- In the Portal das Finanças (Tax Authority portal): 'Todos os Serviços' → 'Atividade' → 'Entregar Declaração' to start activity.
- Choose the activity code (CAE/CIRS), the VAT regime and the accounting method — the simplified regime is the most common for beginners.
- From then on, issue green receipts (recibos verdes) in the Portal das Finanças and submit periodic tax returns.
- If this is your first activity, you may be exempt from Segurança Social (Social Security) contributions for the first 12 months — check the conditions.
Automatically translated. Always confirm on the official Portuguese source.
Official sources
1. Abrir atividade independente — Portal das Finanças2. Trabalhador independente — ePortugalCall — Portal das Finanças (AT): 217 206 707 — dias úteis, 9h–19h
Call — ePortugal — Portal dos Serviços Públicos: 300 003 990 ou 210 489 010 — dias úteis, 9h–18h