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

Date:

September 2025

Location:

In-Person in Marquês de Pombal (Lisbon), with Livestream access available

About the Event

Starting a business in Portugal as an American presents real opportunities, but also significant risks if not structured carefully. This workshop, led by U.S. and Portuguese legal professionals, will offer a clear, substantive overview of the tax, legal, and regulatory issues you need to understand before launching. Designed for aspiring entrepreneurs and their advisors, the session will focus on practical strategies to structure and operate businesses compliantly and efficiently.

Key Topics We’ll Cover

U.S. Legal and Tax Considerations

• Controlled Foreign Corporation (CFC) rules: Starting a Portuguese business may expose you to new and complex U.S. tax and reporting obligations.

• GILTI andSubpart F exposure: What these regimes mean for small business owners.

• Owner compensation: U.S. and Portuguese tax implications of salary, dividends, and equity transfers.

• Estate and gift tax planning: Why U.S. estate tax still matters if you're building wealth abroad.

Portuguese Business Environment

• Entity formation: Understanding the differences between LDA and SA structures.

• Hiring and employment law: Mandatory benefits, contract types, and employee protections under Portuguese law.

• The green receipt system: A simplified regime for freelancers that may not suit business owners.

• Corporate taxation: Typical tax burdens, accounting requirements, and areas where U.S. founders are often caught off guard.

• Passive and real estate holding companies: U.S. and Portuguese roles that affect rental income, investment income, and property ownership.

Cross-Border Structuring and Residency

• Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) considerations.

• Foreign reporting requirements: U.S. rules for disclosing foreign companies, accounts, and investments.

Day 1: Strategic Overview

90 minutes | €95 | Led by a U.S. Tax Attorney with input from experienced business owners

This introductory session offers a strategic overview of what Americans should understand before launching a business in Portugal. Ideal for early-stage founders, freelancers, consultants, and anyone still deciding how, or whether, to structure their business abroad.

You’ll come away with a broad understanding of the legal, tax, and compliance landscape and know when to seek deeper advice.

Day 2: Expert Deep Dive

Half-Day Intensive | Additional €400 | With U.S. & Portuguese Professionals

For entrepreneurs who already have or are actively launching a business in Portugal, this in-depth session brings together experts from both sides of the Atlantic to explore the details you need to get right.

Topics will include:

• Choosing the right business structure

• Tax and reporting requirements in both the U.S. and Portugal

• Accounting and payroll basics

• Hiring and employment law

• Cross-border compensation strategies

Confirmed speakers include a Portuguese tax attorney, certified accountant, and a U.S. international tax professional, with more to be announced.

Who Should Attend

This event is tailored for U.S. expats who are planning to launch or restructure a Portuguese business, including consultants, creatives, tech founders, real estate investors, and anyone navigating cross-border compliance. It is also highly relevant for wealth managers, tax preparers, and legal advisors serving U.S.-connected clients.

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