Chapter XI · Conversion of companies · Section II · Cross-border conversions

Article 140-C Applicable law

Artigo 140.º-C · Direito aplicável

Código das Sociedades Comerciais · Decree-Law No. 262/86 · consolidated text checked 26 October 2026

#

1. Cross-border conversion procedures are governed by the provisions of this Section and, on a subsidiary basis, by the provisions on domestic conversions, in particular as regards the conversion decision-making process, protection of creditors of the companies being converted, of bondholders and of employees’ rights not governed by special legislation, without prejudice to the following paragraph.

1 - Aos processos de transformação transfronteiriça aplicam-se as disposições da presente secção e, subsidiariamente, as disposições relativas às transformações internas, em especial no que respeita ao processo de tomada de decisão relativo à transformação, à proteção dos credores das sociedades objeto de transformação, dos credores obrigacionistas e dos direitos dos trabalhadores que não sejam regulados por lei especial, sem prejuízo do disposto no número seguinte.

#

2. The procedures and formalities to be completed in order to obtain the pre-conversion certificate for the cross-border conversion are governed by the law of the departure Member State, that is, the State in which the company is registered, while the procedures and formalities following receipt of the pre-conversion certificate are governed by the law of the destination Member State, that is, the State to which the company transfers its registration and its registered office.

2 - Aos procedimentos e às formalidades a cumprir para a obtenção do certificado prévio à transformação transfronteiriça aplica-se o direito do Estado-Membro de partida, ou seja, aquele em que a sociedade se encontra registada, aplicando-se aos procedimentos e às formalidades posteriores à receção do certificado prévio o direito do Estado-Membro de destino, ou seja, aquele para o qual a sociedade transfere o seu registo e a sua sede estatutária.

What we checked in this article

The subsidiary application of the domestic conversion rules and the split between departure-State law (up to the pre-conversion certificate) and destination-State law (after its receipt) are retained.

Is Article 140-C relevant to a company you run or plan to set up?

We advise on Portuguese company law in English every day: formation, capital, members’ resolutions, managers’ liability and restructuring. A written answer and a fixed quote within one working day.

Unofficial English translation prepared by BCA Portugal for reference. Only the Portuguese text published in the Diário da República has legal force. Editorial notes are ours and are not part of the statute.

Applying the law

Portuguese company law, explained in English by the people who apply it

Reading the statute is the first step. Applying it to your articles of association, your capital and your board is where mistakes cost money. Tell us what you are deciding and we will set out the rules that apply and what it costs to get it done.

Get a quote