English-Speaking Accountant in Lisbon for Expats and SMEs

HVR Business Consulting is a certified accounting firm in Lisbon, serving 200+ SMEs and international clients across Portugal since 2014. Founded by Hugo Ribeiro, Certified Accountant (OCC) with over 25 years of experience. Monthly accounting from €150. Free consultation within 24 hours.

By Hugo Ribeiro, Certified Accountant (OCC) · HVR Business Consulting · Parque das Nações, Lisbon · Updated: April 2026

Why Expats and International SMEs Choose HVR

Moving to Portugal or running a business from abroad requires an accountant who understands both Portuguese tax law and the specific needs of international clients. At HVR Business Consulting, Hugo Ribeiro has been a Certified Accountant registered with the Ordem dos Contabilistas Certificados (OCC) since 2000. Our firm specialises in supporting expats, digital nomads, freelancers and SMEs with complete compliance and proactive tax planning.

We serve clients with Golden Visa, D7 Visa, D2 Visa and IFICI/NHR status, as well as Portuguese and foreign companies operating locally. Our approach is direct, personal and transparent: you get a dedicated accountant, not a call centre. Communication in English, Portuguese and Spanish.

Who We Serve

HVR works with a defined set of client profiles:

• Expats and international residents — tax residency, IFICI/NHR optimisation, Portuguese income tax (IRS), annual tax returns
• Freelancers with Portuguese activity — self-employed registration, VAT (IVA), quarterly filings, social security
• Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) — full bookkeeping, corporate tax (IRC), payroll, statutory reports
• Startups and tech companies — IT sector tax optimisation, SIFIDE R&D credit, stock options, investor reporting
• Real estate owners — rental income, capital gains, Alojamento Local, IMI property tax
• Golden Visa and D7 investors — tax framework after relocation, international income reporting

Our Services

Company Accounting — from €150/month. Full bookkeeping, VAT filings, corporate tax (IRC), payroll, statutory reports. Dedicated accountant and monthly reporting.

Business Consulting — strategic and tax planning. Tax optimisation, company structure, holding setup, international tax planning, M&A due diligence.

External CFO — strategic financial management for SMEs without a full-time CFO. Budgeting, cash flow management, investor reporting, KPI dashboards.

How to Start Working With Us

1. Request a free consultation via our contact form or by phone
2. We analyse your current situation within 24 hours
3. You receive a written proposal with scope, price, and start date
4. If you have a current accountant, we handle the transition at no extra cost
5. We set up secure document sharing and start working from day one

Free Tools for Portugal Tax 2026

• Net Salary Simulator 2026
• Green Receipts (Freelancer) Simulator 2026
• IMT Property Tax Calculator 2026
• Capital Gains Calculator 2026

Key Resources for Expats

• Portugal Tax for Foreigners 2026 — Complete Guide
• Portuguese NIF — Complete Guide for Foreigners
• Open a Company in Portugal as a Foreigner
• IFICI / NHR 2.0 Tax Regime Explained
• Tax Return Portugal 2026 — Deadline and How to File

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an accountant cost in Lisbon?

At HVR, monthly accounting plans start at €150 (Essencial), €300 (Professional) and €600 (Premium), all excluding VAT. The price depends on company size, number of employees and complexity of operations. A free diagnostic consultation clarifies the right plan.

Do you work with expats who don't speak Portuguese?

Yes. All client communication can be conducted in English, and our team also speaks Spanish. Documents are explained in plain language, and quarterly summary reports are available in English on request.

Can HVR help me optimise taxes under the IFICI or former NHR regime?

Yes. We advise on eligibility, application timing, income sourcing and the annual tax declarations required to remain compliant under the IFICI (Fiscal Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation) regime — the successor to the former Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) scheme since 2024.

Do I need a Portuguese accountant if I have a Golden Visa?

If your Golden Visa investment generates income in Portugal (rental, dividends, capital gains from Portuguese assets), you need to file Portuguese tax returns and comply with local reporting obligations. Even with a fund-based Golden Visa, annual IRS filing is usually required once you establish tax residency.

How long does it take to switch accountants?

The typical transition takes 2 to 6 weeks: 30 days' notice to your current accountant, document retrieval and Portal das Finanças registration. At HVR we manage the entire process at no additional cost.

Does HVR handle company formation for foreigners?

Yes. We guide international clients through the entire process of opening a Portuguese company (Lda. or Unipessoal), including name approval (RNPC), capital structure, articles of association, tax registration, social security and bank account setup. Typical timeframe: 5-10 business days.

What industries does HVR specialise in?

We work across startups, real estate, hospitality, healthcare, technology, retail and e-commerce. Hugo Ribeiro has specific expertise in IT sector tax planning, property rental taxation and international holding structures.

Contact

HVR Business Consulting
Avenida da Boa Esperança, loja 4A
1990-043 Parque das Nações, Lisbon, Portugal
Phone: +351 965 463 618
Email: info@hvr.pt
Monday to Friday, 09:00-18:00