Lawyer
An expert in corporate and international corporate law. He has many years of experience in establishing and reorganizing companies, supporting M&A transactions, as well as providing legal support for opening and running a business in the EU, Asia, and North America.
OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT IN PORTUGAL
Banking activities in Portugal are strictly regulated by national law and EU directives.
- General Regulation of Credit Institutions and Financial Companies (RGICSF) – Approved by Decree-Law No. 298/92, this act is fundamental to the banking sector, establishing the rules for access, activity and supervision of credit institutions.
- Lei n.º 83/2017 (Money Laundering Law) – Implements the EU directives on the fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT). Articles 23-42 of this law regulate in detail the obligations of banks regarding customer identification (KYC) and due diligence.
- Banco de Portugal – The Central Bank of Portugal, which supervises the banking system and issues regulations and instructions (Avisos e Instruções) detailing the application of the legislation.
- Other legislation – PSD2 Directive (payment services), RGPD (data protection) and Código das Sociedades Comerciais (Commercial Companies Code) also have a significant impact on banking.
Although the basic requirements are universal, there are certain specifics for different types of companies:
- Sociedade por Quotas (Lda) and Sociedade Anónima (SA) are the most common forms. The banking procedures for them are identical, the main difference being the minimum authorized capital (€1 for Lda, €50,000 for SA), which the bank checks.
- Estabelecimento Individual de Responsabilidade Limitada (EIRL) and Cooperativas – the same KYC/AML procedures apply to these forms. The difference lies in the constituent documents submitted to the bank (constituent act for EIRL, cooperative statute for Cooperativas).
- Sucursal (Branch of a foreign company) – is considered an extension of a foreign company. To open an account, documents are required for both the branch itself and the parent company (charter, registration documents), which must be apostilled and translated by a sworn translator.
Account opening and KYC procedure
The procedure requires the submission of a significant package of documents and the passing of a thorough check.
Required documentation (Dokumentação necesitaría):
- Permanent Certificate of Commercial Registry: Current extract from the Commercial Registry.
- Pacto Social / Estatutos: The company’s founding documents.
- Corporate Identity Card: Legal entity card with tax number (NIPC).
- Declaration of Beneficial Owners (RCBE): The declaration from the Central Registry of Beneficial Owners is mandatory.
- Documents of representatives and UBOs: Passports, individual tax numbers (NIF) and proof of address.
The process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the bank and the complexity of the company’s structure.
Requirements for foreign and Ukrainian companies
- NIF for non-residents: All foreign representatives and owners are required to obtain a Portuguese NIF, for which it is necessary to appoint a resident tax representative.
- Brexit consequences: Companies from the UK are now considered as “third country” companies, so their documents require apostille.
- Features for Ukrainian companies: There are no special requirements or simplifications for Ukrainian companies. They go through a standard procedure. However, for Ukrainian individuals, banks often offer preferential terms for opening personal accounts.
Reasons for refusal, appeal and Compliance
The bank may refuse to open an account if it is impossible to identify the client or UBO, if the origin of the funds is unclear, or if there are suspicions of links to illegal activities.
In the event of a refusal, the client has the right to file a complaint (reclamação) with the Bank of Portugal, which may require the commercial bank to review the decision.
At the same time, Portuguese banks automatically exchange financial information within the framework of CRS and report to the IRS under FATCA rules.
Features for different sectors
- Real estate – due to high AML risks, banks conduct enhanced checks on the sources of origin of funds.
- Technology and innovation – for this sector, it is important for the bank to have modern digital solutions and flexible lending conditions for startups.
- International trade – companies in this sector need banks that offer a wide range of trade financing services (letters of credit, guarantees) and have a developed network of correspondent accounts.
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during the day
Compensation for moral, material damage
Protection of honour, dignity, and business reputationContract Development for Business and Legal Entities
Licensing of business activities
Compensation for moral, material damage
Legal services in the field of cryptocurrency and blockchain
REGISTRATION OF COMPANIES AND OPENING OF BANK ACCOUNTS
Sale and purchase of ready-made firms
Grants and attracting investment
Business registration and support in Great Britain
Business registration and support in Switzerland
Business registration and support in the EU
Business Registration and Support in the Gulf Countries (GCC)
Business registration and support in Turkey
Business registration and support in USA
Lawyer for administrative cases
Legal services for medical businesses and doctors
Protection of honour, dignity, and business reputation
Real estate transaction support
Escort of the tender participant
Trial lawyer: support and defense in court
European Court of Human Rights (ECHR)

