If you have decided to start working for yourself, you must first register your activity with the Portuguese Tax Authority (Finanças).

This is an essential step to ensure that you can work legally and comply with all applicable requirements.

Many Portuguese people choose to work as self-employed professionals, benefiting from the flexibility and advantages that this type of arrangement provides.

However, although the process has become easier over the years, many people still have questions about how to proceed.

That is why we explain everything you need to know to complete the process correctly!

Registering Your Activity with Finanças: How Does It Work?

Registering your activity with the Portuguese Tax Authority is an important step in formalising your new professional status as a self-employed worker.

If you prefer, you can complete the registration in person at a Finanças office. However, it is also possible to complete the entire process online.

The latter option is certainly the most convenient, as you can complete the entire process from the comfort of your own home, without having to wait in queues or travel to a Finanças office.

To help you, we explain below, step by step, how to register your activity online.

Step-by-Step Guide to Registering Your Activity with Finanças

By following the steps below, registering your activity on the Finanças website is relatively straightforward.

1 – Access the Finanças website using your tax identification number (NIF) and password;

2 – On the main page of the Finanças Portal, select “Serviços”;

3 – Then select “Entregar” – “Declarações” – “Atividade” – “Início de Atividade” – “Entrega de Declaração de Início de Atividade”;

4 – You will then need to complete the declaration of commencement of activity using the form available on the portal;

5 – Finally, submit the declaration.

However, the process is not completed immediately after submitting the declaration. The application will remain pending until you receive a confirmation code, which will be sent to your registered tax address.

Once you receive this code, simply follow the instructions provided on the Finanças Portal.

The process will only be finalised after you confirm your intention to commence your activity.

If you prefer to complete the process in person, you will need to visit a Finanças office in your area of residence and bring your Cartão de Cidadão (Citizen Card) and NIB (Bank Identification Number).

During the appointment, simply inform the representative that you wish to register your activity and indicate the accounting regime you wish to adopt.

The registration process is free of charge and should be completed before you start working as a self-employed professional or, at the very least, before you start issuing invoices.

How to Choose the Tax Regime and CAE?

Choosing the appropriate tax regime and CAE (Código de Classificação das Atividades Económicas – Classification of Economic Activities Code) is usually one of the steps that raises the most questions for people who want to start working independently.

Regarding tax regimes, there are two main options:

1 – Simplified Regime – This is the most common regime and, as a general rule, does not require you to appoint a Certified Accountant (Contabilista Certificado);

2 – Organised Accounting – This regime becomes mandatory when the legal requirements are met, particularly when the level of income exceeds the applicable legal threshold. It can also be chosen voluntarily in certain circumstances.

Providing the CAE is also mandatory, as it identifies the type of activity or service you intend to carry out.

When completing the declaration, you simply need to indicate the CAE code corresponding to your activity. This code is also relevant for determining the tax framework applicable to your activity.

Registering as self-employed is a relatively simple and quick process, provided that you follow the required steps and choose the appropriate tax regime and activity classification.

If you still have questions or would like personalised assistance, do not hesitate to contact us.