How Social Security works for TVDE drivers
As a self-employed TVDE driver, your contribution isn't a fixed amount — it's calculated from what you billed over the previous three months. Every quarter you file a declaration of what you received, through Segurança Social Direta, and the amount you pay every month after that is based on it.
The calculation, step by step
First the relevant income is calculated: 70% of the quarter's billing. That's divided by three to reach the monthly incidence base. Finally a 21.4% rate is applied to that base to get each month's contribution. If you billed €4,500 in a quarter, relevant income is €3,150, the monthly base is €1,050, and the monthly contribution comes to about €224.70.
Minimum, maximum and exemption
There's always a minimum of €20 a month, even with zero billing, as long as you're registered as self-employed. At the top end, the base can't exceed 12 times the monthly IAS (€6,445.56 in 2026), so high earners don't see their contribution climb indefinitely. And if it's your first time opening activity, you get full exemption for the first 12 months — worth toggling the box above to see the difference.
Frequently asked questions
How much do I pay in Social Security as a TVDE driver?
For most full-time drivers, the monthly contribution usually falls between €150 and €350, depending on billing. Part-time drivers or those just starting tend to pay close to the €20/month minimum.
Can I adjust how much I pay?
Yes — in the quarterly declaration you can voluntarily adjust the incidence base up or down, in 5% increments up to 25% above or below the calculated value.
What happens if I don't pay?
The debt accrues interest and can lead to enforced collection proceedings. If you're facing a temporary hardship, it's much better to contact Social Security to negotiate than to simply not pay.
Is it free?
Yes — free, no signup, nothing is stored.