Checklist: how to vet a company before hiring or investing

6 minute read

1. Verify that the company legally exists

• Look up its exact legal name and tax identification number.
• Check the business registry of its country (in Spain, the Registro Mercantil Central; in Portugal, the Portal da Justiça; in Italy, the Registro Imprese).
• Be suspicious if the website shows no legal name, tax ID or physical address.

2. Analyse its online presence

• How long has its domain existed? A domain registered two months ago claiming "15 years of experience" does not add up.
• Does it have active, consistent profiles on professional networks?
• Do its contact details work? Test the phone number and email before paying anything.

3. Read reviews methodically

• Search for the company in our directory and on other platforms.
• Read the middle-range reviews (2–4 stars): they usually contain the most useful and credible criticism.
• Watch how the company replies to criticism: an aggressive or evasive answer says a lot.

4. Direct red flags

• Pressure to decide "today" or lose the offer.
• Payment only by bank transfer, crypto or platforms without buyer protection.
• Promises of guaranteed returns with no risk.
• Confusing contracts, or refusal to put the terms in writing.

5. After your experience, share it

If you do hire or invest, leave your review when you are done. Other people's safe decisions depend on those who already went through it telling what they found.