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Reviewed by Lau, Community Manager · Last reviewed: September 2026
Latest reviews for accountants in Lisbon
Real, phone-verified reviews from the expat community.
9
Dan
Lisbon, Aug 2026
Isabel was excellent and very easy to communicate with. She responded quickly to our questions and explained the Portuguese tax system very carefully, because we do not know it very well. She prepared our taxes and also helped us understand why the final number from the Portuguese IRS was a little different from her estimate, and how we should go forward and pay it. It worked very well for us to have a local person who knew the system and communicated very well, and the price felt fair compared to another service we used before that was much more expensive.
10
Johanna
Lisbon, Jun 2026
Gonçalo helped me with my tax declaration, and overall I was satisfied - it did exactly what I wanted. My case is a bit complicated because of an A1 contract from Austria and the double taxation agreement, but he could help me a lot by translating everything from Portuguese and handling the declaration for me. It took a while, but I was always kept informed, and the price felt fair compared to other offers I looked at. I would do it again next year.
9
Damian
Lisbon, Jun 2026
I’ve had a very good experience with Tiago so far. He’s doing my individual tax returns, and from our first meeting in late January he’s been very professional, friendly, and easy to communicate with. He makes the overall experience stress-free and reassuring, and the price feels fair. I’m happy to give him our work going forward.
How much do accountants cost in Lisbon?
Real price ranges from the jobs our vetted accountants actually do. Updated July 2026
American tax accountant
How much does an American tax accountant cost in Lisbon?
A small speciality in Lisbon, priced well above local accounting.
Quoted per case
by filing
Consultation
€50 to €150
Wealth declaration
How much does a wealth declaration cost in Lisbon?
Priced per filing, and rarely needed on its own in Portugal.
Quoted per filing
by complexity
Crypto tax reporting
How much does crypto tax reporting cost in Lisbon?
Priced by the number of transactions, and the exchange exports do most of the work.
Hourly
€25 an hour
Per return
€50 to €150
Double-taxation advice
How much does double-taxation advice cost in Lisbon?
A consultation question more than an ongoing service.
Consultation
€50 to €150
Inheritance and estate tax
How much does inheritance tax advice cost in Lisbon?
Worth knowing: spouses, children and parents pay no inheritance tax in Portugal, and everyone else pays 10% stamp duty.
Consultation
€50 to €150
International tax planning
How much does international tax planning cost in Lisbon?
Starts as a consultation and becomes a project if it goes anywhere.
Consultation
€50 to €150
NHR registration and filing
How much does NHR filing cost in Lisbon?
The old NHR is closed to new applicants and replaced by the IFICI regime, so this is mostly filing for people already inside it.
Per filing
€50 to €150
NHR and IFICI advisory
How much does NHR advice cost in Lisbon?
Check eligibility for IFICI before paying for advice on a regime you cannot join.
Consultation
€50 to €150
Personal tax return
How much does a personal tax return cost in Lisbon?
The IRS return, priced by how complicated your income is.
Per return
€50 to €150
Tax consultation
How much does a tax consultation cost in Lisbon?
A one-off meeting, often credited against the first month if you sign a retainer.
Per session
€50 to €150
US expat tax filing
How much does US expat tax filing cost in Lisbon?
FBAR and 1040 work, priced per filing by a US-qualified preparer.
Quoted per filing
by forms
Accounting services
How much does an accountant cost in Lisbon?
Most accounting in Lisbon is sold as a monthly retainer of €100 to €600, with ad-hoc work billed around €25 an hour.
Monthly retainer
€100 to €600
Hourly
€25 an hour
Ongoing self-employed bookkeeping
How much does self-employed bookkeeping cost in Lisbon?
Sole traders sit at the bottom of the retainer range.
Monthly retainer
€100 to €180
Registration as self-employed
How much does registering as self-employed cost in Lisbon?
Opening activity is free at finanças; the fee is for someone doing it correctly and choosing your tax regime.
Hourly
€25 an hour
Often bundled
with the first retainer
Self-employed annual tax return
How much does a self-employed tax return cost in Lisbon?
Above a plain employee return because of the business income.
Per return
€50 to €150
Self-employed VAT filing
How much does self-employed VAT filing cost in Lisbon?
Usually inside the retainer once you are registered for VAT.
Inside the retainer
€100 to €180 a month
Accounting for a limited company
How much does accounting for a limited company cost in Lisbon?
A limited company in Lisbon is billed as a monthly retainer rather than by the hour, starting near €180 a month and rising with document volume.
Monthly retainer
€180 to €300
Larger companies
€500 to €800 a month
Business plan support
How much does business plan support cost in Lisbon?
Priced per project, and often the accountant is not the right person for the pitch itself.
Quoted per project
by scope
Fundraising support
How much does fundraising support cost in Lisbon?
Quoted per round; the legal and due-diligence work is separate.
Quoted per round
by scope
Company formation
How much does opening a company cost in Lisbon?
Includes the registration, opening activity and the tax setup that follows.
Per company
€150 to €500
Company VAT filing
How much does company VAT filing cost in Lisbon?
Quarterly VAT is normally inside the monthly retainer rather than charged on its own.
Inside the retainer
€180 to €300 a month
Financial management
How much does outsourced financial management cost in Lisbon?
Sold as a retainer above standard accounting.
Monthly retainer
€500 to €800
Ongoing company accounting
How much does ongoing company accounting cost in Lisbon?
The monthly retainer covering bookkeeping, VAT and the annual accounts.
Monthly retainer
€180 to €300
Payroll services
How much does payroll cost in Lisbon?
Charged per employee per month, on top of the accounting retainer.
Per employee
€15 to €30 a month
Annual company audit
How much does a company audit cost in Lisbon?
Only larger companies need one, and it must be signed by a registered auditor.
Quoted per company
by size
Charity and association accounts
How much does association accounts cost in Lisbon?
Priced per organisation, usually lighter than a trading company.
Quoted per organisation
by size
Internal audit
How much does an internal audit cost in Lisbon?
Priced per engagement, and separate from the statutory audit.
Quoted per engagement
by scope
Frequently Asked Questions
What expats want to know before hiring accountants in Lisbon.
How much does an accountant cost in Lisbon?
For a freelancer (recibos verdes) it is usually €60 to €150 a month, for a small company €150 to €400, and a one-off personal tax return (IRS) €50 to €150. Simple activities sit at the lower end.
Do I need a certified accountant in Portugal?
For organised accounting, yes. Your accounts must be signed off by a Contabilista Certificado (OCC). For simple freelance income it is less strict, but a certified accountant keeps you safe either way.
Can an accountant set me up as a freelancer and sort my NIF?
Yes, most accountants handle the freelancer setup, your NIF, and registering your activity, often remotely before you arrive. It is one of the first things worth getting right.
Are there English-speaking accountants in Lisbon?
Yes, plenty work with expats and are used to foreign income, remote work and even crypto. We list ones reviewed by other internationals so you can be understood about your situation.
What should I check before hiring an accountant?
Confirm they are OCC-certified, ask what the monthly fee includes (VAT, social security, the annual return), and check they have handled situations like yours. Reviews are the quickest way to find a responsive one.
How do you say accountant in Portuguese?
An accountant is a contabilista in Portuguese (a certified one is a contabilista certificado). That is the term to search for, though many here work in English.
How do I find an accountant I can trust in Lisbon?
Check reviews and that they are OCC-certified before handing over your books. On Locallista the reviews are phone-verified and based on real expat experience.
Selecting the right accountant is crucial for your financial health and peace of mind. The ideal accountant will not only manage your numbers but also become a trusted advisor who understands your unique circumstances. By adhering to these dos and don’ts, you can navigate the selection process with confidence, ensuring you find someone who communicates effectively, offers proactive insights, and possesses the necessary expertise to meet your specific business needs. Remember, a well-chosen accountant is an investment in your financial future, empowering you to focus on what truly matters while they handle the complexities of your finances.
Dos and Don’ts as an expat
Expert tips: essential dos and don’ts for selecting the right accountant for your financial needs
Do’s
Do Prioritize Clear Communication Skills
Select an accountant who demonstrates strong communication abilities, ensuring they can explain complex financial matters clearly and are responsive to your inquiries. This will foster a smoother and more transparent working relationship.
Do Look for Proactive Tax-Saving Advice
Engage an accountant who actively provides insights on potential tax-saving strategies relevant to your situation, rather than just fulfilling basic requirements. This proactive approach can potentially save you significant money and simplify your financial management.
Do Consider Their Experience with Your Specific Business Needs
Choose an accountant who has experience in your industry or business type, as they will understand the unique challenges and opportunities you face. Their specialized knowledge can provide tailored solutions and enhance the effectiveness of their services.
Do Verify Responsiveness and Availability
Ensure that your accountant is known for their promptness and availability, as having someone who can respond quickly to urgent queries or issues can significantly ease the stress of managing your financial responsibilities.
Dont’s
Don't Ignore Communication Difficulties
Effective communication is vital when working with an accountant. Don't risk your financial well-being by ignoring initial signs of poor communication or unclear explanations, as this could lead to misunderstandings and complications in your accounting or tax filings.
Don't Settle for Untimely Responses
Choosing an accountant who does not prioritize timely responses could lead to delays in managing your finances. Don't accept excessive wait times for answers or support, as this may hinder your ability to address financial concerns promptly.
Don't Underestimate Industry Specialization
Ensure your accountant has experience relevant to your business's industry. Don't overlook the importance of specialization, as accountants lacking specific industry knowledge may not provide you with the optimal strategies or insights tailored to your unique needs.
Don't Rely on Only Personal Recommendations
While personal referrals can be helpful, don’t limit your search to them. Different clients have varying needs, so investigate potential accountants through reviews and their professional qualifications to ensure they align with your specific requirements.