Make changes in the business

Change of the Company’s Name or Denomination

If the company is already legally incorporated, i.e. registered with the Commercial Registry Office, it is possible to make changes to it at any time.

The change of 'name' requires an application for a certificate of admissibility for a trade name or denomination.

Change of Registered Office

If the company is already legally incorporated, i.e. registered with the Commercial Registry Office, it is possible to make changes to it at any time through the online services.

The change of registered office requires some procedures:

  • Application for a certificate of admissibility of the name or denomination;
    Note: With the entry into force of Decree-Law no. 8/2007, of 17 January, it is no longer necessary to request the issue of a new certificate of admissibility of the name or denomination when there is a change of registered office to another municipality, provided that the company's name is only a fiction expression, whether or not with reference to the activity. In other cases the certificate is still required.
  • Application for commercial registration;
  • Statement of changes in the finances;
  • Communication to Social Security.

Change of Activity

If the company is already legally incorporated, i.e. registered with the Commercial Registry Office, it is possible to make changes to it at any time.

In order for the company to be able to carry out another activity, it must be included in the company's object. Otherwise, you will have to add or change that object. This amendment shall entail an application for a certificate admissibility of the name or denomination.

The change of activity requires some procedures, such as informing the Tax Authority about the change of activity online - You can get more information by consulting the Manual for the Change of Activity, available on Portal das Finanças.

Also visit ePortugal, within its area of activity, for the services available to change licences or communicate changes to the competent authorities.

Amendments to the Articles of Association

The amendment to the articles of association may consist in the introduction, deletion or modification of some of the clauses of the articles of association. The changes shall be the result of a resolution of the shareholders, taken in accordance with the type of company held.

These changes can take place, for example, through capital increase, capital
 reduction or transfer of shares. It is even possible to carry out a simultaneous transfer of shares and capital increase. In addition to these operations, there may also be a change of name, change of social object or change in the company's registered office.

Regarding the capital, the increase may be made by minutes or by public deed, while the transfer of shares may be made by private document or by public deed.

Amendments to the Articles

The articles of association are the fundamental document that determines the powers and internal rules of a company. To modify them implies an act of commercial registration by the entrepreneur.

In the same way that it is advised to consult an expert to prepare the articles, the entrepreneur must use a technician to make the changes he/she wants in the document.

Currently it is already possible to make changes to the articles of a company in a simplified way, through the service Empresa Online, if they are published in a proper place on the Internet.