Company Dissolution and Winding-up
Voluntary dissolution and winding-up of companies in Portugal: liquidation, settlement of liabilities, deregistration and closing formalities.
Provided by VPA — Venture Partners Advogados, a law firm registered with the Portuguese Bar Association, with offices in Lisbon and Rio de Janeiro.
Overview
VPA advises companies, shareholders and directors on the orderly dissolution and winding-up of companies in Portugal, whether the business has reached the end of its life, the shareholders wish to exit, or the entity is dormant. We handle voluntary dissolution and liquidation (including the immediate procedure, dissolução e liquidação na hora, where available), settlement of liabilities and distribution of remaining assets, cancellation of commercial registrations and tax and social security deregistration, and the closing corporate and accounting formalities. We also advise on the alternatives to dissolution, such as dormancy, transfer of shares or restructuring, and support non-resident and Brazilian shareholders remotely under a power of attorney.
Common processes
- Voluntary dissolution and liquidation
- Immediate dissolution and winding-up (na hora)
- Settlement of liabilities and asset distribution
- Tax and social security deregistration
- Cancellation of commercial registrations
- Alternatives: dormancy, share transfer or restructuring
Frequently asked questions
How do I close a company in Portugal?
A company is usually closed through voluntary dissolution and liquidation. Once liabilities are settled and any remaining assets distributed, it is deregistered with the commercial registry, the tax authority and social security. Where the requirements are met, the immediate procedure (dissolução e liquidação na hora) can close it in a single step.
Can I close a company that has debts?
If the company cannot pay its debts, dissolution may not be the right route and an insolvency process may be required instead. We assess the position first and advise on the correct procedure, including restructuring alternatives.
Do I have to be in Portugal to dissolve my company?
No. Non-resident and foreign shareholders can typically handle the process remotely under a power of attorney; we represent you before the registry and the authorities.
Related areas
Team
Contact
For advice on this service, contact VPA — Venture Partners Advogados, Lisbon.