In summary<\/p>\n
- \n
- CAE 62201 corresponds to \u201cComputer consultancy activities\u201d<\/strong> and belongs to NACE Rev. 4, in force since 2025.<\/li>\n
- The Rev.4 CAE replaced the Rev.3<\/strong> through Decree-Law no. 9\/2025, which forced many companies to review their classification.<\/li>\n
- The code it is not a formality<\/strong>makes applications for incentives, eligibility for public sector competitions and insurance coverage conditional.<\/li>\n
- In case of doubt, the source to consult is the SICAE<\/strong> \u2014 not the interpretation of the accountant or the supplier.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
\nIn this article<\/p>\n
- \n
- What is CAE 62201<\/a><\/li>\n
- Why did the code change<\/a><\/li>\n
- What activities fall under this category<\/a><\/li>\n
- Neighbouring codes and confusions<\/a><\/li>\n
- Why does this matter<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to confirm your case<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n
If you searched for \u201cCAE 62201\u201d, you are probably in one of three situations: setting up a company, reviewing your classification following the entry into force of the new CAE, or filling out an application that requires the correct code.<\/p>\n
This article explains what the code covers, why it changed, and where to confirm your specific case \u2014 because the choice of CAE has practical consequences that only appear later.<\/p>\n
What is CAE 62201<\/h2>\n
The CAE \u2014 Portuguese Classification of Economic Activities \u2014 is the code that identifies a company's main activity before the Tax Authority, Social Security, INE and all entities that need to know which sector the company operates in.<\/p>\n
O 62201 corresponds to \u201cComputer consultancy activities\u201d<\/strong>. It covers companies whose main activity is advising organisations on IT systems: infrastructure planning, choice of solutions, system architecture, and technical monitoring of technological decisions.<\/p>\n
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CAE 62201 covers computer systems consulting and planning activities.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Why did the code change<\/h2>\n
Many companies that have always used a computer code have recently discovered that their CAE no longer exists with the same numbering. The reason is simple: the NACE Rev. 4<\/strong> superseded Rev.3, through Decree-Law No. 9\/2025 of 12 February<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
It was not a cosmetic renumbering. The revision kept pace with the evolution of the sector itself \u2014 activities that in 2007 barely existed, such as cloud services and managed security, gained enough weight to justify separate treatment.<\/p>\n
\nIf you haven't reviewed your rating since 2025, it's worth checking it.<\/strong> An outdated CAE goes unnoticed for months and only causes problems at the worst possible moment \u2014 usually in the middle of a grant application or a tender.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
What activities fall under this category<\/h2>\n
Broadly speaking, 62201 covers technical consultancy on computer systems. In business practice, this includes work such as:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Needs analysis and systems architecture design<\/li>\n
- Infrastructure and migration planning<\/li>\n
- Technology choice, licensing and supplier advice<\/li>\n
- Risk assessment and business continuity<\/li>\n
- Technical monitoring of digital transformation projects<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The distinction that matters is between advise<\/strong> e run or operate<\/strong>. A company that designs the solution fits here; one that manufactures software, manages infrastructure continuously or installs equipment may need to consider other codes \u2014 or declare more than one.<\/p>\n
Neighbouring codes and confusions<\/h2>\n
Division 62 covers IT activities, and this is where almost all doubts arise. The most frequently misinterpreted boundaries are these:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Consultancy vs programming<\/strong> \u2014 those who develop custom software are not in the same code as those who advise on systems.<\/li>\n
- Consultancy vs infrastructure management<\/strong> \u2014 operating clients' servers and networks on an ongoing basis is a distinct activity from advising on them.<\/li>\n
- IT vs retail<\/strong> \u2014 whoever resells equipment as their main activity is in another division, even if they also provide technical service.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Many IT companies actually carry out several of these activities. In this case, the activity is declared headmaster<\/em> \u2014 the one that generates the highest turnover \u2014 and leave the secondary ones aside. Declaring only one when there are several is a common and unnecessary mistake.<\/p>\n
Why does this matter<\/h2>\n
The CAE looks like a registration formality and it isn't. It dictates concrete things:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Incentives and support<\/strong> \u2014 the overwhelming majority of programmes define eligibility by CAE code. The wrong code excludes the application before anyone reads the project.<\/li>\n
- Civil service exams<\/strong> \u2014 the specifications frequently require activity compatible with the object of the tender.<\/li>\n
- Insurance<\/strong> \u2014 the categorisation of the professional indemnity policy follows the declared activity. A discrepancy may be invoked in the event of a claim.<\/li>\n
- Hiring and sectoral obligations<\/strong> \u2014 collective regulatory instruments and certain reporting obligations vary according to the activity.<\/li>\n
- Commercial credibility<\/strong> \u2014 more and more clients check the supplier's CAE before contracting, especially in critical services.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How to confirm your case<\/h2>\n
The official source is the SICAE<\/strong>, the Portuguese Economic Activities Classification Information System, which allows codes to be consulted and a company's registered classification to be verified. The explanatory notes for CAE Rev.4 published by INE contain the text that defines what each code includes and excludes.<\/p>\n
Three practical recommendations. Confirm the code before<\/em> if you need it, and not on the day of the application. If you carry out several activities, declare them all instead of forcing everything into a single code. And, in case of genuine doubt, check with your accountant e<\/em> with the official source \u2014 both things, because interpretations diverge.<\/p>\n
\nNote:<\/strong> This article is informative and does not replace accounting or legal advice. For the formal classification of your company, consult SICAE and your chartered accountant.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
DataRoad provides IT consultancy for businesses<\/a> e managed IT services<\/a> in Portugal. If you are structuring your company's IT department and want to understand which solutions make sense before investing, we can speak with you with no obligation.<\/p>\n
\nA chat before making a decision<\/p>\n
Whether you\u2019re tackling a specific problem, planning a move or simply looking for a second opinion, we always start in the same way: by understanding your situation before making any suggestions. No obligation, no jargon and no catalogues.<\/p>\n
- Civil service exams<\/strong> \u2014 the specifications frequently require activity compatible with the object of the tender.<\/li>\n
- Consultancy vs infrastructure management<\/strong> \u2014 operating clients' servers and networks on an ongoing basis is a distinct activity from advising on them.<\/li>\n
- Consultancy vs programming<\/strong> \u2014 those who develop custom software are not in the same code as those who advise on systems.<\/li>\n
- Why did the code change<\/a><\/li>\n
- The Rev.4 CAE replaced the Rev.3<\/strong> through Decree-Law no. 9\/2025, which forced many companies to review their classification.<\/li>\n