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November 19, 2025 - Articles
With 30 years of history, AFC Tax Intelligence, led by CEO Sandra Silva and CFO Isabel Sequeira, has established itself as a key reference in taxation and consultancy for foreign investors in Portugal. Beyond technical services, the company focuses on proximity, technological innovation, and valuing people.
Half a century of solidity and growth
Over 30 years of activity, AFC Tax Intelligence has built a solid path based on trust, rigour, and credibility. What started as a firm focused on local needs in the Algarve evolved into a leading company supporting foreign investors who see Portugal as an attractive country to live, work, and invest capital.
“More than 90% of our clients are foreign,” highlights Sandra Silva, emphasising the company’s global vocation.
With clients from the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Sweden, the USA, and Brazil, among others, AFC Tax Intelligence has become accustomed to handling diverse legal and tax contexts, always combining technical rigour with great cultural sensitivity.
The decades of experience allowed AFC Tax Intelligence’s team to develop a deep understanding of different geographic and legal realities, balancing local specificities with double taxation agreements, European legislation, and international rules. This knowledge is a clear competitive advantage, resulting in secure, tailored solutions for each client.
“There are no universal formulas. We need to know the client’s country of origin well, the legal framework in Portugal, and from there build the best tax strategy,” adds Sandra Silva.
At the same time, AFC Tax Intelligence’s longevity is closely tied to its ability to adapt to change. Portugal today is not the same as 30 years ago, neither in legislation nor investor profiles. From EU accession to fiscal system modernisation, changes in the real estate sector, and the impact of Brexit, AFC Tax Intelligence turned each challenge into growth opportunities.
“The secret to longevity is never stopping. When there’s a legislative change, we must be the first to understand it. When there’s a new investment trend, we must know how to respond. This dynamism has kept many clients with us for decades, passing from one generation to the next,” recalls the CEO.
Today, AFC Tax Intelligence is seen not only as a service provider but as a strategic partner. The trust-based relationship with individual and corporate clients is supported by constant proximity. For many foreign investors, dealing with bureaucracy and fiscal complexity in a different country would be a huge barrier; with AFC Tax Intelligence, the process becomes transparent, secure, and easier.
Taxation that demands creativity
Challenging the idea that taxation is a “grey” and repetitive field, Sandra Silva stresses the dynamic and stimulating nature of the work: “Taxation is challenging. No two days are the same. We must be creative and think of solutions.”
CFO Isabel Sequeira reinforces this, noting that the legislative complexity requires continuous learning: “We’re always training, either to keep up with legal changes or internal procedures. This is a key factor for the team’s motivation.”
Besides intellectual challenge, the managers admit this is a well-paid field today, which adds to the profession’s attractiveness.
Innovation and digitalisation: the strategic bet
Digitalisation has become a central pillar in AFC Tax Intelligence’s strategy. Traditionally linked to manual processes, paperwork, and long analyses, the company is heavily investing in technological tools that simplify tasks, boost efficiency, and bring clients a more modern, transparent experience.
“This is almost a revolution. It will take time, but we believe technology will greatly help, …” says Isabel Sequeira
“This is almost a revolution. It will take time, but we believe technology will greatly help, both in internal management and client transparency,” says Isabel Sequeira, highlighting the importance of digital processes not only for daily operations but also for client trust.
Artificial intelligence is a main focus of this transformation. By automating repetitive and administrative tasks, AFC Tax Intelligence professionals can focus on strategic consultancy, risk analysis, and customised solutions, where human expertise remains irreplaceable. “It’s not just about replacing paper with digital. It’s about freeing our team for higher-value tasks, where creativity, knowledge, and critical thinking make the difference,” adds Sandra Silva.
Beyond internal optimisation, digitalisation enables closer client engagement, providing access to real-time updates, clear reports, and more transparent follow-up. For foreign investors often not physically in Portugal, this aspect is crucial.
The transformation process is gradual. Each technological implementation demands ongoing training, adapting procedures, and gradual adjustments to fully integrate new systems into daily routines. However, AFC Tax Intelligence’s vision is clear: progressively reduce paper dependency, ensure operational consistency, and offer a more agile, secure service.
“We’re moving towards a hybrid model where technology complements the team’s knowledge without ever replacing the human element. This balance allows us to keep growing and maintain the excellence our clients expect,” concludes Sandra Silva.
Digitalisation and innovation are not only efficiency tools but also strategic elements for the company’s future expansion, including plans to open a new branch in Lisbon. Without a well-structured team and technologically integrated processes, this step would not be possible.
International clients and the importance of English
Most AFC Tax Intelligence clients are foreign, especially investors from the UK post-Brexit. This makes English fluency essential for any team member. “Every word counts, every comma counts. It’s impressive how many highly educated candidates still don’t master English. This is critical because we deal daily with clients and technical concepts in English,” observes the CEO.
More than providing taxation and accounting services, AFC Tax Intelligence has built a culture of closeness with clients and partners, based on trust, continuous training, and innovation capacity. “We are always available to clarify doubts and support clients and partners, whether foreign or national investors. Our commitment is to stand by those who trust us,” say Sandra Silva and Isabel Sequeira.
With 30 years of experience and a clear vision for the future, AFC Tax Intelligence remains a strategic ally for anyone wishing to invest in Portugal, combining rigour, creativity, and a human approach that makes all the difference.
Read the full feature in Revista Business Portugal on pages 123-125:
https://issuu.com/revistabusinessportugal/docs/revista_business_portugal_-_agosto_setembro-2025
