If you’re an expat living in Madeira or an international investor considering the island’s unique tax advantages and business opportunities, choosing the right accountant professional is one of your most important decisions. Madeira’s regulatory landscape and integration into the Portuguese and EU legal systems require expertise that only a truly professional accountant can provide.
Here are five key considerations to help you select a professional accountant who can support your financial goals in Madeira.
1. Local Expertise with International Perspective
A professional Madeira accountant must understand Portuguese tax law and its interplay with international structures. For expats, this means navigating Portugal’s Personal Income Tax Code (CIRS), declaring worldwide income, and complying with automatic exchange of information protocols (like CRS and FATCA).
For investors, particularly those using Madeira’s International Business Centre (IBC), your accountant must be well-versed in corporate income tax rules, reduced CIT regimes (such as the 5% rate under the IBC framework), and VAT compliance. Look for firms that regularly assist with incorporation and RCBE reporting and provide fiscal representation for non-residents.
2. Transparent and Predictable Fee Structure
Professional accountants should offer transparent pricing and disclose hourly rates for additional work. At Madeira Corporate Services (MCS), for example, accounting services for companies begin at €2,625 per year, covering 25 hours of work, with extra time billed at €70/hour. For individual tax filings (IRS), standard fees cover up to three hours, with any additional time charged transparently.
This level of clarity allows expats and investors to plan and avoid unexpected costs, especially when navigating complex scenarios such as crypto gains, offshore structures, or multi-jurisdictional income streams.
3. Regulatory Compliance and Proactive Advice
Your accountant should ensure timely compliance, whether it’s VAT filings, SAF-T submissions, or social security declarations. However, a true accountant professional goes further: proactively advising you on how your structure, income, or residency changes could impact your obligations.
For instance, expats moving to Madeira may need assistance registering for Portuguese healthcare (SESARAM), updating fiscal addresses, or ensuring their company’s effective management remains outside of Portugal when using offshore entities. These are not mere formalities; they are strategic decisions with tax implications.
4. Responsiveness and Coordination with Other Advisors
Investing in Madeira requires coordination between lawyers, real estate agents, notaries, and shipping registries. A professional accountant should not operate in isolation. Instead, they should be responsive and capable of liaising with your other advisors to ensure holistic outcomes, whether you’re structuring a shipping company under the MAR registry or acquiring property through a corporate vehicle.
At MCS, our accountants are part of an interdisciplinary team providing legal and strategic development support. This structure is particularly valuable for clients involved in regulated activities, such as local accommodation (Alojamento Local), real estate investment, or Golden Visa applications.
5. Trust, Professionalism, and Track Record
In Madeira, trust isn’t just a matter of reputation; it’s about licensing, ethics, and accountability. Ensure that your accountant is part of a registered firm with a physical presence in Madeira and experience working with international clients. Ask for references or check whether banks, law firms, or real estate agencies in the region recommend the firm.
A professional accountant will maintain confidentiality, uphold fiduciary duties, and provide peace of mind, especially when managing your finances across borders.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Accountant Professional in Madeira
Expats and investors in Madeira benefit from a business-friendly environment and attractive tax incentives, but these advantages can only be maximised with the proper support. Choosing a professional accountant who understands your needs, offers transparent pricing, ensures compliance, and acts with integrity is essential.
If you’re considering investing or relocating to Madeira, we invite you to book a consultation through www.mcs.pt. Click the “Book a Meeting” button in the top right corner. A tailored consultation ensures your strategy is built on solid, informed, and compliant foundations. Don’t leave your financial future to chance; choose professionalism. Choose MCS.

The founding of Madeira Corporate Services dates back to 1996. MCS started as a corporate service provider in the Madeira International Business Center and rapidly became a leading management company… Read more