A VAT Refund Guide to
VAT Refund Guide in Portugal | VAT IT
How to get VAT Refunds from VAT Refund Guide in Portugal | VAT IT for your business
Where is your company based?
EU
based businesses

VAT-registered businesses in an EU member state are eligible to recover VAT on business costs from VAT Refund Guide in Portugal | VAT IT under the EU VAT Refund Directive.
NON-EU
based businesses

VAT-registered businesses outside of the European Union are eligible to recover VAT on business costs from VAT Refund Guide in Portugal | VAT IT under the 13th Directive.
Portugal’s VAT Rates
Portugal introduced a value added tax (VAT) in 1986 to meet the conditions required to join the European Union, which compels its members to hold a VAT rate of at least 15%.
At 16%, this EU country’s initial VAT rate (referred to as imposto sobre o valor acrescentado, or IVA) fell just above the EU’s minimum. Despite two slight dips in the 1990s and the late 2000s, the rate has risen slowly through the years. Since 2011, Portugal’s standard VAT rate has remained fixed at 23%—one of the highest VAT rates in the EU.
Current Rates in Portugal
In Portugal, VAT rates fall under three categories:
- Standard VAT Rate (23%) – The standard rate applies to most goods and services.
- Intermediate VAT Rate (13%) – This category includes dining and café food, wine, certain foodstuffs, admission to cultural events, and agricultural supplies.
- Reduced VAT Rate (6%) – The reduced VAT rate covers many essentials, including some foods, pharmaceutical products, books, diapers, and hotel accommodations.
Additionally, while Portugal does not officially list a zero rate, some goods and services have VAT exemption. These include healthcare services, children’s services such as daycares, and services from non-profit organizations. Portuguese companies earning less than 12,500 euros per year are also VAT exempt.
Finally, Portugal’s autonomous regions have slightly lower VAT rates. The adjusted categories are as follows:
- The Azores – The standard rate is 18%; the intermediate rate is 9%; the reduced rate is 4%.
- Madeira – The standard rate is 22%; the intermediate rate is 12%; the reduced rate is 5%.
How to Pay VAT Bill in Portugal
If you are a self-employed person or the owner of a legal entity (a company) that does business in Portugal, you must register for VAT.
Once registered, you are required to submit a VAT declaration that follows one of two schedules:
- Monthly submissions – Those with an annual turnover that exceeds 650,000 euros must submit monthly. You must submit your declaration by the 10th day of the second month following the relevant month and maintain the payment schedule for a minimum of three years.
- Quarterly submissions – Those with an annual turnover below 650,000 euros should submit quarterly, though opting for the monthly scheme is possible. You must submit your declaration by the 15th day of the second month following the relevant quarter.
You must log into your account on the Portuguese tax authority website to pay your VAT bill.
Portugal VAT Compliance
Most VAT requirements in Portugal revolve around proper record keeping. For example, you must:
- Save all transaction records for ten years
- Back up data for all online billing and accounting programs
- Keep all paper records and books in Portugal
- Store all electronic data in the European Union
You must also sign all documents and invoices using an acceptable electronic signature. Additionally, if you want to claim a VAT refund, Portugal requires you to appoint a tax representative within the country.
Should you ever need assistance complying with the above standards or obtaining a Portugal VAT refund, feel free to contact our team of international experts.
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Sources:
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Consumption Tax Trends – Portugal. https://www.oecd.org/tax/consumption/consumption-tax-trends-portugal.pdf
ePortugal.gov.pt. Value Added Tax (VAT) in Portugal. https://eportugal.gov.pt/en/cidadaos-europeus-viajar-viver-e-fazer-negocios-em-portugal/impostos-para-atividades-economicas-em-portugal/imposto-sobre-valor-acrescentado-iva-em-portugal
Which countries have reciprocity with VAT Refund Guide in Portugal | VAT IT?
All EU countries, Liechtenstein, Macedonia, Norway and Switzerland
For a more detailed explanation on what reciprocity means within the scope of VAT, click here:
What expenses are claimable in VAT Refund Guide in Portugal | VAT IT?
ENTERTAINMENT & HOSPITALITY
Entertainment
Hotels & Accommodation
Restaurants
EVENTS
Conferences, Trade Shows & Exhibitions
Training Courses & Seminars
GENERAL EXPENSES
Goods
Inter-company charges
Office Expenses
Marketing Costs
Professional Fees & AP invoices
TRAVEL RELATED
Car Rental
Fuel
Public Transport
Taxis
Additional Information
How far back can your business claim VAT from VAT Refund Guide in Portugal | VAT IT?
What’s the foreign VAT deadline in VAT Refund Guide in Portugal | VAT IT?
How long does it take to receive a VAT refund from VAT Refund Guide in Portugal | VAT IT?
Need help with your VAT refund from VAT Refund Guide in Portugal | VAT IT?
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