What is a recibo verde, and do I need one?
Image: Teleporto.
A Portuguese client wants to pay me against recibos verdes. I have a NIF and no employment contract. Is this the same as freelancing, and what do I register first?
1 answer
- Accepted answer
A recibo verde is the invoice a self-employed person issues on the tax portal. It is not a visa and it is not a work permit. To issue one you open an activity at Finanças, under the code that matches the work, and you need a NIF. Social security comes next: a NISS, and contributions once the exemption period, if you have one, runs out. The shape of the NISS is in Getting a NISS so you can be hired. The same number is used if you are independent.
The tax rate, the VAT, and whether the first year is lighter are a conversation with an accountant, because they depend on the activity and on the year. Do not copy a percentage from a forum. Issue the invoice from Portal das Finanças, not from a Word file a client sends you.
Checked 24 October 2026. This is not legal, tax or immigration advice. If an official page disagrees, follow that page.