How to Suspend or Close Your Freelance Activity in Portugal
Work slowed down and you want to close your activity temporarily? Or for good? The process is simple — and yes, you can always reopen.
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News, tips and guides for independent workers
Everything you need to know about invoicing, VAT and Social Security in Portugal.
Can You Deduct VAT on Business Expenses? Yes — and You're Probably Leaving Money on the Table
If you invoice over €15,000/year and charge VAT, the VAT you pay on professional expenses reduces what you owe the state. Most freelancers don't know this.
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Working a Job and Freelancing at the Same Time: How It Works in Portugal
Have a job and want to take on side projects? It's legal, it's common in Portugal, and it's simpler than you think. Here's everything you need to know.
Recibo Verde or Fatura — What's Actually the Difference?
Most freelancers use the words interchangeably. In practice it usually works — but legally there are differences that can matter when it counts.
Withholding Tax (Retenção na Fonte): What It Is and How It Works
You invoiced €1,000 and the client paid €770. No mistake. It's withholding tax — an advance payment of your IRS that the company sends directly to the tax authority. Here's what it is, the rates (23% and 11.5%) and how it appears on your recibo verde.
Subcontracting Between Freelancers: How to Hire Help and Deduct It as an Expense
Need help with a project? You can hire another freelancer. Their receipt is your expense — straightforward, legal, and deductible.
How to Ask Your European Client for Their VAT Number (and Avoid Unnecessary VAT)
If you provide B2B services to EU companies, you need their EU VAT number. Without it, you must charge Portuguese VAT. With it, reverse charge applies.
Issued a Wrong Recibo Verde? A Nota de Crédito Fixes It in 5 Minutes
Wrong amount, wrong VAT rate, a cancelled job — it happens to everyone. The good news: there's a simple legal mechanism that cancels the mistake in minutes.
Log Your Expenses in FIZ and Pay Less Tax
In the simplified regime, you can deduct real expenses instead of the automatic 75% coefficient. FIZ helps you track everything and know when it's worth it.