Accounting in Portugal, explained in words you understand
You run the business. We take care of the accounts, the filings and the deadlines, and explain every number without jargon.
Your business grows with you. Your obligations, with us.
Companies: Lda and single-member
Every company needs full accounts and a certified accountant. We take that on from the first month.
Self-employed workers
You issue recibos verdes and want to know whether you charge VAT, how much to set aside for IRS and what to declare to Social Security.
You want to change accountant
You don't understand what your accountant sends you, or you get no answers. You can switch, and we handle the transition carefully.
You have things pending
A late return, unpaid VAT, a debt with Finanças. There's a way to sort it out, and we start with a diagnosis.
Accounts in order. Peace of mind.
Accounting for companies
Full accounts for your company, with bookkeeping, year-end closing and annual filings, signed by a certified accountant.
Accounting for the self-employed
If you work on recibos verdes, under the simplified regime or with full accounts, whichever is better for you.
Periodic VAT returns
We prepare and submit your VAT returns on time, monthly or quarterly, depending on your tax setup.
Invoices validated
We check and validate invoices on e-fatura, the Finanças system where the purchases and sales under your NIF are recorded.
Sorting out pending matters
We find what's overdue, file what's missing and, if there's a debt, apply to pay it in instalments.
Accounting advice
Ask before you decide. Changing regime, hiring someone, distributing profits: we run the numbers and show you the impact.
How we take over your accounting
- 01
Diagnosis
We understand your activity, your turnover and what's already been filed. If anything is overdue, you find out straight away.
- 02
Organised handover
If you had another accountant, we request the documents and take over your obligations without letting any deadline slip in between.
- 03
Monthly routine
You send invoices and statements. We record them, calculate taxes and tell you what to pay and when.
- 04
Year-end closing
We close the accounts and file your company's annual returns or your IRS, with every number explained.
The VAT exemption has a limit
If you invoice up to 15,000 € a year, you can generally be exempt from VAT under article 53 of the VAT Code. Above that amount, or in certain activities, your invoices must include VAT. We track your turnover so the change happens at the right time.
What people ask before they start.
Do self-employed workers need an accountant in Portugal?
Under the simplified regime, it's not mandatory. But many people get VAT, Social Security and IRS wrong for lack of guidance. With full accounts, by choice or because of turnover, a certified accountant becomes mandatory.
What's the difference between the simplified regime and full accounts?
Under the simplified regime, Finanças applies a coefficient to what you invoiced to calculate the tax. With full accounts, tax is charged on actual profit, income minus proven expenses. We simulate both to see which works better for you.
When do self-employed workers have to keep full accounts?
When income from the activity exceeds the simplified regime limit, currently 200,000 € a year, under the IRS Code rules. Below that, full accounts are optional. We confirm your setup based on your history.
What obligations does a company have in Portugal?
The main ones include VAT returns, the IRC return (corporate income tax) and the annual accounting information return, the IES. If you have employees, payroll and Social Security obligations come in too. We build your company's calendar.
When do I need to charge VAT on my invoices?
When you're no longer exempt. The article 53 exemption generally applies if you invoice up to 15,000 € a year and don't carry out certain activities. Above that, you charge VAT and submit the periodic return.
How do I change accountant in Portugal?
You notify your current accountant and the new one takes over the role on the Finanças Portal. What matters is receiving all the documents and not leaving any return without an owner during the switch. We handle the handover for you.
What does validating invoices on e-fatura mean?
E-fatura is where Finanças records invoices issued under your NIF. Some need to be classified, as business expenses or IRS deductions. Validating them correctly avoids paying more tax than you should.
I'm behind on my returns. Can I still sort it out?
Yes. The first step is to see what's missing and file it, because sorting it out on your own initiative is usually better than waiting for a notice. We map it out and show you the way, without judgement.
Does SEVEN's accounting work online?
Yes. You send documents from your phone, and we can talk online or in person in Albufeira, Faro or Porto. Wherever you are in Portugal, you can work with us.
We're with you the whole way.
Start a company
Set up your company in Portugal, as an Lda, a single-member company or a sole trader, with the right tax setup.
Learn moreIRS tax return
File your IRS, the Portuguese income tax return, and register or close self-employed activity with clear guidance.
Learn moreNISS and Social Security
Get your NISS, the Portuguese social security number, and set up Segurança Social Direta without the headache.
Learn moreNIF in Portugal
Get your NIF, the Portuguese tax number, here or from abroad, with people who know the way at Finanças.
Learn moreThere's always a way.
The right numbers, confident decisions. There's always a way.
SEVEN is with you from your arrival to your own business. Talk to us and get accounting you understand, done the right way.