Issuing a fatura-recibo (recibo verde)
How to invoice a client from the Portal das Finanças, step by step.
Every time you're paid for a service you issue a fatura-recibo on the Portal das Finanças. It's free and takes a couple of minutes once you've done it once.
Before you start
- Your activity must be open (início de atividade) with the right CAE/CIRS code.
- Have your client's NIF (or VAT number and country if they're abroad), the amount, and the date you were paid.
Steps
- Log in to the Portal das Finanças.
- Search for "Faturas e Recibos Verdes" and choose Emitir.
- Pick Fatura-Recibo (you've already been paid) or Fatura (you'll be paid later, then issue a Recibo when the money arrives).
- Fill in the transmission date, client, and a description of the service.
- Choose the VAT regime that applies to you — if you're exempt, select the art. 53.º exemption reason.
- Choose the IRS withholding (retenção na fonte) — clients with organised accounting in Portugal usually have to withhold; private individuals and foreign clients don't. Below a yearly income threshold you can claim the dispensa de retenção (art. 101.º-B CIRS).
- Check the preview, issue it, and send the PDF to your client.
Tips
- You can't edit an issued document — cancel it (anular) and issue a new one.
- The amounts feed straight into your Segurança Social quarterly declaration and your IRS Anexo B, so getting them right now saves work later.