Start Smart: Legal and Tax Considerations for Americans Starting Businesses in Portugal

Dates:

Day 1: September 12, 16:00–17:30

Day 2: September 13, 09:00–14:00

Location:

In-Person in Lisbon

About the Event

Launching a business in Portugal as an American can be both exciting and challenging. The rules on each side of the Atlantic are complex, and mistakes can be expensive to fix. This two-day program brings together experienced U.S. and Portuguese legal and accounting professionals, along with American business owners already operating in Portugal, to give you a clear, practical framework for starting strong.

Over the course of the sessions, you’ll get the kind of focused, situation-specific advice that would cost far more than the ticket price if booked as private consultations. The combined hourly rates of three attorneys and a licensed accountant would easily exceed €1,500. Here, you receive their guidance for a fraction of that, in a program designed specifically for the concerns of Americans in Portugal.

You’ll leave with a solid understanding of the legal, tax, and operational landscape, along with a detailed reference workbook to keep you on track after the event. Whether you are still refining your business idea or already preparing to launch, this workshop is built to help you avoid costly missteps, operate compliantly, and structure your business for long-term success.

Key Topics We’ll Cover

U.S. Legal and Tax Considerations

Controlled Foreign Corporation (CFC) rules and how they affect U.S. owners of Portuguese companies.

GILTI and Subpart F exposure for small business owners, and practical mitigation strategies.

Cross-border owner compensation: salary, dividends, and equity transfers.

Portuguese Business Environment

Choosing the right entity: differences between LDA and SA.

Hiring and employment law: contracts, benefits, and employee protections.

The “green receipt” freelancer system: when it works and when it doesn’t.

Corporate tax rates, accounting requirements, and common pitfalls for foreign founders.

Passive vs. active income from real estate, and when holding companies make sense.

Cross-Border Structuring and Residency

Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) rules and tax planning for both NHR and non-NHR residents.

U.S. foreign reporting obligations for companies, accounts, and investments.

Day 1: Strategic Overview

16:00, 90 minutes | €95
A candid, founder-focused discussion with American business owners in Portugal on what to expect in the early stages. Perfect for those exploring their options, freelancing, or testing the market.

Day 2: Expert Deep Dive

09:00–14:00 | Additional €450
An intensive session with U.S. and Portuguese tax, legal, and accounting professionals covering the details you must get right to stay compliant and efficient from day one. Networking lunch included.

Total for both days: €545

Who Should Attend

Ideal for U.S. expats planning to start or restructure a Portuguese business, including consultants, creatives, tech founders, real estate investors, and cross-border entrepreneurs. Also highly relevant for wealth managers, accountants, and lawyers advising U.S.-connected clients.