I Exceeded the €15,000 VAT Threshold Mid-Year. What Now?
You were VAT-exempt and suddenly realised you've crossed €15,000. Don't panic — here's exactly what to do, step by step.
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News, tips and guides for independent workers
Everything you need to know about invoicing, VAT and Social Security in Portugal.
What's new in FIZ — April 2026
Your customers can now pay by Multibanco and ifthenpay, with the reference printed straight onto the invoice PDF. You can also issue transport documents and report them to the AT, plus a new alert when one client takes up too much of your turnover.
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Multiple CAE Codes at Once: the Designer Who Also Teaches
Do you have more than one activity? You can hold multiple CAE codes simultaneously. What changes, what stays the same, and why the income tax coefficients matter.
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.
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.
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.