Expats in Portugal — Tax, Company & Accounting Resources
If you're an expat in Portugal — relocating, freelancing, or founding a company — this hub gathers every English-language resource HVR maintains: IFICI tax regime (the NHR replacement, 20% flat rate for 10 years), opening a Portuguese company (from €360, 1-day turnaround), accounting for foreign-owned businesses, freelancing under recibos verdes, and switching accountants. All services delivered in English with one bilingual team based in Lisbon since 2014.
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Quick navigation by intent
I'm moving to Portugal and want the lowest-tax regime
The IFICI regime gives qualifying tech professionals, R&D specialists and other highly-qualified workers a flat 20% tax rate on Portuguese-source income for 10 years. Hard deadline: 15 January of the year after becoming resident.
→ IFICI Tax Advisor — Application + Annual Filing (transactional service, from €250)
→ IFICI Reference Guide (deep-dive comparison vs NHR)
I want to open a company in Portugal
Lda, Unipessoal Lda or SA — choose the right structure, register in 1 business day, set up accounting from day one. HVR provides a turnkey package including NIFs, fiscal representation coordination, bank account introductions, and 12 months of accounting.
→ Open a Company in Portugal — Service + Pricing (from €360 / €2,500 turnkey for foreigners)
→ Accounting for Foreign-Owned Companies in Portugal — Pillar Guide
I'm self-employed (recibos verdes / autónomo)
Open activity at the Tax Authority, register at Social Security (21.4% contribution rate), choose between simplified or organised accounting regime, and manage VAT exemption thresholds (€15,000 for 2026).
→ Freelancers in Portugal — Pillar Guide
I already live in Portugal and want to change accountant
Standard 30-day notice, request your SAF-T files and prior tax returns, register the new accountant on Portal das Finanças. HVR handles the full transition at no cost for new clients.
→ How to Change Your Accountant in Portugal
I want to compare HVR pricing
HVR accounting from €150/month (Essential) / €300/month (Professional) / €600/month (Premium). Freelancer-focused IFICI filing at €450/year. Company formation from €360 (Empresa na Hora).
→ HVR Accounting Packages — Full Pricing
→ Interactive Pricing Calculator (5 questions)
Why expats choose HVR
- Bilingual team since 2014 — every contract, report and tax explanation in English on request
- Single point of contact — Hugo Velez Ribeiro, Certified Accountant (OCC) since 2000, with 25+ years of experience including expat tax cases
- Lisbon office (Parque das Nações) — physical address near Oriente metro station, plus 100% remote service for clients elsewhere in Portugal or abroad
- End-to-end ownership — NIF, company formation, IFICI application, annual filings, payroll: one team, one fee, no hand-offs
- Bank introductions — established relationships with Millennium BCP, ActivoBank, Bison Bank for non-resident accounts
- Specialised expat verticals — IFICI, fiscal representation coordination (non-EU), Madeira Free Trade Zone, double tax treaty applications
Common scenarios HVR handles
- US tech founder relocating to Lisbon — IFICI application, US-PT double tax treaty, Portuguese Lda for European market entry, payroll structuring (salary at 20% IFICI + dividends taxed at corporate level)
- UK freelancer using D8 Digital Nomad Visa — recibos verdes setup, UK-PT tax treaty, IRS Category B simplified or organised regime, Social Security exemption analysis
- Indian or Brazilian software engineer joining Portuguese company — IFICI eligibility verification, NIF + tax residency setup, employment contract optimisation
- French or German investor opening Portuguese SPV — Lda or SGPS holding structure, real estate vs operating company, participation exemption regime
- Expat already in Portugal, NHR ending soon — transition planning to IFICI (where eligible), corporate restructuring options, pension income strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
What tax regime do expats in Portugal use in 2026?
New tax residents from 1 January 2024 onwards apply for IFICI — the replacement for NHR. IFICI offers a 20% flat rate on Portuguese-source income from eligible activities (tech, R&D, qualified professionals) for 10 consecutive years. The old NHR is closed to new applicants but residents who registered before 31 Dec 2023 retain their NHR benefits.
Can expats open a Portuguese company without being resident?
Yes. Non-residents can incorporate Portuguese companies. Required: Portuguese NIF (obtainable remotely with fiscal representative for non-EU residents), proof of identity, capital deposit. The full process can be completed remotely with power of attorney.
Does HVR offer services in English?
Yes. HVR has a bilingual team. All client communication, contracts, monthly reports and tax explanations are available in English on request. We've handled NHR/IFICI cases since 2014.
How much does accounting cost for an expat-owned business?
HVR packages: €150/month (Essential, ≤50 documents, 2 employees), €300/month (Professional, ≤200 documents, 10 employees), €600/month (Premium, unlimited + CFO support). For freelancers, IFICI annual filing alone is €450/year.
What is the difference between NHR and IFICI?
NHR closed to new applicants on 31 December 2023. IFICI replaced it from 1 January 2024 with stricter eligibility (only specific high-value activities) but the same 20% flat rate. IFICI does NOT include the old NHR pension exemption — foreign pensions are now taxed at standard Portuguese rates.
Get started
The fastest path is a free 30-minute consultation: bring your situation (relocation timeline, profession, contract type, residency country) and we'll give you a clear roadmap.
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