Social security when you move to Portugal

The general rule

If you live and work in Portugal as a freelancer, you pay Portuguese social security: 21.4% on 70% of what you invoice, declared every quarter. It does not matter where your clients are.

Your first 12 months

When you register as a freelancer for the first time, you only start paying 12 months later. Until then you also have no freelance cover for sick pay or parental benefit, unless you ask to start earlier or have contributions from elsewhere that count.

Staying in your old system: the A1

An EU, EEA or Swiss freelancer who goes to work temporarily in another member state can stay in their home system for up to 24 months, with an A1 certificate from that country. People who regularly work in several countries can also get an A1 for the country where they live or do a substantial part of their work. With a valid A1 you do not pay Portuguese social security. Ask the institution in your home country, before you move.

Contributions abroad count

Periods of contributions in other EU countries count towards the qualifying periods for Portuguese benefits, such as the 6 months needed for sick pay or parental benefit. Portugal also has bilateral social security agreements with several non-EU countries. Pensions are paid by each country for the time you contributed there.

Non-EU citizens

Without an agreement between the countries, you pay Portuguese social security as any local freelancer from the moment your registration takes effect. Check whether your country has an agreement with Portugal.

Sources: Regulation (EC) 883/2004 on the coordination of social security systems, the Contributory Schemes Code and Social Security practical guides.