The entry into force of Ordinance no. 6-C/2025, published on 6 January, brings significant changes to the digitalisation of administrative processes for companies in Portugal. From 7 January 2025, directors, managers or officers of public limited companies, private limited companies, single-member private limited companies and cooperatives will automatically have their business attributes assigned and certified through the Professional Attribute Certification System (SCAP).
This certification allows for authentication and a qualified digital signature using the Citizen’s Card or the Digital Mobile Key, as representatives of the entities.
The automatic attribution occurs when the appointment of administrators, managers or directors is definitively registered, and an electronic receipt is made available on the Single Digital Services Portal – gov.pt, confirming that the SCAP can be used. This feature simplifies and speeds up access to the tools needed to conduct business and administrative acts digitally.
In addition, the termination of the functions of directors, managers or officers, as well as the cancellation of the registration of the companies referred to, will automatically cancel the certification of the associated business attributes, reinforcing the updating of registers in real-time.
The qualified electronic signature certified by SCAP can be used in various acts, including commercial registration and beneficial ownership registration, promoting greater efficiency and reducing costs for companies and managers.
This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to accelerate the digital transformation and reduce bureaucracy in business procedures in Portugal, increasing trust in digital interactions between companies, and public and private entities.
Corporate Department
Rita Tigeleiro Afonso | Cláudia Silva de Lima
