Title VII · Criminal provisions

Article 510 Unlawful acquisition of quota interests or shares

Artigo 510.º · Aquisição ilícita de quotas ou acções

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

#

1. A manager or director of a company who, in breach of the law, subscribes for or acquires for the company its own quota interests or shares, or instructs another person to subscribe for or acquire them on the company’s account, even if in that person’s own name, or on any basis makes funds available or provides guarantees of the company so that another person may subscribe for or acquire quota interests or shares representing its capital, is punishable by imprisonment for up to 2 years or a fine.

1 - O gerente ou administrador de sociedade que, em violação da lei, subscrever ou adquirir para a sociedade quotas ou ações próprias desta, ou encarregar outrem de as subscrever ou adquirir por conta da sociedade, ainda que em nome próprio, ou por qualquer título facultar fundos ou prestar garantias da sociedade para que outrem subscreva ou adquira quotas ou ações representativas do seu capital, é punido com pena de prisão até 2 anos ou com pena de multa.

#

2. A manager or director of a company who, in breach of the law, acquires for the company quota interests or shares of another company which is in a reciprocal holdings relationship or a relationship of control with it is likewise punishable by imprisonment for up to 2 years or a fine.

2 - O gerente ou administrador de sociedade que, em violação da lei, adquirir para a sociedade quotas ou ações de outra sociedade que com aquela esteja em relação de participações recíprocas ou em relação de domínio é, igualmente, punido com pena de prisão até 2 anos ou com pena de multa.

What we checked in this article

Both offences (own quota interests or shares, including financial assistance, and holdings in a company in a reciprocal holdings relationship or a relationship of control) carry imprisonment for up to 2 years or a fine.

Is Article 510 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