Invoice in Portugal as a sole trader.
The simplest, lowest-cost way to work and invoice legally in Portugal, set up as a self-employed sole trader (Empresário em Nome Individual). We arrange your NIF, open your activity at Finanças and register you with Social Security, so you can bill clients from day one. No company, no share capital.
What you're setting up
The freelancer's route in.
An ENI (Empresário em Nome Individual) is a self-employed sole trader. There's no separate company: you invoice under your own name and NIF once you've opened an activity (início de atividade) at the tax office (Finanças). It's the fastest, cheapest way to become a legitimate freelancer or small-business operator in Portugal, no Articles of Association, no share capital, minimal admin.
The trade-off is liability. As an ENI, you and the business are the same legal person, so your personal assets are exposed to business debts. That's fine for many freelancers and small activities, but if you're taking on real risk, partners or growth, a limited company (Lda) may protect you better. We tell you honestly which fits.
Fast & simple
No incorporation, no notary, no capital, just an activity opened at Finanças.
Invoice legally
Issue compliant Portuguese invoices under your own NIF from day one.
Low cost
The most affordable way to be self-employed, no company running costs.
Upgrade later
Start as an ENI and convert to a company as you grow, we handle that too.
ENI or company?
Which one is right for you?
The honest comparison. The right structure depends on your risk, your income and your plans, we confirm it with you before anything starts.
| Sole trader (ENI) | Company (Lda) | |
|---|---|---|
| Legal status | You and the business are the same | A separate legal person |
| Personal liability | Unlimited, your assets are exposed | Limited to the share capital |
| Share capital | None required | From €1 per shareholder |
| Setup speed | A few days | Typically 2–4 weeks |
| Admin & accounting | Lighter | Full company accounting |
| Best for | Freelancers, small solo activities, testing an idea | Higher risk, partners, investors, growth |
Prefer the protection of a limited company? See Portugal company formation (Lda).
Pricing & what's included
Quoted to your situation.
Because a sole-trader setup depends on whether you already have a NIF, your country of residence, and the activity you're registering, we quote it to your case rather than showing a one-size price. It's always a clear fixed fee, confirmed before you pay, and typically well below the cost of forming a company.
NIF, if you need one
Your Portuguese tax number arranged, with fiscal representation for non-EU residents.
Activity opening
Your início de atividade filed at Finanças, with the right activity (CAE / CIRS) codes.
Social Security
Registration with Segurança Social so your self-employed status is in order.
VAT guidance
Advice on the simplified vs organised regime and whether you charge IVA (VAT).
A real specialist
One person handles your file and explains your obligations in plain language.
Tracked & delivered
Confirmation and your registration details, ready so you can invoice.
How it works
Invoicing in days.
NIF & representation
If you don't already have a Portuguese NIF, we arrange it, with fiscal representation if your tax address is outside the EU/EEA, and prepare a power of attorney so we can act for you.
Choose your activity codes
We confirm the correct activity classification for what you do, and whether the simplified or organised tax regime fits you best.
Open your activity at Finanças
We file your início de atividade with the tax authority and register you with Social Security, formally starting your self-employment.
Invoice your clients
You receive your registration details and can issue compliant Portuguese invoices under your NIF. We explain your ongoing filing and Social Security obligations.
What you'll need
Have these handy.
You won't need everything to start, once you send your request, we collect documents one step at a time through a secure, encrypted upload. No loose email attachments.
Start your request
Request your sole-trader setup.
Free and no obligation. Sign in or create a free account, tell us about your activity, and a specialist confirms your fixed price and next steps, usually within one business day.
FAQ
Good questions, answered.
Carreh assists with the preparation and submission of sole-trader registration and arranges NIF and fiscal representation. Final registration rests with the Portuguese tax and social-security authorities. Your fee is confirmed in your quote before you pay.
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