Registered Business Address in Lisbon: How Company Domiciliation Works
Updated October 2026
Company domiciliation means using a service provider’s address, such as a virtual office, as your company’s registered office or branch address without renting a space. In Portugal this is common practice and in line with the official rules: the registered office must be a specific address in Portugal, but it does not have to be where the company actually operates (official page in Portuguese). At Giraldo Works, a registered address in Lisbon starts at €20/month + VAT, on Rua Castilho next to Avenida da Liberdade.
Key takeaways
- What it is: using a professional address as your company’s registered office or branch.
- Is it allowed? According to justica.gov.pt, the registered office doesn’t have to be where the business operates.
- Who it’s for: new companies, companies moving their registered office out of a home address, branches of foreign companies.
- Giraldo Works price: from €20/month + VAT (annual plan) or €25/month + VAT (monthly plan).
What is a registered business address?
Every Portuguese company must have a registered office (sede social), stated in its articles of association. Article 12 of the Commercial Companies Code requires it to be a “specifically defined location”. According to justica.gov.pt, the registered office is where the company receives official correspondence. It must state the district, municipality, parish, 7-digit postcode and country (Portugal).
Domiciliation means using a specialised provider’s address for this purpose. You will also see it called a virtual address, registered office service or virtual office. In practice they are different names for the same service.
Is company domiciliation legal in Portugal?
The official guidance points that way. The justica.gov.pt portal states that the company’s address does not have to be where it carries out its activity. What matters is that the address is specific, in Portugal, and that the provider authorises its use as a registered office.
Keep two points in mind:
- Tax address: for the Portuguese Tax Authority, a company’s tax domicile is, as a rule, its registered office or place of effective management (Article 19 of the General Tax Law, in Portuguese).
- Licensed premises: if your activity needs licensed premises (for example, a space open to the public), the registered address does not replace that licence. Check the rules for your sector.
The same Article 19 also requires people and entities resident abroad to appoint a tax representative in Portugal in certain cases. For residents of EU/EEA countries this is generally optional. Check your situation with a Portuguese accountant.
This article is for information only and is not legal or tax advice for your specific case.
Who a registered address is for
New companies
When you set up a company, online or through the Empresa na Hora service, you must give a registered office address. You can use a professional address from day one instead of your home address.
Companies registered at a home address
The registered address appears on invoices, on your website and in the company’s public records. Many founders prefer to keep their home address private and have a central Lisbon address instead.
Branches of foreign companies
Foreign companies opening a branch (sucursal) in Portugal need an address in the country. Giraldo Works accepts branches of foreign companies, as well as branches of Portuguese companies.
Remote teams
If your team works from home or at clients’ premises, a registered address gives you a fixed, professional address without paying for an office you won’t use.
Register your company next to Avenida da Liberdade.
How it works at Giraldo Works
- Choose the virtual office plan that suits your company (see prices below).
- Send the ID of the company representative or the applicant. That is the only document we ask for.
- Use the address to register a new company or to move the registered office of an existing one. If that’s your case, see our guide how to move your company’s registered office to Lisbon.
How much a registered address in Lisbon costs
| Plan | Annual plan (paid upfront) | Monthly plan |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | €20/month | €25/month |
| Premium | €30/month | €35/month |
| Premium Plus | €70/month | €85/month |
What to check before choosing a registered address provider
- Can the address be used as a registered office? Get it in writing from the provider.
- Where is the address? A central area such as Avenida da Liberdade looks very different on your invoices and website.
- Term and payment: annual, monthly, or long contracts?
- Meeting rooms: can you meet clients on site, and at what price?
- Room to grow: is there coworking or private office space in the same building?
We compare prices and terms from several providers in cheap virtual office in Lisbon: price comparison.
Frequently asked questions
What is company domiciliation?
It means using a service provider’s address, such as a virtual office, as your company’s registered office or branch address without renting a space. It is also called a virtual address or registered office service.
Is company domiciliation legal in Portugal?
According to the official portal justica.gov.pt, a company’s registered office does not have to be where it carries out its activity. It must be a specific address in Portugal. If your activity requires licensed premises, the registered address does not replace that licence.
How much does a registered address in Lisbon cost?
At Giraldo Works, the annual plan costs €20, €30 or €70/month, paid upfront with a 12-month minimum. The monthly plan costs €25, €35 or €85/month. VAT is added at the applicable rate.
Can I use the address for a branch of a foreign company?
Yes. Giraldo Works accepts branches of foreign companies in Portugal, as well as branches of Portuguese companies.
What documents do I need?
At Giraldo Works, we only need the ID of the company representative or the applicant.
Does the registered address become the company's tax address?
Under Article 19 of the Portuguese General Tax Law, a company’s tax domicile is, as a rule, its registered office or place of effective management. Confirm your specific case with your accountant.
Is a registered address the same as a virtual office?
In practice, yes. Domiciliation, virtual address and virtual office are different names for a service that gives your company a professional address.
Get your company's registered address in Lisbon today
An address on Rua Castilho, next to Avenida da Liberdade, from €20/month + VAT. More than 250 companies already trust Giraldo Works.
