# Steps towards setting up as a Freelancer for the NHR scheme in Portugal (An EU citizen)

**URL:** <https://community.nomadgate.com/t/steps-towards-setting-up-as-a-freelancer-for-the-nhr-scheme-in-portugal-an-eu-citizen/38391>\
**Category:** Tax and legal\
**Created:** [May 22, 2021, 2:52pm UTC](https://community.nomadgate.com/t/steps-towards-setting-up-as-a-freelancer-for-the-nhr-scheme-in-portugal-an-eu-citizen/38391 "2021-05-22T14:52:08Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![TanteM](https://community.nomadgate.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/t/3e96dc/32.png) [@TanteM](https://community.nomadgate.com/u/TanteM)\
**Post date:** [May 22, 2021, 2:52pm UTC](https://community.nomadgate.com/t/steps-towards-setting-up-as-a-freelancer-for-the-nhr-scheme-in-portugal-an-eu-citizen/38391/1 "2021-05-22T14:52:08Z")

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Hi,

I am planning to relocate to Portugal from Ireland as I prefer to pay taxes in Portugal to avail of the flat rate of 20% tax rate. I have an EU passport and I am an IT Test Consultant (one of the NHR desirable occupations) currently contracting to an Irish company. They have no problem with me relocating and working remotely and I am hoping to sign their extension contract of employment as a Portuguese freelancer / sole trader. I am currently setup in Ireland as a director of an umbrella company but will change legal entities for the contract extension.

I have researched the NHR extensively however, I am wondering what are the ideal steps / sequence of steps to achieve my goal. Your help and advise is greatly appreciated.

1. Get a NIF
2. Get a SIM card (for MBway)
3. Open a Portuguese Bank Account (non resident bank account) in person.
4. Organise a rental property for at least 6 months (Over 183 days). Move.
5. Set up and register as a Freelancer in the local tax office & enable the issuing of invoices.
6. Sign my contract extension as a Portuguese entity, work and start invoicing.
7. Register as a resident - SEF Residence Registration in local Town Hall: After 3 months and within 30 days of being in the country (can this be done sooner if I have a 6 month rental agreement for example? Do I need to do this as an EU national?)
8. Submit NHR status application and get approval.
9. Register for VAT?
10. Submit annual tax return taking into account the 20% tax.

Is this the right sequence of steps that I need to take into account? Am I missing anything? Thanks in advance.