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Do I Need an Accountant for My Portuguese Company?
Why every Lda. must appoint a Contabilista Certificado, what they file for you, typical monthly costs and how to choose one.
Updated · 1 min read · By the GetLDA.pt team
Quick answer
Yes. Every Portuguese Lda. must keep organised accounts signed off by a Contabilista Certificado — a certified accountant registered with the Ordem dos Contabilistas Certificados (OCC) — from the start of its activity. The accountant files the company's VAT returns, IRC return (Modelo 22), annual IES and payroll, and usually submits the start-of-activity declaration.
In Portugal an accountant isn't optional for a company. Choosing one before you incorporate saves time and avoids missed deadlines in the first months.
The legal requirement
Companies subject to IRC must keep organised accounting (contabilidade organizada), and those accounts must be under the responsibility of a Contabilista Certificado (CC) — an accountant registered with the Ordem dos Contabilistas Certificados (OCC). The CC signs the company's tax returns and is identified to the Tax Authority.
What your accountant does
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Start-of-activity declaration and VAT regime choice | Once, after incorporation |
| Bookkeeping and invoice reconciliation | Monthly |
| VAT returns | Monthly or quarterly |
| Payroll, Social Security and withholding tax | Monthly, if you pay salaries |
| IRC return (Modelo 22) | Annually, normally by the end of May |
| IES — annual accounts filed with the tax authority, registry, Bank of Portugal and statistics office | Annually, normally by 15 July |
| Advance tax payments | Three times a year |
Many accountants also handle the RCBE annual confirmation.
How much does an accountant cost?
Fees depend on the number of invoices, employees and whether you are VAT-registered. For a small, newly formed Lda. with few transactions, monthly fees commonly start around €100–€300. Ask for a written quote that lists exactly which filings are included.
How to choose
- Check registration with the OCC.
- Language — if you don't speak Portuguese, find someone who can explain notices from the Tax Authority in your language.
- Digital tools — Portuguese invoicing must use certified software; a good accountant will recommend one that integrates with their systems.
- International experience — if partners or clients are abroad, look for experience with cross-border VAT, withholding tax and double tax treaties.
Can GetLDA.pt recommend one?
Yes. Every package includes a certified accountant referral: we introduce you to accountants who work with foreign founders, and they submit your start-of-activity declaration.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change — figures were last checked on 28 September 2026. GetLDA.pt is not a law firm; our partner lawyers advise on your specific situation.
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Corporate Tax in Portugal (2026): IRC Rates for an Lda.
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