Online Accounting
Yes, a Portuguese company's accounting can be handled entirely online. HVR's digital service covers the same statutory obligations as any in-person firm — VAT, IRC, IES and payroll — from €150 per month, with documents sent by app or email and meetings by video. Physical presence is never required, and the certified accountant responsible is named.
HVR's online accounting service delivers full statutory compliance for your Portuguese company without a single in-person visit. Our 100% digital workflow means you can manage your accounting obligations from anywhere in the world — whether you're based in Lisbon, London or Los Angeles. All communication is in English, and our certified accountants are available by video call, email and our secure client portal.
How It Works
- Client portal: You receive access to a secure, private portal where you upload invoices, bank statements, payroll data and any other financial documents. No scanning equipment needed — photographs from your phone are accepted.
- Document processing: Our team categorises, codes and posts your documents into certified accounting software within 5 business days of upload. You can log in at any time to see your bookkeeping status.
- Video meetings: Quarterly review calls (or monthly for Professional and Premium clients) to discuss your accounts, upcoming tax deadlines and any financial decisions. We use Zoom or Google Meet — whichever you prefer.
- Electronic invoicing: We set up and manage your certified invoicing software (required by Portuguese law), including ATCUD codes and monthly SAF-T submission to the Tax Authority (AT).
Benefits Over Traditional Accounting
- Location-independent: No need to visit an accountant's office. Fully accessible from abroad, ideal for non-resident business owners and digital nomads.
- Real-time visibility: Your financial data is always up to date in the portal. Check your P&L or VAT position at any time — no waiting for end-of-month reports.
- English-language service: All documents, emails and calls in English. No language barrier, no misunderstandings about Portuguese tax terminology.
- Fixed monthly fee: No hourly billing surprises. You know exactly what you pay from day one.
What's Included
- Monthly bookkeeping and bank reconciliation
- IVA (VAT) declarations — monthly or quarterly depending on your regime
- SAF-T file submission to the Portuguese Tax Authority
- Payroll processing and social security (Segurança Social) declarations
- Annual IRC return (corporate income tax) and IES statistical declaration
- Monthly management reports — P&L, balance sheet and cash-flow summary
- Tax calendar alerts so you never miss a payment deadline
Who Is Online Accounting For?
- Remote-first businesses whose owners are based abroad but have a Portuguese registered company
- Expats and NHR/IFICI residents who need an English-speaking accountant familiar with their tax regime
- Digital nomads operating as sole traders (ENI) or through a Lda company in Portugal
- Foreign companies with a branch or subsidiary in Portugal requiring local accounting compliance
- E-commerce and SaaS businesses selling to Portuguese and EU customers and managing OSS VAT obligations
Frequently asked questions
Is online accounting legal in Portugal?
Yes. The obligations are the same as with in-person accounting, and the work remains the responsibility of a certified accountant registered with the OCC. Returns such as VAT, Modelo 22 and IES are filed electronically on the Portal das Finanças.
How much does HVR's online accounting cost?
From €150 a month for companies and from €75 a month for self-employed workers, excluding VAT. The final fee depends on document volume, payroll and sector.
How do I send documents to my accountant?
By email or by uploading them to the online portal. Invoices issued with certified software are reported to the tax authority by the 5th of the following month (article 3(1) of Decree-Law 198/2012), so much of the information can be handled without paper.
Will I have meetings with my accountant?
Yes, by video call or phone. If you prefer, we can meet in person at our Lisbon office in Parque das Nações.
Do you serve companies outside Lisbon?
Yes. Online accounting serves companies across Portugal, including the Azores and Madeira.
Can I switch accountants in the middle of the year?
Yes, you can switch at any time of the year. We handle the handover of records from your previous accountant and the appointment of the new certified accountant on the Portal das Finanças.