Portugal Business structure
Beauty salon in Portugal: self-employed or a company?
Your job title alone does not determine the right structure. Consider how you work, ongoing costs and your plans to move before deciding. These are the points to prepare for your business: Beauty salon.
Let’s discuss your project
A few details to understand your business and the next step.
Bertrand Jayol receives your enquiry for an initial assessment. Referral to the partner is considered with your agreement. Privacy
01 / Your business
How you earn shapes the questions to ask
- Non-medical beauty services within the defined offer.
- Manicure, hand care and associated services.
- Cosmetics sales and appointment management.
Choosing a business structure
| Consideration | Self-employed activity | Company |
|---|---|---|
| Organisation | Business carried on in your name; identify the applicable registration steps. | A separate entity; define ownership and management. |
| Administration | Understand the regime applying to your work and the returns required. | Allow for incorporation and organised accounting with a certified accountant. |
| Decision | Consider simplicity and the way your business will operate. | Consider ownership, organisation and recurring costs. |
There is no universal answer based only on your profession or turnover. These points prepare a discussion, not a personalised tax calculation.
Define services before equipping treatment rooms
ERS distinguishes beauty services from aesthetic healthcare. In mainland Portugal, the latter has specific professional and establishment requirements. Have the offer classified before purchasing devices or promising treatment: incorporating a beauty business does not automatically permit medical procedures.
For each room, list equipment, consumables, service duration, maintenance and turnaround time. Plan what information is collected, who can access it and what happens when a service cannot be provided. Gather technical specifications, practitioner qualifications and a precise service menu to prepare opening. Keep retail product income visible separately from time spent delivering appointments.
02 / Next steps for your project
Questions to prepare your application
- Which devices and techniques do you plan to use?
- Will healthcare professionals work at the premises?
- Who is responsible for each treatment room and its invoices?
Portugal
Before you incorporate
Registering as self-employed and incorporating a company are different routes. The choice depends on how your business actually operates. A Portuguese company alone does not determine your tax residence or the treatment of every source of income.
Information to gather
- Your country of residence and where you actually work.
- A description of the services or products you sell.
- Whether your customers are businesses or individuals, and their countries.
- Any shareholders, existing business structure and your planned timing.
Sources and references
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