10 good reasons to start a company in 2025

We don't have one, two or three good reasons to start a company in 2025 - we have 10! Don't believe us? Then join us on this short journey through setting up a business in a year when the ECB (European Central Bank) has cut interest rates and inflation is finally taking a break.

Despite the uncertainties surrounding the global situation, the Portuguese economy has shown resilience in the face of the challenges posed by international politics. It is in this environment of relative stability that we present to you the most important reasons to start a business in 2025 - But first, here's what you need to know to make it happen.

Everything you need to know before setting up your company in 2025

Adapting to new technologies (especially Artificial Intelligence) and to a multipolar world is essential for anyone who wants to launch a successful business in 2025.

With that in mind, here are the essential steps to opening your business.

Stage 1: create a business plan

All ideas should start with a market analysis to create a business plan solid:

• Estimate the demand for your product or service;
  
• Study the direct competition;
  
• Define the profile of your target audience.
  

After that, it's necessary:

• Establishing value creation strategies;
  
• Make financial projections on initial investment, costs and revenues;
  
• Defining the team structure and the roles of each employee.
  

Stage 2: formalising the company and legal aspects

You must choose the legal nature of the company (e.g. sole proprietorship or private limited company). After this decision:

• Register your company with the service Company on the Spot of the Ministry of Justice;
  
• Receive the NIF and NISS;
  
• If it's a partnership, define the articles of association between the partners.
  

Stage 3: financial support and equipment

Search state programmes to support entrepreneurship to help purchase equipment and cover initial costs.

As for payment systemsThe choice is based on the type of business:

• Physical shop: install TPAs with PIN payment, Contactless, MB WAY or digital wallets;
• Online business: opt for payment gateways fast, simple and secure integration and accept payments from all over the world
• From a distancewhether you have a shop or a small business, with or without a website, send payment links by e-mail, SMS or WhatsApp.

Stage 4: marketing and online presence

Finalise your business preparation with a well-defined marketing plan:

• Promotional materials;
  
• Communication strategies;
  
• Presence on social networks - currently the most relevant channel for brands.
  

How to start a business in 2025

The easiest way to open a company is through the On-the-spot business desk.

Main steps:

1. Choosing a company name (from the pre-approved list or request approval via Certificate of Admissibility);
   
2. Select the social pact, with models available for different types of company;
   
3. Appoint a certified accountant;
   
4. All members must be presentwith identification;
   
5. Deposit the share capital into a company bank account within five working days of registration.
   

10 good reasons to start a company in 2025

As promised, here they are 10 concrete reasons to go ahead with its business project in Portugal this year.

1. Access to a market of 500 million consumers without tariffs

As a member state of the European Union, Portugal allows direct access to the single European market, with 500 million consumerswithout customs or trade barriers.

2. Automatic VAT registration

When you open an account with the tax office, you automatically obtain a tax number for intra-Community transactions, without any additional bureaucracy.

3. Stable business environment

Portugal offers fiscal, social and business stabilitywith a corporate income tax rate of 20% (or 14.7% in the Autonomous Regions).

4. Support from incubators and innovative environment

The country actively promotes business incubators, incentive programmes, funding and collaboration between entrepreneurs.

5. Reduced bureaucracy

Solutions such as Company on the Spot simplify the process, saving time and administrative costs.

6. Skilled labour

Portugal has a highly qualified labour forceand recognised on the European scene.

7. Access to cutting-edge technologies

2025 is the year of the consolidation of Artificial intelligence and automationtools that boost productivity and reduce operating costs.

8. Growth of the digital economy

E-commerce continues to grow. According to CTT E-Commerce 2024 reportThe sector has a turnover of around 12 billion a year in Portugal.

9. Change in consumer habits

Changes in consumption patterns open up space for innovative business modelsmore digital, personalised and sustainable.

10. Achieving financial and professional independence

Starting your own business is the way to stop working for third parties, to conquer the professional independence and, with effort, also the financial independence.