Freelancer2026
Recibos verdes 2026 - IRS, Segurança Social, VAT
Freelancers in Portugal juggle three parallel systems: IRS (annual), Segurança Social (quarterly), and VAT (above the threshold). This guide explains each, with 2026 numbers, and helps you decide simplified regime vs organized accounting.
Recibos verdes ("green receipts") is the Portuguese term for invoicing as an independent worker. Behind the deceptively simple act of issuing a receipt sits a multi-layered obligation: IRS, Segurança Social (quarterly), and - above the threshold - VAT.
Opening activity
Open your activity on Portal das Finanças (self-service, free). You'll pick an activity code (CIRS art. 151 table - most professional services fall under a general code). Opening activity triggers:
- Automatic registration with Segurança Social (starting the day of opening).
- 12-month SS exemption (if no prior independent activity in the previous 3 years).
- Tax category B status (Categoria B - rendimentos profissionais).
Segurança Social - the math
Freelancer SS is a calculation of two rates:
Relevant income
70%
of gross revenue, per month.
SS rate
21.4%
applied to the 70% base.
In formula: SS_mensal = (faturação × 0,70) × 0,214
Bounded by the minimum €20/mo and the maximum 12×IAS.
- IAS 2026 = €537.13/mês
- Max SS base = 12 × IAS = €6445.56/mês
Exemptions
Two common exemptions apply:
- First 12 months after opening activity - applies if you had no independent activity in the previous 3 years.
- Combined employee + freelancer - exempt if employee monthly salary ≥ €537.13 AND average monthly independent income ≤ 4×IAS (€2148.52).
IRS - simplified vs organized
Two regimes for Category B:
| Regime | How it works | When to pick |
|---|---|---|
| Simplified | Flat deduction coefficient (75% taxable for most services), no bookkeeping overhead. | Revenue below €200K, low real expenses. |
| Organized accounting | Real expense deduction, full bookkeeping (mandatory OCC accountant). | High actual expenses (>25% of revenue), or revenue >€200K. |
IVA
VAT registration becomes mandatory when annual turnover exceeds €15,000 (2026 threshold). Madeira-specific general VAT rate is 22% (vs 23% mainland).
Quarterly calendar
Key filing windows for 2026:
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| Jan-Abr | Q1 SS declaration (by Apr 30), Q4-2025 VAT (by Feb 20 if quarterly). |
| Abr 1 – Jun 30 | IRS (Modelo 3) for 2025 income. |
| Jul-Out | Q2 SS (by Jul 31), Q1 VAT (by May 20). |
| Out-Jan 2027 | Q3 SS (by Oct 31), Q4 SS (by Jan 31 2027). |
Run your own numbers: Open the freelancer calculator →
Primary sources
Editorial guide. Rules change annually; verify 2026 numbers against Segurança Social + Portal das Finanças before acting.
Related
Get notified when the 2027 tables are out
We send one email when the 2027 brackets and withholding tables are on the site. That is all.