Reference metadata describe statistical concepts and methodologies used for the collection and generation of data. They provide information on data quality and, since they are strongly content-oriented, assist users in interpreting the data. Reference metadata, unlike structural metadata, can be decoupled from the data.
Instituto Nacional de Estatística / Statistics Portugal
1.2. Contact organisation unit
Business Statistics Unit, Department of Economic Statistics
1.3. Contact name
Confidential because of GDPR
1.4. Contact person function
Confidential because of GDPR
1.5. Contact mail address
Av. António José de Almeida
1000-043 Lisboa
1.6. Contact email address
Confidential because of GDPR
1.7. Contact phone number
Confidential because of GDPR
1.8. Contact fax number
Confidential because of GDPR
2.1. Metadata last certified
8 August 2025
2.2. Metadata last posted
8 August 2025
2.3. Metadata last update
8 August 2025
3.1. Data description
The annual Business demography data collection covers variables which explain the characteristics and demography of the business population. The methodology allows for the production of data on enterprise births (and deaths), that is, enterprise creations (cessations) that amount to the creation (dissolution) of a combination of production factors and where no other enterprises are involved (enterprises created or closed solely as a result of e.g. restructuring, merger or break-up are not considered).
A summary of the available indicators is listed below. The data is available at EU, country and regional level, with breakdowns for type of activity, legal form and size class.
For the population of active enterprises:
Number of active enterprises
Number of enterprise births
Number of enterprise survivals up to five years
Number of enterprise deaths
Related variables on employment: 'employees' and 'persons employed' (employees and self-employed persons)
For the population of active employer enterprises:
Number of enterprises having at least one employee
Number of enterprises having the first employee
Number of enterprises having no employees anymore
Number of enterprise survivals up to five years
Related variables on employment: 'employees' and 'persons employed' (employees and self-employed persons)
For high-growth enterprises, the following indicators are available at EU and country level:
Number of high-growth enterprises (growth by 10% or more)
Number of employees of high-growth enterprises
Number of young high-growth enterprises (up to five years old high-growth enterprises)
Number of employees of young high-growth enterprise
3.2. Classification system
From 2008 onwards NACE Rev.2 classification (Statistical Classification of Economic Activities in the European Community) is used for all indicators.
The new NUTS 2024 came into force in 2024. Therefore, the data for 2022 onwards sent to Eurostat already follows this new classification.
3.3. Coverage - sector
Starting with reference year 2021, BD data cover the economic activities of market producers within the NACE Rev. 2 Sections B to N, P to R and Divisions S95 and S96. The total economy is presented as Industry, construction and services (code BTSXO_S94).
For the reference years 2008-2020, data for the Sections P, Q, R and S were provided on a voluntary basis and K64.2 was not covered.
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
BD constitutes an important and integrated part of the EU Regulation 2019/2152 on European Business Statistics (EBS Regulation).
In this point, for the active units Statistics Portugal used the following inclusion criteria:
Companies = total of turnover or main expenditures, or employment greater than zero (0);
Sole proprietors = turnover or employment greater than zero (0).
In short, Statistics Portugal considers enterprises that perform market activities.
For exclusion we use the following criteria:
Legal form - non-market activities.
NACE Rev.2 activities - Sections O, T and U.
3.5. Statistical unit
Portuguese data refers to enterprises.
The enterprise is the smallest combination of legal units that is an organizational unit producing goods or services, which benefits from a certain degree of autonomy in decision-making, especially for the allocation of its current resources. An enterprise carries out one or more activities at one or more locations. An enterprise may be a sole legal unit.
For detailed information on statistical units, please see Council Regulation (EEC) No 696/93 of 15 March 1993 on the statistical units for the observation and analysis of the production system in the Community (Official Journal of the European Communities No L 076, 30 March 1993, p. 1), Section III of 15 March 1993 on the statistical units for the observation and analysis of the production system in the Community.
3.6. Statistical population
The BD regulation covers the economic activities of market producers within the business economy – NACE Rev. 2 Sections B to N, P to R and Divisions S95 and S96, and all size classes are covered.
In the addicional datasets on employer business demography, the threshold is set to one employee at any time of the reference period. The following thresholds are used:
1 employee - population of employer enterprise;
10 employees in the beginning of the growth - population of high-growth enterprises and young high-growth enterprises ('gazelles').
3.7. Reference area
The Business Demography statistics comprise all territories of Portugal.
3.8. Coverage - Time
1998-2023
But length of comparable time series: 2008-2020.
Break in data series between 2007 and 2008:
In the Portuguese statistical system, SBS data is one on the main inputs for the compilation of annual national accounts. The implementation of ESA 2010 in the National Accounts brought some changes that also affect business statistics, namely, changes in the classification of the institutional sector of the entities, thus affecting the delimitation of the business sector. One of the most important changes was the reclassification of several public institutional units, previously in the non-financial companies sector, in the sector of Public Administrations, such as the cases of enterprise-hospitals.
Another change was related with the classification of the institutional sector of some entities, and it is necessary to distinguish the Holding Companies from Head-offices. In National Accounts, the former are excluded from the institutional sector of non-financial companies, while the latter are part of that sector. These changes had immediate impact on IBAS, which, in order to increase consistency with the National Accounts, resulted in a revision of the business statistics data series.
This revision included, on the one hand, the reclassification of business units between section K of the NACE Rev. 2.1 - Financial and insurance activities, and section M - Professional, scientific and technical activities. Statistics Portugal took advantage of this moment to update the calculation of the main economic indicators for section K.
Taking the opportunity to review the series of statistical data, certain improvements were made in the treatment of information, namely in what regards the treatment of some tax on products and the concept of enterprise, which has led to adding companies previously not considered and to the revision of economic data of others.
In the case of the tax on products, where these values were included in the value of sales, they were reclassified as other gains, which affects, consequently, the final turnover and GVA. This amendment is in line with the recommendations of the European regulation, and also with the treatment of data carried out in the context of the National Accounts.
Taking this into account, Statistics Portugal undertook a comprehensive revision of data for the years 2008 to 2014. This revised datasets were submitted to Eurostat in 2017, and are comparable with data from 2015 to 2020.
Break in data series between 2020 and 2021:
Entry into force of the EU Regulation 2019/2152 on European Business Statistics (EBS Regulation) and implementation of the enterprise statistical unit, in accordance with the Council Regulation (EEC) No 696/93 of 15 March 1993 on the statistical units for the observation and analysis of the production system in the Community (Official Journal of the European Communities No L 076, 30 March 1993, p. 1), Section III of 15 March 1993 on the statistical units for the observation and analysis of the production system in the Community.
Data for the year 2023 was subsequently transmitted in June 2025.
3.9. Base period
Not applicable.
The number of active, birth, death and survival enterprises, as well as high-growth enterprises is expressed in units.
The number of employees is counted as head counts and is expressed in units.
The number of persons employed is the sum of number of employees and self-employed persons.
The number of self-employed persons is the average number of persons who were at some time during the reference period the sole owners or joint owners of the statistical unit in which they work, measured in annual average headcounts, expressed in units.
Derived indicators are expressed in units or percentages
The data from BD pertains to the calendar year and, in the majority of instances, aligns with the fiscal year. This report is predicated upon the reference year 2023.
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
Starting with reference year 2021, two new regulations form the legal basis of BD statistics:
Before reference year 2021, EU Regulation 2008/295 on structural business statistics, Annex IX, was providing a legal basis for the BD data collection. The Commission implementing EU Regulation 2014/439 ensured data collection on employer enterprises (with at least one employee), high-growth enterprises (more than 10% annual growth over three years) and their employment.
Up to reference year 2006 data have been collected under gentlemen's agreement within the context of the development of Structural Business Statistics.
6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing
Not applicable.
7.1. Confidentiality - policy
The Statistical Confidentiality Policy of Statistics Portugal is underpinned by the constitutional framework of the Portuguese Republic, specifically enshrined in Law 22/2008 of 13 May. This legislation establishes the fundamental principles, rules, and organizational structure of the National Statistical System, with a specific emphasis on the Principle of Statistical Confidentiality (Article 6). Additionally, it incorporates the provisions outlined in Regulation 223/2009 of 11 March (Article 20et seq.), as amended by Regulation 2015/759 of 29 April. This regulation provides the legal framework governing the development, production, and dissemination of European statistics, alongside Regulation (EU) 557/2013 of 17 June, which addresses access to confidential data for scientific purposes.
The policy is also guided by principles collectively agreed upon by European Union Member States, as articulated in the European Statistics Code of Conduct (2nd revision/2017). Notably, Principle 5 within this code specifically addresses Statistical Confidentiality. The broader context of this policy is informed by the Fundamental Principles of Statistics Officials, originally established by the United Nations Statistical Commission in 1994 and subsequently approved by the United Nations General Assembly in January 2014 (Principle 6).
Concerning the processing of personal data, the execution of statistical activity aligns with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April, laying down rules for the protection of individuals regarding the processing of personal data and the free movement of such data. This adherence is complemented by other applicable legislation in this domain.
For further and comprehensive information on the Statistical Confidentiality Policy, please refer to the Statistics Portugal Web Portal.
7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
Confidentiality is rigorously maintained in accordance with the aforementioned regulations. Data of a genuinely confidential nature, as defined by the specified regulation, are appropriately flagged as such, and Eurostat refrains from their publication. Eurostat ensures the availability of all non-confidential data through its dissemination website.
Statistics Portugal (SP) employs Tau-Argus for confidentiality treatment. In the context of primary confidentiality, the established rule dictates that any cell containing 1 or 2 enterprises is confidential. Regarding secondary confidentiality, Tau-Argus provides guidance to prioritize cells with lower turnover. The dominance rule is not employed in this process.
SP undertakes proactive measures to minimize the number of confidential cells. Various tests of diverse nature have been conducted to identify the optimal combination that guarantees the lowest incidence of confidential cells. The implemented measures to reduce the number of confidential cells has yielded highly favourable outcomes.
7.2.1. Confidentiality rules (primary and secondary)
Data treatment
Remarks
Confidentiality rules applied
yes
no remarks
Threshold of number of enterprises (Number)
less than 3
no remarks
Number of enterprises non confidential, if number of employments is confidential
yes
no remarks
Dominance criteria applied
no
no remarks
If dominance criteria is applied, specify the threshold (in %) and the method of applying the dominance rules
no remarks
Secondary confidentiality applied
yes
no remarks
If secondary confidentiality is applied, explain the rules and the methods used
not applicable
See section 7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
7.2.2. Measures taken to reduce the number of confidential cells
Data treatment
Remarks
Measures taken to reduce the number of confidential cells
yes
no remarks
If measures have been taken, describe them briefly
Statistics Portugal have made several and different kinds of tests, in order to find the best combination that ensured the lowest level of confidentiality cells.
no remarks
Impact of these measures
good
no remarks
8.1. Release calendar
Preliminary data for High-growth enterprises were disseminated twelve months subsequent to the conclusion of the reference year (T+1), while the final data were made publicly available fifteen months after the reference year (T+2).
8.2. Release calendar access
Access to the release calendar is provided via the following hyperlink.
8.3. Release policy - user access
In accordance with the legal framework of the community and the European Statistics Code of Practice, Statistics Portugal (SP) disseminates BD data on SP's website while upholding professional independence. This dissemination is conducted in an objective, professional, and transparent manner, ensuring equitable treatment of all users.
The Dissemination Policy of Statistics Portugal establishes the fundamental principles that govern the release of official statistics, whether produced directly or indirectly under its purview. These principles are aligned with the core tenets of the National Statistical System, emphasizing technical independence, statistical confidentiality, quality, and accessibility.
Annual.
10.1. Dissemination format - News release
The BD results are published in the form of an annual press release (online), with the final data. To check the dates on which the data was released at national level, please refer to Section 8.1. Release calendar.
10.2. Dissemination format - Publications
For the reference year 2023, final results of the BD were made public through a dedicated press release:
This release serves as a comprehensive medium for presenting the principal statistical insights pertaining to the configuration and development of the Portuguese non-financial business sector. The findings, elucidated through graphs and tables, offer a detailed and accessible overview of key aspects. It is noteworthy that while the press releases are accessible in English, it is important to mention that only a part of it is presented in English.
As a complement to the available information, users have the option to request additional data by completing an online form in the Statistics Portugal Web Portal.
The general practice is to synchronize the update of online databases with the press releases. For the 2023 dataset, the final data were released 13 months after the conclusion of the reference year (T+2). A detailed account of user engagement, as reflected in the number of accesses, can be found in Section 12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction, providing valuable insights into the significance and reception of the disseminated information.
10.3.1. Data tables - consultations
Not requested.
10.4. Dissemination format - microdata access
Within the domain of the SBS/BD, researchers are afforded the opportunity to access anonymized microdata in a manner that ensures the non-identification of enterprises. Recognizing the unique statistical needs of the academic community, particularly in the context of research projects, Master's and Doctoral theses, Statistics Portugal has entered into a Protocol with the Ministry of Education and Science. This collaborative initiative aims to facilitate researchers' access to the requisite statistics for their scholarly pursuits.
To streamline this process, the Directorate-General for Education and Science Statistics (DGEEC), formerly known as the Planning, Strategy, Assessment, and International Relations Office, provides prospective researchers with prior accreditation and comprehensive information. Each research project necessitates the submission of an application for accreditation to DGEEC, inclusive of required documents such as:
Before the accreditation application, researchers are advised to consult the databases accessible under this protocol. Accreditation is exclusively granted for access to databases within this project, and only accredited researchers are entitled to complimentary access to statistical micro-databases for research purposes, aligning with the established Protocol with Statistics Portugal.
To enhance user comprehension, concise explanations pertaining to the definitions of key concepts and methodological details are appended at the conclusion of press releases. These explanatory notes serve to provide users with a contextual understanding of the main concepts presented in the disseminated information. In instances where further clarification or detailed elucidation is warranted, supplementary support information is made available to users upon request. Moreover, comprehensive methodological notes are systematically published in the Metadata System, ensuring transparency and accessibility.
10.6.1. Metadata completeness - rate
Not requested.
10.7. Quality management - documentation
The Business Statistics unit meticulously documents its entire workflow and procedures for internal reference and purposes. This documentation serves as a comprehensive resource detailing theintricacies of the processes undertaken within the unit. For further insight or information, please visit the Statistics Portugal Web Portal.
Statistics Portugal is part of the European Statistical System (ESS) and has adopted the European Statistics Code of Practice – the Code – as firm guidance for the success of its mission. Since its last revision (November 2017), the Code comprises the Quality Declaration of the European Statistical System, 16 Principles and 84 indicators of best practices and standards for each of the Principles, defining the European benchmarks for the statistical activity, covering the institutional environment, statistical processes and statistical outputs.
More information is available at Statistics Portugal website.
11.2. Quality management - assessment
A rigorous validation process is integral to the production of BD, involving a thorough comparison of the current data with the previous year's figures. Special attention is given to identifying substantial changes in the data, particularly in relation to key variables. Additionally, cross-referencing with other reliable information sources is undertaken whenever possible to ensure data accuracy and reliability.
Statistics Portugal applies the recommendations outlined in EU Regulations, thereby upholding high standards in statistical practices.
The most recent comparable data covers the period 2008-2023, despite the entry into force of the EU Regulation 2019/2152 on European Business Statistics (EBS Regulation) and implementation of the enterprise statistical unit in the 2021 data (see sub-concept 3.8.).
Leveraging administrative sources for nearly all data, coupled with a very low non-response rate, instils confidence in the limited presence of biases, underscoring the commitment to data quality and integrity in the production of BD.
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
Users of Business Demography Statistics (BD) data are categorized as either internal or external stakeholders.
Main internal users include:
Department of Economic Statistics;
Department of National Accounts;
Coordination of Territorial Statistics;
Department of Methodology and Information Systems.
Main external users are:
Ministries and public administrations that use these data for economic and social policy planning purposes;
Universities and research organizations;
General public which gets the information via mass media through publications made by Statistics Portugal;
Eurostat.
The national-level data published diverge from the information forwarded to Eurostat, as Statistics Portugal furnish more detailed insights at geographic and economic activity code levels. Nonetheless, the data for the same variables remain consistent.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
A user satisfaction survey has not been conducted, and the volume of feedback received is limited. Some users have expressed the need for data to be presented at a more granular geographic level. In 2024 and in the first semester of 2025, there were 29,389 downloads, consideering the online Business Demography tables and indicators.
12.3. Completeness
Overall 100% of the data required by the EBS Regulation was provided. All non-confidential data has been published.
12.3.1. Data completeness - rate
100%
13.1. Accuracy - overall
Not requested.
13.2. Sampling error
Not applicable.
13.2.1. Sampling error - indicators
Not applicable.
13.3. Non-sampling error
The methods employed to address unit non-response involve comparing information gathered from administrative data with that from the Business Register. Since the submission of information is mandatory, measures for minimizing unit non-response are not applicable. Statistics Portugal retains the authority to impose fines on entities failing to submit their Simplified Business Information declaration (IES).
In 2023, through a comparison between the Business Register and administrative data, approximately 23,176 non-respondent units were identified in the administrative source. This accounts for about 1.6% of the total number of enterprises, 3.5% of persons employed, and 4.8% of turnover. However, information from the Business Register is accessible for these variables. As these variables are directly derived from the reference frame drawn from the Business Register, our non-response rate for these variables is zero. For other variables, estimates are made, taking turnover into account.
Given that administrative sources are utilized for nearly all information and the non-response rate is minimal, Statistics Portugal considers that the bias is very low. This implies that the bias has limited impact on the overall accuracy of the estimate.
To identify out-of-scope units, Statistics Portugal uses activity codes and information about the institutional sector. The estimated number of deleted entities that fall out of scope is around 15,844 units in 2023.
13.3.1. Coverage error
Not requested.
13.3.1.1. Over-coverage - rate
Not requested.
13.3.1.2. Common units - proportion
Not requested.
13.3.2. Measurement error
Not applicable.
13.3.3. Non response error
Not applicable.
13.3.3.1. Unit non-response - rate
Not applicable.
13.3.3.2. Item non-response - rate
Not applicable.
13.3.4. Processing error
Not applicable.
13.3.5. Model assumption error
Not applicable.
14.1. Timeliness
Usually, the final data is released around 13 months after the reference period (T+2).
In terms of collecting data, the administrative information from enterprises is accessible around mid-July (T+1). However, data for individual businesses is not available until September (T+1). The detailed data obtained from specific questionnaires becomes available in December (T+1).
When it comes to sending information to Eurostat, the preliminary data is typically sent within 12 months after the reference period concludes, while the final data is sent within 18 months.
14.1.1. Time lag - first result
Not requested.
14.1.2. Time lag - final result
Not requested.
14.2. Punctuality
The final data should be submitted to Eurostat 18 months following the conclusion of the reference period (T+2). Preliminary data, on the other hand, is expected to reach Eurostat within 12 months after the conclusion of the reference period (T+1).
14.2.1. Punctuality - delivery and publication
Statistics Portugal sent the data within the estimated deadlines.
15.1.1. Asymmetry for mirror flow statistics - coefficient
Not applicable.
15.2. Comparability - over time
a) First reference year available (calendar year):
2005
b) Breaks in time series and reasons for the breaks:
Break in data series between 2007/2008 and 2020/2021 (see Section 3.8. Coverage - Time)
c) Outliers in time series:
Not applicable.
15.2.1. Length of comparable time series
2005-2007 (NACE Rev. 1.1)
2007-2009 (NACE Rev. 2)
New series: 2004-2012 (NACE Rev. 2)
New series ESA 2010: 2008-2023 (NACE Rev. 2)
Taking into account the entry into force of NUTS 2024 (see section 3.2. Classification system), some indicators at regional level are only comparable from 2021 onwards, as a result of sending the 2022 data in the new NUTS and resending the 2021 data also in this new NUTS.
15.3. Coherence - cross domain
Regarding number of enterprises, number of employees and self-employed and number of employees there is total coherence between SBS and BD.
15.3.1. Coherence - sub annual and annual statistics
Not applicable.
15.3.2. Coherence - National Accounts
Not requested.
15.4. Coherence - internal
The internal consistency of the data (links between variables, coherence between data series, etc.) are checked before it is finalised. The aggregates are always consistent with their main sub-aggregates.
Not requested.
17.1. Data revision - policy
Statistics Portugal carries out a revision policy. For the time being, there has been no need to revise data for the Business Demography.
17.2. Data revision - practice
Final data promptly replace preliminary data once they become available.
The main difference, between preliminary and provisional death data, is due to the methodology used. For provisional data we follow the method suggested on the BD manual, checking between populations. For preliminary data, Statistics Portugal uses administrative data updated and available on a yearly basis, a combination of business registers and formation and dissolution (Ministry of Justice) to estimate data for societies and sole proprietors. In what concerns to self-employed persons as Statistics Portugal does not have a reliable source, it is estimated according to the last available death rate.
In 2020, Statistics Portugal analyzed 2012-2017 provisional and definitive enterprise deaths data. It was observed that every year there was a high number of reactivations by self-employed in the number of provisional deaths. In order to improve the quality of provisional deaths and consequently the estimated ones, Statistics Portugal decided to estimate in advance the value of reactivations based on the average value of reactivations in the last 6 years and eliminate it immediately from provisional deaths. As, in the case of self-employed, estimated deaths are calculated from provisional deaths, these too have been adjusted. This change has an impact on both the number of provisional deaths and the number of estimated deaths for the years 2018 onwards. The aim was to approximate the number of estimated and provisional deaths to the number of definitive deaths.
17.2.1. Data revision - average size
Statistics Portugal did not make any revisions on Business Demography data.
18.1. Source data
a) Type of data source:
BD uses mostly administrative data as a source. From Simplified Business Information (IES) Statistics Portugal receives information of companies and from the Tax administration information about sole proprietors. This fiscal data complements the data from the Portuguese Business Register, which is subject to updates at any time.
b) Coverage of SBR (Statistical Business Register):
Statistics Portugal has all the necessary coverage (NACE activities and legal forms). For companies, the criteria for inclusion in BD, is that the total of turnover or main expenditures, or employment are greater than zero (0). For sole proprietors only the turnover or employment are greater than zero (0). In resume, Statistics Portugal considers on BD the enterprises that perform market activities. The SBR includes all enterprises.
c) Matching, profiling or imputation:
In the context of the Portuguese Business Register, Statistics Portugal has developed an exhaustive coverage of demographic events. The result is an annual data set which identifies and links the following information:
enterprises before the event
enterprises after the event
type of event
The sources for this new data set are administrative data and the results of several business surveys carried out by Statistics Portugal.
18.1.1. Concepts and sources
Regarding concepts, Business Demography constitutes an important and integrated part of the EU Regulation 2019/2152 on European Business Statistics (EBS Regulation) and the concepts are those included in EBS Regulation (see above point 3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions). About Sources see above Section 18.1. Source data.
18.2. Frequency of data collection
Annual.
18.3. Data collection
Business demography variables are compiled from the national statistical business register.
18.3.1. Data matching
In the context of the Portuguese Business Register, Statistics Portugal has developed an exhaustive coverage of demographic events. The result is an annual data set which identifies and links the following information:
enterprises before the event
enterprises after the event
type of event
The sources for this new data set are administrative data and the results of several business surveys carried out by Statistics Portugal.
Following the above matching procedure, it is possible to eliminate false births and deaths. Statistics Portugal adopts this method, one and only, instead of the complete matching process recommended in BD methodology because the results of the matches on name, economic activity and location were not satisfying, i.e. identifying a high number of false matches.
There were 128 enterprises out of scope in 2022 that are in scope in 2023. On the other hand, there are 106 enterprises out of scope in 2023 that were in scope in 2022. This changes are related do the NACE where the enterprises are classified in each reference year.
When comparing the different birth and death populations we have detected the following reactivations:
Births 2023 = 24,554
Deaths 2021 = 24,624
18.3.2. Manual checks
For reference year 2023, Statistics Portugal investigated 450 births and 347 deaths (2022), which cover all the births and deaths with 20 or more employees and with large turnover but no employees. This manual checking was carried out exhaustively. 75% of the births (2023) and 80% of the deaths (2022) were confirmed as real births and deaths.
Several foreign enterprises start or cease their activity with a large number of employees and do not have any links to other enterprises already existent in Portugal.
In a more deep analysis, Statistics Portugal can find the largest real births in the following activities (considering the division level of NACE Rev. 2):
Insurance, reinsurance and pension funding, except compulsory social security
Financial service activities, except insurance and pension funding
Education
Manufacture of fabricated metal products, except machinery and equipment
Manufacture of other non-metallic mineral products
Regarding the largest real deaths (considering the division level of NACE Rev. 2), Statistics Portugal can find, mostly, the following:
Security and investigation activities
Repair and installation of machinery and equipment
Employment activities
Printing and reproduction of recorded media
Manufacture of food products
Statistics Portugal assumes there is no need to check surviving enterprises, because it is done an exhaustive check of demographic events.
18.4. Data validation
Before sending to Eurostat, the following checks are performed: hierarchical, inter-variable plausibility, confidential and completeness.
18.5. Data compilation
Statistics Portugal relies heavily on administrative data as the primary source of information, given that more than 95% of the data produced under SBS/BD is derived from administrative sources.
18.5.1. Imputation - rate
Not requested.
18.6. Adjustment
Not applicable.
18.6.1. Seasonal adjustment
Not applicable.
The annual Business demography data collection covers variables which explain the characteristics and demography of the business population. The methodology allows for the production of data on enterprise births (and deaths), that is, enterprise creations (cessations) that amount to the creation (dissolution) of a combination of production factors and where no other enterprises are involved (enterprises created or closed solely as a result of e.g. restructuring, merger or break-up are not considered).
A summary of the available indicators is listed below. The data is available at EU, country and regional level, with breakdowns for type of activity, legal form and size class.
For the population of active enterprises:
Number of active enterprises
Number of enterprise births
Number of enterprise survivals up to five years
Number of enterprise deaths
Related variables on employment: 'employees' and 'persons employed' (employees and self-employed persons)
For the population of active employer enterprises:
Number of enterprises having at least one employee
Number of enterprises having the first employee
Number of enterprises having no employees anymore
Number of enterprise survivals up to five years
Related variables on employment: 'employees' and 'persons employed' (employees and self-employed persons)
For high-growth enterprises, the following indicators are available at EU and country level:
Number of high-growth enterprises (growth by 10% or more)
Number of employees of high-growth enterprises
Number of young high-growth enterprises (up to five years old high-growth enterprises)
Number of employees of young high-growth enterprise
8 August 2025
BD constitutes an important and integrated part of the EU Regulation 2019/2152 on European Business Statistics (EBS Regulation).
In this point, for the active units Statistics Portugal used the following inclusion criteria:
Companies = total of turnover or main expenditures, or employment greater than zero (0);
Sole proprietors = turnover or employment greater than zero (0).
In short, Statistics Portugal considers enterprises that perform market activities.
For exclusion we use the following criteria:
Legal form - non-market activities.
NACE Rev.2 activities - Sections O, T and U.
Portuguese data refers to enterprises.
The enterprise is the smallest combination of legal units that is an organizational unit producing goods or services, which benefits from a certain degree of autonomy in decision-making, especially for the allocation of its current resources. An enterprise carries out one or more activities at one or more locations. An enterprise may be a sole legal unit.
For detailed information on statistical units, please see Council Regulation (EEC) No 696/93 of 15 March 1993 on the statistical units for the observation and analysis of the production system in the Community (Official Journal of the European Communities No L 076, 30 March 1993, p. 1), Section III of 15 March 1993 on the statistical units for the observation and analysis of the production system in the Community.
The BD regulation covers the economic activities of market producers within the business economy – NACE Rev. 2 Sections B to N, P to R and Divisions S95 and S96, and all size classes are covered.
In the addicional datasets on employer business demography, the threshold is set to one employee at any time of the reference period. The following thresholds are used:
1 employee - population of employer enterprise;
10 employees in the beginning of the growth - population of high-growth enterprises and young high-growth enterprises ('gazelles').
The Business Demography statistics comprise all territories of Portugal.
The data from BD pertains to the calendar year and, in the majority of instances, aligns with the fiscal year. This report is predicated upon the reference year 2023.
Not requested.
The number of active, birth, death and survival enterprises, as well as high-growth enterprises is expressed in units.
The number of employees is counted as head counts and is expressed in units.
The number of persons employed is the sum of number of employees and self-employed persons.
The number of self-employed persons is the average number of persons who were at some time during the reference period the sole owners or joint owners of the statistical unit in which they work, measured in annual average headcounts, expressed in units.
Derived indicators are expressed in units or percentages
Statistics Portugal relies heavily on administrative data as the primary source of information, given that more than 95% of the data produced under SBS/BD is derived from administrative sources.
a) Type of data source:
BD uses mostly administrative data as a source. From Simplified Business Information (IES) Statistics Portugal receives information of companies and from the Tax administration information about sole proprietors. This fiscal data complements the data from the Portuguese Business Register, which is subject to updates at any time.
b) Coverage of SBR (Statistical Business Register):
Statistics Portugal has all the necessary coverage (NACE activities and legal forms). For companies, the criteria for inclusion in BD, is that the total of turnover or main expenditures, or employment are greater than zero (0). For sole proprietors only the turnover or employment are greater than zero (0). In resume, Statistics Portugal considers on BD the enterprises that perform market activities. The SBR includes all enterprises.
c) Matching, profiling or imputation:
In the context of the Portuguese Business Register, Statistics Portugal has developed an exhaustive coverage of demographic events. The result is an annual data set which identifies and links the following information:
enterprises before the event
enterprises after the event
type of event
The sources for this new data set are administrative data and the results of several business surveys carried out by Statistics Portugal.
Annual.
Usually, the final data is released around 13 months after the reference period (T+2).
In terms of collecting data, the administrative information from enterprises is accessible around mid-July (T+1). However, data for individual businesses is not available until September (T+1). The detailed data obtained from specific questionnaires becomes available in December (T+1).
When it comes to sending information to Eurostat, the preliminary data is typically sent within 12 months after the reference period concludes, while the final data is sent within 18 months.
