Portugal Explicado

Starting a company or working as self-employed

To work as self-employed you only need to register your activity with the tax office. To create a company, Empresa na Hora or Empresa Online do everything in one request.

Information checked on 12 de setembro de 2026. Requirements can change. Always confirm with the official service before you start.

Who is this for

Self-employed workers, freelancers and anyone creating a company.

Where to do it

Self-employment: Portal das Finanças, a tax office or a Citizen Shop. Company: Empresa na Hora counter (by appointment) or Empresa Online.

Step by step

  1. 1

    Register before you start

    Submit the start-of-activity declaration on Portal das Finanças before you start, or on the same day at the latest. Social Security is notified automatically.

  2. 2

    Understand the simplified regime

    If your self-employment income last year was not above €200,000, the simplified regime applies. Income tax applies to part of your income: 75% for professions in the article 151 table, 35% for other services and 15% for sales.

  3. 3

    Plan for Social Security

    For a first activity, Social Security enrolment takes effect on the 1st day of the 12th month after you start. From then on, you file a quarterly declaration in January, April, July and October and pay between the 10th and the 20th of each month. The minimum contribution is €20 per month.

  4. 4

    Or create a company

    At Empresa na Hora all partners must attend with ID and NIF. For Empresa Online, all partners need a Citizen Card with digital signature or the Chave Móvel Digital. You immediately receive the articles, the permanent certificate and the company's Social Security number.

Keep in mind

  • The Empresa na Hora page shows €200 for a request with a trademark, without saying if it is added to the €360. Check first.

Sources