How to Open a Restaurant or Mini-Market in Portugal: Licences and Steps

Last updated: 28 September 2026 · By Haider Shah, accounting technician in Portugal

Restaurants, takeaways and mini-markets are among the most common businesses opened by immigrants in Portugal. The process is simpler than many people think, but mistakes with the premises or hygiene rules can close you down quickly.

1. Choose how you’ll operate

You can run the business as a sole trader (opening activity at Finanças) or through a company (Lda). A company is common when there are partners or significant investment.

2. Check the premises first

This is the most important step. Before you sign a lease, check that the property has a licence of use (licença de utilização) compatible with your activity: commerce, or food and drink service. A shop licensed as a clothing store cannot simply become a restaurant with a kitchen without new permits from the municipality (Câmara Municipal).

3. Submit the mera comunicação prévia

Restaurants, cafés, bars and food shops (including mini-markets) are subject to the mera comunicação prévia, a prior declaration submitted online through the Balcão do Empreendedor on ePortugal. After submitting it and paying the municipal fee, you can open. You do not have to wait for an approval, but you are responsible for meeting all requirements.

4. Hygiene and food safety

• An internal food safety system based on HACCP principles (many businesses hire a consultant)
• Hygiene training for everyone who handles food
• Separate areas for raw and cooked food, temperature records for fridges, pest control
• Food products must be labelled correctly, including allergens

ASAE (the food and economic safety authority) inspects restaurants and shops. Serious hygiene problems can lead to immediate closure.

5. Other mandatory things

• An electronic complaints book (livro de reclamações), plus the physical book and its sign
• Opening hours in line with municipal rules
• Prices displayed
• Certified invoicing software and a card terminal
• Sale of alcohol and tobacco must follow the legal rules (no sale to under-18s)
• Music or TV in the shop may need licences from the rights societies

6. Staff

Register every worker with Social Security before they start, sign contracts and get work accident insurance. See hiring your first employee and what the ACT checks.

Official sources

• gov.pt – Abrir um estabelecimento de restauração ou bebidas
• DGAE – Mera Comunicação Prévia
• DGAE – Guia para aplicação do RJACSR
• DGAE – Guia da Restauração

This guide is general information, checked against official sources on 28 September 2026. Rules and portals in Portugal change often, so confirm the current rules with the official source before you act. It is not legal advice.