Navigating VAT in Portugal

This guide provides an overview of VAT in Portugal, including applicable rates, registration requirements, compliance obligations, and filing deadlines. It is designed for businesses engaging in transactions within Portugal.

Last Updated: January 2026
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VAT

rates in Portugal’s Madeira and Azores are lower than those on the mainland.

Portugal at a glance.

Standard rate

23% VAT

Digital services VAT

Yes, at 23%

Mandate e-invoicing

Yes

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Zero-rated items

Intra-community and export transactions

VAT format

PT followed by 9 digits

Fiscal representation

Yes, required for non-EU businesses conducting VAT-related activities

Reclaiming VAT in Portugal.

Foreign businesses that incur VAT on eligible expenses in Portugal may be able to reclaim it.

Who can reclaim?
Portugal applies the rule of reciprocity. This means Portugal allows VAT refunds for foreign businesses, but only if they are based in approved countries.
Eligible countries include:
Claimable expenses:
Entertainment
Non-reclaimable
Accommodation
6%
Food, drink & restaurant services
13%
Entertainment 1 2
Hiring means of transport
23%
Fuel
23%
Public Transport
6%
Taxis
6%
Entertainment 2 1
Admission to fairs & exhibitions
23%
Training courses & seminars
23%
Goods
23%
Inter-company charges
23%
Office expenses
23%
Marketing costs
23%
Professional fees & AP invoices
23%
Entertainment 4
VAT compliance in Portugal.

Doing business in Portugal? You’ll need to play by the Portuguese VAT Code rules.

Who needs to register?

Registration is only required for businesses above the threshold in Portugal.

VAT registration in Portugal
VAT filing deadlines in Portugal

Monthly

10th day of the second month following the period

Quarterly

15th day of the second month following the quarter

VAT payment deadlines in Portugal

Monthly

10th day of the second month following the period

Quarterly

15th day of the second month following the quarter

Digital services in scope
Things to note

Portugal applies VAT on digital services based on the consumer’s location, generally utilizing the OSS system for EU cross-border services.

e-invoicing in Portugal.
Summary of the mandate in this country

B2G mandate in place

Yes

B2B mandate in place

Yes

B2C mandate in place

No

Obligation status: B2B e-Invoicing

Voluntary

B2B e-Invoicing model

Direct/Unregulated Reporting Model

Name of exchange infrastructure

eSPap – FE-AP

Format(s) used

XML CIUS-PT, PDF, RTIR (xml)

FAQs

Eligible expenses include accommodation, meals, transport, trade show participation, and conference fees. The amount reclaimable depends on the Portugal VAT rate and specific regulations governing Portugal VAT tax for businesses.

Processing times for a Portugal VAT refund varies, but businesses reclaiming VAT in Portugal can expect it to take anywhere from a few months to a year, depending on the claim complexity, submission accuracy and Portugal VAT regulations.

Tax authorities may request original invoices however due to digital submission method, scans of invoices are allowed in most cases. Using a Germany VAT refund calculator can help ensure your documents meet compliance standards.

Nearby countries.

Explore indirect tax information in these countries:

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