Business
How much does an accountant cost in Portugal — and when do you need one?
What Portuguese accountants charge, what drives the price, and the situations where hiring one is legally required or simply pays for itself.
16 Oct 20264 min read
Employee Cost and Net Salary Calculator
Estimate the employee's net pay and the real monthly and annual cost of an employee (or your own salary) to the company.
Holiday and Christmas allowances
Per-diems, mileage, etc. — no income tax or Social Security.
Meal allowance
Tax-exempt up to €10.46/day in card (2026).
Assumptions: single (or married, both working), no dependants, mainland Portugal — 2026 withholding tables.
Employee
- Base salary
- €1,500.00
- + Meal allowance
- €230.12
- − IRS withholding (11.2%)
- €168.00
- − Social Security (11%)
- €165.00
Net monthly pay
€1,397.12
Employer
- Gross salary
- €1,500.00
- + Social contributions (23.75%)
- €356.25
- + Meal allowance
- €230.12
Cost in a typical month
€2,086.37
Average monthly cost annual cost ÷ 12€2,376.57
Annual cost 14 salary months + 11 months of meal allowance€28,518.82
For every €1 the employee takes home, the company spends €1.49.
This calculator gives an estimate based on 2026 tax rules and does not replace professional advice. Talk to us for an analysis of your specific case.
Turn the simulation into a plan
The services and industries where these numbers matter most.
Frequently asked questions
The questions we hear most. Can't find yours? Talk to us.
Why does an employee cost more than the gross salary?
On top of the salary, the company pays 23.75% in social contributions (TSU) and 14 salary months per year (12 salaries + holiday and Christmas allowances), plus meal allowance and other benefits.
Meal allowance in cash or card?
In 2026, the meal allowance is exempt from income tax and Social Security up to €6.15/day in cash and €10.46/day on a meal card. Above these limits the excess is taxed — so the card lets you give more at no extra cost.
Is the withholding the final income tax?
No. It's an advance payment of the annual income tax — settled in the following year's tax return, which may result in a refund or an amount to pay.
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