Working for an Employer
If the employee is contracted either full-time or part-time to a multinational company, Portuguese company or foreign company operating in Portugal then, Social Security contributions will be deducted automatically from the monthly salary depending on what its earned. The employer usually has to match this by paying 22, 75%* while the employee pays 11%*.
Being Self-employed
Foreigners who are self-employed are responsible for paying their own Social Security contributions. These can be paid at the Post Office or via the ATM machines. A book of green receipts – Model Nº 6 called “Caderneta de Recibos Verdes” will be issued for a small fee by the local tax office in the area of residence.
Foreigners who are self-employed are also responsible for deducting Income Tax deductions (IRS) currently at 23%* and Value Added Tax (VAT), currently at 29, 6%*, in the Green Receipts book.
*October 2011
You can check the Rights and Obligations at the Social Security website and at the Public Finance Portal.