Maria, a hairdresser in Lisbon, cut a client’s hair. The client paid €35 in cash and left without giving her NIF.
“What now?” — the most common question among freelancers.
Stay calm. There’s a perfectly legal solution: the fatura simplificada (simplified invoice).
What is a fatura simplificada?
A fatura simplificada is a tax document you can issue when the client is an individual, the amount is under €1,000 (VAT included), and the client doesn’t request an invoice with their details.
It’s like when you go to a café and they ask “do you want a receipt?”. If you say no, they print a generic slip. That’s exactly it — but for independent workers.
The three mandatory conditions
To use a fatura simplificada, all three must apply simultaneously:
- Client is an individual (not a company)
- Amount under €1,000 (VAT included)
- Client hasn’t requested an invoice with their NIF
If any of these conditions is missing, you must issue a regular invoice with the client’s full details.
How it works in practice
In certified billing software, instead of entering the client’s NIF, you select the option “Consumidor Final” (end consumer). The system automatically generates an invoice with:
- “Consumidor Final” in the client field
- Your complete details as the issuer
- Service description and value
- VAT or exemption reason
- Sequential number and ATCUD (unique validation code)
Legal invoice issued. In 30 seconds.
Real examples
The personal trainer
Miguel gives personal training sessions at €40 each. Many clients pay via MB Way and leave. Miguel issues a fatura simplificada: selects “Consumidor Final”, describes “Personal training session”, €40, 0% VAT. Sends via WhatsApp if the client wants it, otherwise saves the PDF.
The event photographer
Rita photographed a christening. She agreed €300 with the family, who paid in cash. Nobody asked for an invoice with a NIF. Rita issues a fatura simplificada: “Photography service — Christening”, €300. Legal and simple.
The IT technician
André fixes computers at clients’ homes for €80. Mrs. Isabel paid and left. André issues a fatura simplificada on his phone before leaving the client’s house.
When you CANNOT use a fatura simplificada
Never use a fatura simplificada in these cases:
- Client is a company (even a small one, even a sole trader)
- Amount equal to or over €1,000
- Client has requested an invoice with their NIF (even if they later say they don’t need it)
- Online sales (you always have the client’s details)
- Recurring services to the same client
That last point is important. Ana, a designer, had a private client who paid her €200 per month for social media management. She always issued a fatura simplificada. Mistake — recurring services to the same client should have a regular invoice with NIF.
Frequently asked questions
“What if the client asks for the invoice later with their NIF?”
You can’t change it. An issued invoice is an issued invoice. You can cancel and reissue if there’s still time. So always ask before issuing.
“Can I issue multiple fatura simplificadas to the same client?”
Technically yes, but be careful. If you regularly issue invoices to the same client without a NIF, the tax authority may question it. Better to ask for the NIF.
“Does MB Way payment still need an invoice?”
Yes. All income must be invoiced, regardless of the payment method.
“Does it count towards your turnover?”
Of course. It’s regular income — it counts for IRS, Social Security, and your VAT exemption threshold.
✅ In summary
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Fatura simplificada is legal for individuals, amounts under €1,000, and when the client hasn’t asked for their NIF. Three conditions — all must apply.
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Never use it for companies, amounts of €1,000 or over, or recurring clients without asking for the NIF first.
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With FIZ you issue fatura simplificadas in 30 seconds — select “Consumidor Final”, describe the service and value, and the invoice is registered and automatically included in your declarations.
