# 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.

Source: https://getlda.pt/guides/accountant-requirements-portugal · Updated 2026-09-28

**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](https://getlda.pt/guides/rcbe-beneficial-ownership-register) 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.

## Related guides

- [Corporate Tax in Portugal (2026): IRC Rates for an Lda.](https://getlda.pt/guides/portugal-corporate-tax-irc.md)
- [How Much Does It Cost to Open a Company in Portugal?](https://getlda.pt/guides/cost-of-opening-a-company-in-portugal.md)
- [RCBE: Portugal's Beneficial Ownership Register Explained](https://getlda.pt/guides/rcbe-beneficial-ownership-register.md)

Ready to open your Lda.? Licensed Portuguese lawyers handle it 100% online: https://getlda.pt/register