company Identification Number (NIPC)

• Registered company name and official address

• Share capital and ownership structure

• Primary business activity (CAE code)

• Names of shareholders and directors

• Historical and recent updates to company information

  
  

Every time your company goes through a change (e.g., change of address, director, or shareholder), the Certidão Permanente is automatically updated.

Certidão Permanente vs. Commercial Registration Certificate

Unlike the old Commercial Registration Certificate, the Certidão Permanente:

• Has no fixed expiration date

• Updates automatically with any changes

• Is accessible 24/7 through a secure online platform

  
  

💡 Keeping the Certidão Permanente active ensures you're always ready for legal checks, funding applications, and business partnerships.

How to Apply for a Certidão Permanente (Step-by-Step Guide)

Here’s how you can get your Certidão Permanente online:

Step 1: Register Your Company Online

Visit the Empresa Online portal and complete the online incorporation process.

Step 2: Receive Your Access Code

Once the registration is complete, you'll receive a 12-digit code to access the Certidão Permanente.

Step 3: Log In to the Official Portal

Go to Portal da Justiça and enter your code to view or share the document.

Step 4: Renew or Update Your Subscription

The Certidão Permanente is a paid service, with options to renew based on how long you want it to be valid.

Subscription Options and Costs

There are three types of Certidão Permanente available:

1. Certidão Permanente de Registo

Includes digital company records and pending updates.

• 1 year: €25

• 2 years: €40

• 3 years: €60

• 4 years: €70

  
  

2. Certidão Permanente de Registo e Documentos

Includes company records + digital versions of registration documents (excluding financial statements).

• 1 year: €55

• 2 years: €88

• 3 years: €132

• 4 years: €154

  
  

3. Certidão Permanente do Pacto Social / Estatutos Atualizados

Includes your latest articles of association.

• 1 year: €20

• 2 years: €35

• 3 years: €45

• 4 years: €50

  
  

Need it in English? A translated version is also available if your company has foreign shareholders.

Why Keeping Your Certidão Permanente Updated Matters

The Certidão Permanente is often reviewed by:

• Banks

• Investors

• Government bodies

• Business directories (e.g., Racius, Portugalio, eInforma)

  
  

Outdated or incorrect data could block financing, delay contracts, or damage your reputation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Starting a Business

Even with an easy registration process, errors can still happen. Watch out for:

• Wrong shareholder name or NIF

• Incorrect CAE code

• Mistakes in share capital or ownership details

  
  

Fixing these later can be costly and time-consuming.

INLIS Consulting offers personalized assistance to ensure everything is correct from day one, saving you time, money, and future stress.

Other Key Company Documents You’ll Need

Along with the Certidão Permanente, be sure to prepare:

• Articles of Association – outlines your internal structure and rules

• RCBE (Central Register of Beneficial Owners) – identifies the actual people who control the company

  
  

Need Help With Company Setup in Portugal?

INLIS Consulting is here to support you at every step—from choosing the right CAE to managing your Certidão Permanente and legal compliance.

📩 Contact us at geral@inlis.pt

📞 Or WhatsApp us at +351 968 464 942

Let us take care of the paperwork, so you can focus on building your business.