From 1 January 2027, an electronic invoice sent in PDF format in Portugal must be signed with a qualified electronic signature (digital certificate).

The essentials in brief:

  • Until 31 December 2026, an unsigned PDF invoice may still be considered an electronic invoice.
  • From 1 January 2027, it must bear a qualified electronic signature.
  • A postponement remains possible: it will be confirmed or ruled out by the Portuguese State Budget 2027, expected by the end of 2026.
  • ASD Group helps you obtain your digital certificate.

What is changing in Portugal in 2027?

Today, a PDF invoice without a signature can still be accepted as an electronic invoice, provided it is issued by certified invoicing software. This tolerance, linked to Decree-Law No. 28/20191, is due to end on 31 December 2026. From 2027, a PDF invoice must be signed with a qualified electronic signature to be valid.

Should you prepare despite a possible postponement?

Yes. The timetable will only be confirmed upon adoption of the 2027 State Budget2, the proposal for which was submitted to Parliament in October 20263. However, it takes time to obtain a certificate and integrate it into your invoicing tool. If you prepare the process now, you will be ready whatever the decision.

How does ASD Group support you?

ASD Group helps you obtain and implement the digital certificate used to sign your electronic invoices in Portugal. We guide you through the steps and next actions.

Will your invoices in Portugal be compliant in 2027?

Our experts support you in obtaining your digital certificate to sign your electronic invoices.

Contact our Portugal experts →

ASD Group Editorial Team
Experts in VAT, customs, and international regulations

The ASD Group team is a collective of specialized experts. They create and manage blog articles and news updates across our sites, focusing on VAT, international taxes, customs operations, social regulations, and international trade. With a clear and educational approach, the team makes complex and technical subjects easily understandable and relevant for businesses.

Source:

  1. Decree-Law No. 28/2019 of 15 February 2019 – Diário da República (in Portuguese) ↩︎
  2. State Budget 2027 – Assembly of the Republic (in Portuguese) ↩︎
  3. State Budget for 2027 submitted to the Assembly of the Republic – Portuguese Government (in Portuguese) ↩︎