Freelancer & Self-Employed Setup
Freelancer & Self-Employed Setup
Choosing between ENI / Recibos Verdes and a company (e.g., Unipessoal Lda / Lda, S.A.) changes taxes, social charges, take-home pay, and risk. We compare your options using P&L scenarios and real tax/Social Security impacts to optimise cost, risk, and flexibility—then hand you a clear recommendation and an implementation checklist.
What you get (deliverables):
Scenario modelling: ENI/Recibos Verdes vs Unipessoal Lda vs Lda (and edge cases) with side-by-side P&L + tax/SS impact for the first 3 years of your business activity.
Clarity on efficiency: You’ll clearly see which structure is most cost- and tax-efficient for your case—and start with peace of mind, knowing exactly how much tax you’re expected to pay at year end.
Tax notes: VAT regime pointers, dividend vs salary basics, Social Security implications, and thresholds to watch.
Timeline: 5–7 business days after intake.
Prerequisites: Expected revenue/costs, founder structure (owners, %), and hiring plans (now / next 12 months).
Not included: Incorporation or monthly accounting setup (available separately).
How it works (step-by-step):
Kickoff (30–40 min): Understand your business model, growth plans, and risk tolerance.
Data & assumptions: We collect headline figures (revenue, costs, salaries/dividends) and any sector specifics.
Model & compare: We run 2–3 practical scenarios (today vs growth) showing net cash to founders, compliance burden, and risk.
Recommend: You get a clear choice (with “why”), tax notes, and a timing trigger (e.g., revenue/hiring thresholds).
After purchase: Within 24 hours you’ll receive a link to book your kickoff and a short intake to provide headline numbers.
Great pairings:
Company Registration (if a company wins)
Freelancer Registration
CAE & CIRS Codes Selection
Monthly Compliance & Accounting Support (ongoing)
Bank Account Setup Assistance (personal/corporate)
Your fast-track to a clean start as a freelancer in Portugal. We handle the essentials—codes, registration, licenses, bank account, and your first filings—so you can invoice legally and stay compliant from day one.
What you get (deliverables):
CAE & CIRS selection/validation (correct activity & income categories, with VAT/withholding notes)
ENI (Recibos Verdes) registration at Finanças + activation proof
Bank account opening (included): 20-min kickoff call, document checklist, branch accompaniment or Power of Attorney route (where allowed), pre-submission review, coordination with the bank
Licensing checklist + step-by-step guide for your sector/location (authorities, documents, fees, timelines)
First IVA (VAT) filing (if applicable) with filing proof
First Social Security quarterly declaration with submission receipt
Tax & Declarative Calendar (12 months) covering IVA/IRS/SS deadlines and simple reminders
Timeline:
With licensing: typically 2–4 weeks end-to-end (sector/municipality dependent).
Without licensing: typically ~5 working days.
Note: Bank account timing varies by bank/route (+1–5 business days typical; PoA can add notary/processing time).
Prerequisites: NIF, NISS (or parallel applications), basic business info (what you sell, where/how you operate), Portal das Finanças and Segurança Social Direta access.
For bank opening: ID/passport, proof of address, and (for PoA) a notarised procuração (apostille/translation if signed abroad), plus any bank-specific forms.
Not included: Government/bank/notary fees, historical bookkeeping clean-up, payroll, or complex advisory (available as add-ons).
How it works (step-by-step):
Kickoff (30–40 min): Map your activity, choose CAE/CIRS, confirm VAT/withholding, align bank route (branch vs PoA).
Register ENI: We file your start of activity at Finanças and send activation proof.
Open bank account: We schedule the branch visit and accompany you, or run the PoA route end-to-end (where permitted).
Licensing map (if needed): Tailored permit checklist with application walkthroughs and timings.
First filings: We prepare and submit your first IVA return (if required) and first Social Security declaration—you get receipts/proofs.
Go-live pack: Tax & Declarative Calendar + simple invoicing/e-Fatura tips to keep you compliant.
After purchase: Within 24 hours you’ll get a link to book your kickoff, a short intake, and a secure upload folder so we can begin immediately.
Great pairings:
Monthly Compliance & Accounting Support (Subscription) — €175/month — hands-off bookkeeping, IVA/SS filings, tidy records, and quarterly reviews.
Annual IRS Tax Return Filing — accurate year-end filing with a plain-English summary.
We prepare and file your Portuguese IRS annual tax return (Modelo 3 + relevant annexes) for income earned in Portugal only—accurately, on time, and in plain language. We check eligible deductions/credits and give you a clear results summary.
Have income outside Portugal? Please book our “IRS Tax Return — PT + Foreign Income” service instead.
What you get (deliverables):
Prepared IRS return for Portugal-sourced income only (employment, PT self-employment/ENI, PT pensions, PT rentals, PT investments where in-scope)
Electronic submission to Finanças
Filing proof/receipt for your records
One-page results summary: tax due/refund, key drivers, and simple tips for next year
Timeline: Draft delivered within 5–10 business days after we receive complete information.
Declarative period: April 1 – June 30 (each tax year).
Prerequisites: Annual income documents for Portugal only (salary statements, Recibos Verdes summary, rent/investment statements, e-Fatura receipts for deductions), Portal das Finanças access, and basic personal details (marital status, dependents).
Not included:
Any foreign income (book “IRS — PT + Foreign Income”)
Complex capital gains/crypto, corporate filings, or formal tax planning (ask for an add-on/custom quote if needed)
How it works (step-by-step):
Intake: Upload your PT income docs via our secure link (or book a 15–20 min handover).
Review & prepare: We classify income, validate deductions/credits, and draft your Modelo 3.
Confirm: You review the draft figures and our notes.
File: We submit electronically and send filing proof + payment/refund guidance.
Next steps: Short checklist to keep receipts and optimise next year.
After purchase: Within 24 hours you’ll receive a link to book your kickoff (or complete the intake) and an upload checklist so we can start immediately.
Great pairings:
Quarterly VAT (IVA) Filing (if VAT-registered)
Quarterly Social Security Filing (ENI)
ENI Monthly Compliance Support
We prepare and file your Portuguese IRS annual tax return accurately and on time—and highlight optimisations and deductions that apply to your case. We also handle international income (employment, self-employment, pensions, investments) and apply relevant tax treaty rules. We do not work with income earned in offshore or black-listed jurisdictions. You’ll get a plain-English summary and clear payment/refund instructions.
What you get (deliverables):
Prepared IRS return (Modelo 3 + relevant annexes)
Electronic submission to Finanças
Filing proof/receipt for your records
One-page results summary: tax due/refund, what changed vs last year, and simple tips for next year
How it works (step-by-step):
Intake: Upload your docs via our secure link (or book a 15–20 min handover).
Review & prepare: We classify PT and eligible foreign income, validate deductions/credits, and draft your return.
Confirm: You review the draft numbers and our optimisation notes.
File: We submit your return electronically and send the filing proof + payment/refund guidance.
Next steps: Short checklist to keep receipts and plan deductions for the new tax year.
Timeline: Draft delivered within 5–10 business days after we receive complete information.
Declarative period: April 1 – June 30 (each tax year).
Prerequisites: Annual income documents for Portugal and any foreign income (simple, treaty-standard cases), Portal das Finanças access, and basic personal details (marital status, dependents, education/health receipts if relevant).
Not included: Complex capital gains/crypto, corporate filings, or income from offshore/black-listed territories (ask for a custom quote if you’re unsure whether your case qualifies).
After purchase: Within 24 hours you’ll receive a link to book your kickoff (or complete the intake) and an upload checklist so we can start immediately.
Great pairings:
Quarterly VAT (IVA) Filing (if VAT-registered)
Quarterly Social Security Filing (ENI)
ENI/Recibos Verdes Monthly Compliance Support (hands-off bookkeeping + filings)
We prepare and file your quarterly IVA accurately and on time—and explain what you owe or can recover. You’ll get a short, plain-English summary so you always know where you stand.
What you get (deliverables):
IVA calculation based on your quarterly sales and purchases
Electronic submission to Finanças
Filing proof/receipt for your records
Brief results summary: amount due or credit, payment/refund notes, and what to watch next quarter
Timeline: We deliver the draft 3–5 business days before the deadline (assuming timely documents).
Prerequisites: Quarterly sales & purchase records and invoices (including EU/non-EU as applicable); Portal das Finanças access.
Not included: Bookkeeping catch-up or invoice cleanup (available as add-ons), payment execution on your behalf.
After purchase: Within 24 hours you’ll receive a link to book a quick handover (10–15 min) or complete a short intake, plus an upload folder for your docs.
Great pairings:
ENI Monthly Compliance Support (hands-off bookkeeping + filings)
Quarterly Social Security Filing
Annual IRS Tax Return Filing
Get a precise, no-surprises map of the licenses and permits your activity really needs in Portugal—plus step-by-step instructions to obtain each one. We translate the rules into plain language, flag common pitfalls, and outline timelines, fees, and who to contact.
What you get (deliverables):
License/permit checklist (required, conditional, nice-to-have) with responsible authorities
Application walkthroughs for each item (forms, documents, where to submit, how to book appointments)
Typical timelines & fees (government costs, expected processing windows)
Premises readiness notes (if a location is involved: fit-out, safety, hygiene, accessibility basics)
Compliance tips that affect future inspections (signage, records, renewals)
Next steps plan that sequences what to do first (so you don’t block yourself)
Timeline: 5–10 business days, depending on sector complexity and whether a physical location is involved.
Prerequisites: Short business model description (who you serve, what you sell, to whom), and address/location if applicable (or target municipality if still scouting).
Not included: Filing applications on your behalf, in-person visits, or paying government fees (available as add-ons).
After purchase: Within 24 hours you’ll receive a link to book your kickoff call (15–20 min) and our short intake form. We start as soon as you submit.
Great pairings:
CAE & CIRS Codes Selection (align codes with the licensed activity)
Freelancer Registration / Company Registration
Bank Account Setup (if the license requires IBAN proof)
Your NISS (Número de Identificação de Segurança Social) is your Social Security number in Portugal. It’s required to pay contributions, access benefits, and start activity as a freelancer (ENI/Recibos Verdes) or as a company director/employee. We make the process simple—documents, submission, and clear next steps.
What you get:
20-min kickoff call to confirm your route (freelancer/employee/director) and timeline
Document checklist tailored to your situation
Application submission to Social Security
Your NISS issued (confirmation PDF/notice)
Contribution overview for your case (how rates are set, what to expect next)
Timeline: Usually 3 business days after we receive complete documents (timing can vary by workload and route).
Prerequisites: Valid ID/Passport, NIF, and basic enrollment details (e.g., activity description for freelancers, employer/company details for employees/directors).
Good to know:
Freelancers typically need a NISS before or in parallel with registering/start of activity.
Contribution rates and timing depend on your status (freelancer vs. employee/director); we’ll clarify what applies to you.
If you’re an employee, your employer also registers you for payroll contributions once you have a NISS.
Not included: Ongoing/quarterly contribution filings or payments (book “Quarterly Social Security Filing”), historic clean-up, or formal legal opinions.
After purchase: Within 24 hours we’ll email you a link to book your kickoff call and a short intake form. You’ll also receive the document checklist and a clear next-steps outline.
We prepare and submit your quarterly Social Security declaration (Segurança Social Direta) and flag any changes to your contribution rate. You’ll get a clear note on what’s due and when—no surprises.
What you get (deliverables):
Quarterly declaration prepared and submitted
Submission receipt/proof for your records
Contribution note: what you owe, due date, and any rate or base changes to watch next quarter
Timeline: We deliver the draft 2–5 business days before the deadline (assuming timely data).
Prerequisites: Quarterly income data (freelance receipts/turnover) and access to Segurança Social Direta (login).
Not included: Payment execution on your behalf or detailed contribution planning/optimisation (available as add-ons).
After purchase: Within 24 hours you’ll get a link to book a quick handover (10–15 min) or complete a short intake, plus a secure upload folder for your data.
Great pairings:
Quarterly VAT (IVA) Filing (if VAT-registered)
ENI Monthly Compliance Support (hands-off bookkeeping + routine filings)
Annual IRS Tax Return Filing
We guide you through opening a Portuguese bank account without surprises—requirements, appointment, document review—and we can either accompany you to the branch or open the account for you via power of attorney (when the bank permits). We handle personal accounts, self-employed (ENI/Recibos Verdes) accounts, and corporate accounts.
Includes: An initial 20-minute call to choose the best bank, confirm required documents, and decide whether PoA is needed.
Deliverables: 20-min kickoff call • Bank doc checklist • Appointment scheduling + on-site accompaniment (if chosen) • Pre-submission review • Power-of-attorney route available (we prepare the PoA template and liaise with the bank).
Timeline: 3–10 business days depending on the bank and chosen route (PoA can add notary/processing time).
Prerequisites:
Personal/ENI: NIF, ID/passport, proof of address.
Corporate: Company incorporation docs (e.g., Articles/Constituição), company NIF, RCBE/beneficial-owner info, director/shareholder IDs, and proof of address.
PoA route: Notarized procuração (apostille/translation if signed abroad), plus any bank-specific forms.
Not included: Bank fees or approval guarantees.
After purchase: Within 24 hours we’ll email you a link to book your kickoff call and outline your next steps (document list, bank options, and PoA instructions if applicable).’0º0p
Your Portuguese tax number (NIF) is the first key you’ll need for life and business in Portugal. We make it simple—in person or 100% remote. We’ll guide you on documents, act as (or coordinate) your fiscal representative (FR) when required, and handle the power of attorney (PoA) route if you prefer not to attend.
What you get (deliverables):
20-min kickoff call to confirm the best route (in-person vs remote) and your timeline
Document checklist tailored to your case
Fiscal representation setup (if needed) or FR coordination
Power of Attorney when applicable
Your NIF issued (printed slip in person or PDF via email for remote)
Next-steps cheatsheet: Portal das Finanças login + e-notifications guidance
Timeline: Typically 2–7 business days after we receive complete documents (processing times can vary)
Good to know: Non-residents can obtain a NIF. A fiscal representative may be required depending on your situation and future “tax events” (e.g., buying property, starting activity). If you remain non-resident and enable e-notifications shortly after getting your NIF, you may not need an ongoing FR. We’ll advise what fits your case.
After purchase: Within 24 hours you’ll get a link to book your kickoff call and a short intake form so we can start immediately.
The right CAE (economic activity code) and CIRS (income category for IRS) ensure your registration, VAT regime, and withholdings match what you actually do. We analyze your activities and recommend precise codes so you start clean—and avoid rework, penalties, or mismatched taxation later.
What you get (deliverables):
Recommended CAE code(s) (and sub-activities where relevant)
CIRS category mapping
Notes on VAT & IRS that apply to your case
Timeline: 1–2 business days after intake.
Prerequisites: A short description of your services/products.
Good to know:
Correct codes affect VAT regime, IRS tax, and Social Security implications.
If you operate multiple lines (e.g., services + digital products), we’ll map primary vs. secondary codes.
For regulated activities, pair this with our Licensing Requirements Guide.
Not included: Filing the registration or changing codes at Finanças (book “Freelancer Registration” or “Company Registration”).
Ready to go official?
We’ll handle your full registration as a self-employed professional (Recibos Verdes / ENI) in Portugal — including launching your activity with Tax Office and Social Security. You’ll be legal, registered, and ready to issue invoices.
What you get (deliverables):
CAE & CIRS code selection/validation for your activity
Registration submission at Finanças
Activation confirmation (proof for your records)
Tax & Declarative Calendar for your first year (key deadlines for IVA, IRS, Social Security, and invoicing)
Timeline:1–3 business days after we receive complete documents.
Prerequisites: NIF, NISS (or parallel request), bank IBAN, address, short activity description.
Not included: Social Security start of activity or first declarations (book “Quarterly Social Security Filing”).
Great pairings:
Portuguese NIF / NISS Application (if missing)
Quarterly VAT (IVA) Filing and Annual IRS Return (once active)
Legal Form Selection based on P&L & Tax Plan
Not sure what to pick?
Book a free 15-minute discovery call.
In one quick chat, we clarify your goals, budget, and timeline—so freelancers and companies choose the fastest, most cost-effective path.
FAQs
-
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
-
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
-
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
-
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.