Expert Accountants at Your Service: Precision and Trust Combined
Find your accountant who speaks English.
Gonçalo
Mark
Pedro
Maria
Daniel
Tiago
I worked with Gonzalo on taxes, building a company in Portugal, and setting up payroll. He was very professional, understood all my needs, answered very quickly, and was very reliable....
I hired Mark to register my company in Portugal and help manage the business and accounting, and his service has been phenomenal. Even when I’m out of the country, he...
I used Pedro for a consultation on green receipts and it went really well. I emailed a few people and he got back to me within an hour, the communication...
I’m a foreigner who moved to Portugal about a year and a half ago, and Maria became my accountant because I had no understanding of the local taxes and HR...
Daniel at FA Accounting & Management was a great help with my personal tax issues, especially navigating the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime. He provided detailed financial reports and clearly explained...
Tiago helped me in September to enable my freelancer schema in Portugal. We agreed on all taxation support, social security and some consultation, and he explained that for me the...
Frequently Asked Questions
Lisbon accountants for expats typically handle personal IRS returns, freelancer (recibos verdes) compliance, VAT registration and filings, bookkeeping, payroll, and corporate accounting for startups and SMEs. They also assist with social security, expense categorisation, invoicing software selection, and cross‑border matters such as double‑tax treaties and foreign income reporting.
In Portugal, limited companies must appoint a Certified Accountant (Contabilista Certificado). Sole traders under the simplified regime are often not required to do so, but will need one if they adopt organised accounting or exceed certain thresholds. Many expats still choose an accountant to avoid penalties and ensure timely filings.
Market rates in Lisbon vary by scope and complexity. As a guide, personal IRS returns often run €100–€250, freelancer monthly support €50–120, small company accounting €150–400 per month, payroll €10–25 per employee, and tax consultations €80–200 per hour. Prices are set by providers and paid directly to them, and are not listed on Locallista.
Portugal’s personal income tax (IRS) return is filed annually between 1 April and 30 June for the previous year. Accountants can prepare returns, register dependants, claim deductions, and submit through the Portal das Finanças. They’ll advise on documents needed, such as NIFs, income statements, expense invoices, and foreign income records.
Many Lisbon accountants are English‑speaking and cater specifically to expats; you’ll also find support in languages like French, Spanish, German and Italian. Ask about day‑to‑day communication channels (email, WhatsApp, video calls) and report frequency. Clear bilingual explanations of Portuguese terms and deadlines help avoid costly misunderstandings.
Check membership with the Ordem dos Contabilistas Certificados (OCC), sector experience (freelancers, startups, e‑commerce), and technology proficiency. Request references, sample reports, and a written engagement letter defining scope, timelines and fees. Assess responsiveness and whether they proactively flag deductions, compliance changes, and cash‑flow or VAT optimisation opportunities.
Accountants can open activity for freelancers (recibos verdes), choose CAE codes, register with Social Security, and set up certified invoicing software. For companies, they assist with incorporation, beneficial owner registration, accounting policies, and payroll. They’ll help you decide between simplified regime versus organised accounting based on turnover and record‑keeping needs.
An accountant can register you for VAT, advise if you qualify for the small‑supplier exemption (Article 53), and file returns monthly or quarterly. They monitor thresholds, set up e‑invoicing compliant with SAF‑T, and handle EU cross‑border rules. Requirements and thresholds change, so confirm the latest figures for your activity.
Many Lisbon accountants work with cloud tools such as Xero or QuickBooks for management reporting, but Portuguese law requires certified invoicing software and SAF‑T compliance. Your accountant can integrate systems, map charts of accounts, and ensure exports meet Autoridade Tributária standards while still giving you real‑time dashboards.
Specialist accountants in Lisbon advise on crypto transactions, rental income, stock options, and double‑taxation treaty issues. Provide exchange statements, wallet histories, lease agreements, and foreign tax documentation. For relocating professionals, they also brief you on current incentives or regime changes affecting newcomers and how to document tax residency.
Most viewed categories
Dos and Don’ts to choose the right Accountants as an Expat
Expert tips: essential dos and don’ts for selecting the right accountant for your financial needs
Select an accountant who demonstrates strong communication abilities, ensuring they can explain complex financial matters clearly and are responsive to your inquiries. This will foster a smoother and more transparent working relationship.
Engage an accountant who actively provides insights on potential tax-saving strategies relevant to your situation, rather than just fulfilling basic requirements. This proactive approach can potentially save you significant money and simplify your financial management.
Choose an accountant who has experience in your industry or business type, as they will understand the unique challenges and opportunities you face. Their specialized knowledge can provide tailored solutions and enhance the effectiveness of their services.
Ensure that your accountant is known for their promptness and availability, as having someone who can respond quickly to urgent queries or issues can significantly ease the stress of managing your financial responsibilities.
Effective communication is vital when working with an accountant. Don't risk your financial well-being by ignoring initial signs of poor communication or unclear explanations, as this could lead to misunderstandings and complications in your accounting or tax filings.
Choosing an accountant who does not prioritize timely responses could lead to delays in managing your finances. Don't accept excessive wait times for answers or support, as this may hinder your ability to address financial concerns promptly.
Ensure your accountant has experience relevant to your business's industry. Don't overlook the importance of specialization, as accountants lacking specific industry knowledge may not provide you with the optimal strategies or insights tailored to your unique needs.
While personal referrals can be helpful, don’t limit your search to them. Different clients have varying needs, so investigate potential accountants through reviews and their professional qualifications to ensure they align with your specific requirements.
Selecting the right accountant is crucial for your financial health and peace of mind. The ideal accountant will not only manage your numbers but also become a trusted advisor who understands your unique circumstances. By adhering to these dos and don’ts, you can navigate the selection process with confidence, ensuring you find someone who communicates effectively, offers proactive insights, and possesses the necessary expertise to meet your specific business needs. Remember, a well-chosen accountant is an investment in your financial future, empowering you to focus on what truly matters while they handle the complexities of your finances.
Why Choose Locallista?
Your trusted platform for finding local services in your community. We connect you with verified professionals who understand your needs.
Connect with trusted professionals who understand your needs and speak your language.