I Opened My Freelance Activity and Survived: A First-Month Chronicle
Pedro's real first month as a freelancer in Portugal — opening his activity in 5 minutes and spending under an hour on admin for the entire month.
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News, tips and guides for independent workers
Everything you need to know about invoicing, VAT and Social Security in Portugal.
10 Mistakes Every Freelancer Makes in Their First Year (and How to Avoid Them)
From not issuing invoices on time to mixing up gross and net — the classic first-year mistakes and how not to repeat them.
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Ato Isolado: How to Invoice Legally Without Opening a Business Activity
Have a one-off piece of work and do not want the full freelance setup? The ato isolado lets you invoice legally without any bureaucracy. Here is when it works and when to open activity instead.
7 Expenses You Already Pay and Can Deduct from Your IRS
Internet, laptop, software, coworking, training - all of this reduces your IRS bill. The trick? Request an invoice with your NIF and validate it in the e-invoice system. The average freelancer saves €500-1,500/year.
My Friend Switched From Salary to Freelance and Pays Less Tax
Gross salary €1,500: the company pays €1,850 total, you take home €1,100. The same amount as a freelancer on the simplified regime? You keep more. The real numbers.
How Much Does It Cost to Be a Freelancer in Portugal: The Real Numbers
Year one: zero Social Security. IRS on 75% of what you invoice. VAT only above €15,000. Real numbers, no fluff, with examples at €1,000, €2,000 and €3,000/month.
How to Avoid an April Tax Shock: Plan Your Taxes All Year Long
Maria invoiced €18,000 and spent it all. In April she owed €3,200 to the state. Panic. The simple rule that prevents this: always set aside 20-25% of every invoice. No surprises, no loans.
Taxes Like a Netflix Subscription: Pay and Forget
You know exactly what you pay for Netflix. But how much are you paying in taxes and Social Security this month? The analogy that changes how you see your tax obligations as a freelancer.
The Thresholds That Change Everything: €15,000 and €200,000
Two numbers every independent worker needs to know. Below €15,000 you don't charge VAT. Above €200,000 you leave the simplified regime. What changes at each threshold - explained with real examples.