How to Pay Your Social Security and VAT While Outside of Portugal

Learn how to pay social security and VAT in Portugal while living abroad. A step-by-step guide for expats, freelancers, and digital nomads.

Why This Matters for Expats and Nomads to Pay Social Security in Portugal

Even if you’re living outside Portugal for work or travel, you may still have to meet your Portuguese tax and social security obligations. For freelancers, business owners, and some remote workers, failing to pay can lead to fines, penalties, or loss of benefits. Luckily, Portugal’s digital services make it possible to manage everything online.

Paying Social Security (NISS) From Abroad

1. Accessing Segurança Social Direta

The Portuguese Social Security portal — Segurança Social Direta — allows you to pay contributions from anywhere in the world. You’ll need:

• Your NISS (Número de Identificação de Segurança Social)

• Login credentials (issued when you register)

2. Payment Methods

• Multibanco Reference: The system generates a payment reference that can be paid via:

  • Portuguese bank account (online banking app or Multibanco ATM)

  • Some international banking apps are connected to SEPA transfers

• Bank Transfer: You can also transfer funds directly to the Social Security account, using the provided IBAN and reference.

3. Deadlines

• Contributions are generally due between the 10th and 20th of each month.

• Missing payments can affect your pension rights and access to healthcare.

Paying VAT (IVA) From Abroad

1. Using the Finanças Portal

VAT is managed through Portal das Finanças, Portugal’s online tax system. To use it, you’ll need your:

• NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal)

• Login password or professional accountant access

2. Filing Declarations

• Freelancers and businesses must submit periodic VAT returns (monthly or quarterly, depending on turnover).

• Even if you don’t issue invoices in a given period, a “nil return” is required.

3. Payment Options

• Multibanco reference generated on the portal (payable via Portuguese bank accounts).

• SEPA transfers from abroad using the reference number.

• Some expats hire a tax representative or accountant to ensure timely filing and payment.

Common Challenges Expats Face

• No Portuguese bank account: SEPA transfers help, but may incur extra fees.

• Time zone issues: Deadlines are based on Portuguese time, and late payments mean fines.

• Complex filings: VAT can get tricky, especially with cross-border transactions.

Practical Tips

✔ Always keep your NIF, NISS, and login details secure.

✔ Set up SEPA-enabled bank accounts to make payments easier.

✔ Use professional accountants if you’re abroad long-term — they can file and pay on your behalf.

✔ Enable email/SMS notifications from Finanças and Segurança Social to avoid missing deadlines.

Final Thoughts

Paying social security and VAT in Portugal while abroad is simpler than it used to be, thanks to online portals and SEPA transfers. However, it requires careful management of deadlines and compliance.

At Inlis Consulting, we help expats, freelancers, and digital nomads stay compliant — even when they’re living outside Portugal. From filing VAT returns to ensuring your social security contributions are on time, our team can handle everything remotely.