The CAE — Portuguese Classification of Economic Activities is a 5-digit numeric code that identifies the economic activity a company or sole trader carries out in Portugal. It is assigned at the start of activity and drives the tax treatment, obligations and access to support schemes. Each entity has a main CAE and may have secondary CAEs.
What the CAE is
The CAE is how the State classifies "what the company does". It is used by the Tax Authority, Social Security, INE (statistics) and by licensing and funding bodies. The code comes from the Portuguese Classification of Economic Activities, aligned with the European NACE classification.
How the CAE code is structured
The Portuguese CAE has 5 digits, organised hierarchically from the most general activity to the most specific:
| Level | Example (CAE 68100) |
|---|---|
| Section (letter) → real estate | L |
| Division (2 digits) | 68 — Real estate activities |
| Subclass (5 digits) | 68100 — Buying and selling of real estate |
Where the CAE matters
- Taxation — VAT and IRC treatment, simplified-regime coefficients, specific taxes;
- Licensing — some activities require licences or specific requirements;
- Support and funds — many incentives (e.g. EU funds) are restricted to certain CAEs;
- Statistics and credit — banks and INE use the CAE for sector analysis.
How to look up a company's CAE
- Tax Authority portal — in the taxpayer's registration details;
- Permanent Certificate from the commercial registry;
- Start/change-of-activity confirmation filed at the tax office.
A certified accountant can confirm and change the CAE when the activity changes.
How to choose the right CAE
The CAE should reflect the activity actually carried out. Common mistakes: choosing a code that is too generic, or missing a secondary CAE for a relevant activity (which can block invoicing or support). Before starting activity, it is worth validating the CAE with your accountant — see also the tax obligations of a new company.
Common CAE examples
- 68100 — Buying and selling of real estate
- 68200 — Renting of real estate
- 62010 — Computer programming activities
- 70220 — Business and management consultancy
- 56101 — Traditional restaurants
- 41200 — Construction of buildings
How HVR helps
We validate the main and secondary CAEs at start of activity and adjust them as the business evolves, ensuring the correct tax treatment and access to support. See our accounting services.
Frequently asked questions about the CAE
What is a company's CAE?
It is the 5-digit code of the Portuguese Classification of Economic Activities that identifies the activity a company carries out, used by the Tax Authority, Social Security, INE and licensing bodies.
How do I find a company's CAE?
On the Tax Authority portal (registration details), on the Permanent Certificate, or on the start-of-activity confirmation. A certified accountant can also confirm it.
What is CAE 68100?
CAE 68100 is the activity of buying and selling real estate, within division 68 (real estate activities).
Can I have more than one CAE?
Yes. Each entity has a main CAE and may have several secondary CAEs for its other activities.
Can I change the CAE after starting activity?
Yes. The CAE is changed through a changes declaration at the tax office, usually handled by the accountant when the activity changes.