The number of companies established in Portugal by September increased by 3.7% compared to the same period in 2024, with 1,636 more companies created, marking the highest count in 20 years, according to the Informa D&B Barometer.
In terms of sectors witnessing growth in company formation compared to the previous period, real estate activities stood out with a 23% increase, amounting to 1,025 new establishments. The construction sector followed with a 16% increase and 805 new companies, while business services rose by 5.3%, resulting in 391 new establishments.
The growth in company formations was pervasive across almost the entire country, with the Algarve as the only region experiencing a slight decline of 1.3%, or 35 fewer establishments, mainly in the transport sector.
The transport sector saw the most significant decline, dropping by 12% or 880 fewer companies, continuing a trend of decrease observed for over a year after several years of robust growth.
The retail sector also experienced a decline, down by 7.1% or 284 fewer new companies, while general services saw a reduction of 1.8%, equating to 117 fewer new establishments.
The North region recorded the highest number of new company formations with 14,200, also showing the largest growth compared to the same period last year, at 5.0%.
Insolvencies also decreased, with around 1,676 companies initiating insolvency processes between January and late October this year, reflecting a 4.3% decrease compared to the previous period. This decline follows two consecutive years of increases in insolvency figures.
By the end of October, 9,622 companies had closed down across the country, representing a decrease compared to the same period last year.
