How to Change Your Accountant in Portugal (2026 Guide)
Changing your accountant in Portugal is a simple process that usually takes 2 to 6 weeks. Terminate the contract in writing with the notice period it sets, collect the documentation (your accountant has up to 60 days to hand it over), and confirm the new Certified Accountant on the Portal das Finanças (tax authority portal); the confirmation is immediate, but the new accountant must notify the Order of Certified Accountants of the contract at least 15 days before starting. There are no mandatory costs, and your tax obligations continue uninterrupted.
When Does It Make Sense to Change Accountants?
The most common reasons companies switch accountants in Portugal include:
- Lack of responsiveness or poor communication
- Errors in tax filings or missed deadlines
- Pricing that is not competitive with the market
- Need for sector-specific expertise (startups, real estate, hospitality)
- Business growth requiring a partner with greater capacity
- Lack of proactive advice — your accountant only reacts, never anticipates
- Language barriers — you need an English-speaking firm
The Process in 4 Steps
Step 1 — Terminate the contract in writing
Terminate the service contract with your current accountant with the notice period the contract sets (if it has none, agree the leaving date in writing). Send the notice by email or registered letter to keep proof of the communication. No justification is required, but check the duration: when the accountant works independently, the contract lasts at least one financial year unless it ends for just cause or by mutual agreement (article 9(2) of the Code of Ethics of Certified Accountants).
Step 2 — Request all documentation
Ask your current accountant for:
- SAF-T accounting files (all tax years)
- Tax returns submitted (VAT, IRC corporate income tax, IES annual return, Modelo 22, monthly DMR)
- Trial balances and financial statements
- Proof of submission of returns and payments
- Tax dossier where applicable
- Employment contracts and payroll files
Your accountant must hand over the books and documents in their possession within 60 days of termination, to the company or to whoever it names in writing (for example, directly to the new accountant), with a signed delivery record listing them (article 15 of the Code of Ethics of Certified Accountants). In case of refusal, you can file a complaint with the Order of Certified Accountants (OCC).
Step 3 — Verify obligations are up to date
Before formalising the change, confirm on the Portal das Finanças and Social Security portals that all returns have been submitted and there are no outstanding debts (debt clearance certificate on Portal das Finanças and contribution status statement on Segurança Social Direta). Before the tax authority, missing returns remain the company's obligation even if the delay came from the previous accountant; the new accountant does not inherit that responsibility.
Step 4 — Register the new accountant on Portal das Finanças
The new Certified Accountant starts the appointment on the Portal das Finanças and your company confirms it straight away under «Confirmar Nomeação de Contabilista Certificado», choosing whether to grant full filing powers. No confirmation letter has been needed since May 2020, so confirmation on the portal is immediate. Before that, the new accountant must notify the Order of Certified Accountants of the contract within 30 days of signing and at least 15 days before starting (article 9(4) of the Code of Ethics). From confirmation onwards, they take over the reporting obligations.
Contact Between Accountants and Unpaid Fees
Before accepting, the new Certified Accountant contacts the previous accountant in writing and confirms that fees, expenses and salaries have been paid (article 74(2) of the Statute of the Order of Certified Accountants). If amounts that are due and payable remain unpaid, the new accountant should not take on the role until they are paid (article 16(2) of the Code of Ethics); a new accountant who skips this contact becomes liable for the unpaid amounts (article 74(3) of the Statute, as amended by Law 68/2023). The previous accountant has 15 days to reply (article 16(4) of the Code of Ethics), and if contact is impossible, the new accountant informs the Order.
In the last three months of the financial year, an accountant cannot refuse to sign that year's tax returns and financial statements without a justified reason recognised by the Order (article 72(2) of the Statute); unpaid fees count as a justified reason (article 14(1) of the Code of Ethics).
What to Verify Before Choosing a New Accountant
- Active OCC registration — verifiable at occ.pt
- Sector experience — accounting for startups, real estate and hospitality have specific requirements
- English-speaking team — essential for foreign-owned companies and expat founders
- Pricing transparency — request a detailed proposal with what is included
- Communication — average response time, preferred channel, periodic meetings
- Digital tools — online portal for document access, electronic invoicing
Costs Involved in Changing
There are no mandatory costs to change accountants. What may apply:
- Contractual penalties — check your current contract; some include early termination fees
- Outstanding fees — payment for services already rendered up to the termination date; while they remain unpaid, the new accountant should not accept the appointment (article 16(2) of the Code of Ethics)
- Regularisation costs — if there are missing returns or errors to correct from the previous period
Switch to HVR — Free Diagnostic
HVR handles the entire transition process at no additional cost. We analyse the company's current tax position and ensure full continuity of all obligations.
- Accounting from €150/month
- Dedicated Certified Accountant (OCC)
- Bilingual team (English + Portuguese)
- Online portal 24/7
- Response within 24 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change accountants at any time of the year?
Yes, within the contract: when the accountant works independently, the contract lasts at least one financial year unless it ends for just cause or by mutual agreement (article 9(2) of the Code of Ethics of Certified Accountants). Beyond that, it is more practical to do so at the start of a tax year (January) or immediately after a major filing (e.g. after the IES annual return in July). This avoids splitting responsibility for one tax year between two accountants.
What happens to tax obligations during the transition?
Tax obligations are not interrupted. Before the tax authority, the current accountant stays appointed until the new one is confirmed on Portal das Finanças: a resignation only takes effect when a new accountant is appointed (Portal das Finanças FAQ 4427). The new accountant takes over the reporting obligations from that confirmation. There is no gap if the process is handled correctly.
Do I have to justify the change to my current accountant?
No. Giving written notice within the period stated in your contract is sufficient. Check the duration too: when the accountant works independently, the contract lasts at least one financial year unless it ends for just cause or by mutual agreement (article 9(2) of the Code of Ethics of Certified Accountants).
Can the accountant refuse to deliver the documentation?
No. They must hand over the books and documents in their possession within 60 days of termination, to the company or whoever it names in writing, with a signed delivery record (article 15 of the Code of Ethics). In case of refusal, you can file a complaint with the OCC and, if necessary, pursue legal action to obtain the documents.
How long does the full process take?
Typically between 2 and 6 weeks, depending on your contract's notice period and how quickly the documents are handed over (60 days at most). Confirmation on the Portal das Finanças is immediate, but the new accountant must notify the Order of Certified Accountants at least 15 days before starting. Longer if there are irregularities to fix.
Does changing accountants imply any tax cost?
There are no tax costs associated with the change. Possible costs are outstanding fees to the previous accountant and any contractual penalties stipulated in the service contract.
Is HVR suitable for foreign-owned companies and English-speaking founders?
Yes. HVR has a bilingual team and serves foreign-owned companies, expat freelancers, and founders relocating to Portugal. Communication, contracts, and reporting can all be in English.
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