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Self Employment in Portugal

Useful Information

Working in Portugal

Income Tax in Portugal

Social Security Benefits in Portugal

Qualification Recognition in Portugal

 
 

If you are interested in becoming self employed in Portugal it is best to consult with professionals prior to making any lasting decisions. If you are an European Union national or a permanent resident of Portugal with the appropriate residence card (autorizacao de residencia) you can work as a self-employed person or as a sole trader in Portugal.

There are certain requirements which must be met if you are intending to be self-employed in a profession or trade. If for example you are an electrician you must ensure your qualifications are recognised and you are registered with the appropriate organisations. Under Portuguese law a self-employed person may require an official status and it can be illegal in some circumstances to simply hand up a sign and start a business.

Members of some professions and trades must possess professional qualifications and certificates recognised in Portugal and are usually required to sit a written examination in Portuguese. In certain professions such as law, it's unusual to be permitted to practise in Portugal without Portuguese qualifications.

A good example of this is within the estate agency industry. In Portugal, unlike the United Kingdom, estate agents (imobiliaria) are regulated and have to be licensed. Simply hanging a sign outside a shop with the words real estate agent is not legal and offenders are liable for hefty fines.

As a self-employed person you don't have the protection of a limited company should your business fail, although there are certain tax advantages. It may be advantageous to operate as a limited company such as a Sociedade por Quotas (Lda).

Obtain professional advice before deciding whether to operate as a sole trader or form a company in Portugal, as it has far-reaching social security, tax and other consequences. All self-employed persons must register for income tax, social security and IVA (VAT), and anyone with an income in Portugal requires a Numero de Fiscal, obtained from your local tax office (financas)

 
 

 

 
 
 
 

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