Why Do You Need a Fiscal Representative in Portugal

Your Fiscal representative in Portugal represents you before the tax office and is responsible for some tax obligations and communications.
Article Last Updated: 08 Oct, 2023 under Fiscal Representative

We often say that in Portugal you need a NIF number for everything, and it is true!

If you wish to obtain a Portuguese Tax Number (NIF) and if you live abroad you may need to appoint a tax representative. You need to appoint a Fiscal Representative if you are a non-resident, non-EU national with interests in Portugal - for example, you own a property or a bank account here.

The process is simultaneous to the NIF creation. With the present restrictions we find it is very convenient for our clients to hire our services to get the NIF number and register as tax representatives at the Finanças Portal (tax office). We can complete this process and service within a short time-frame.

Our objective is to provide the perfect start to your life in Portugal, while you still do not hold a permanent address either with a rental contract of as a property owner.

The fiscal representative represents you before the tax office and is responsible for complying with some tax obligations, and for all the communications with the tax office.

1. Fiscal Representative Portugal: Why use a registered lawyer?

This means you really need someone trustworthy, a Portuguese speaking professional that can easily communicate with the Tax Authorities on your behalf and, often a convenient option is to hire a registered lawyer. Why?

Lawyers in Portugal hold professional insurance that goes up to a minimum of 150.000 €, something that other professionals can’t guarantee. Many people tend to appoint an English speaking friend, an accountant, the landlord or even the estate agent.

Although this is accepted, it not advisable as these people - while well-intentioned - are not legal experts, and may well not understand completely your legal obligations, and sometimes don’t fully understand the notices they receive on your behalf.

Some clients have told us of losing hundreds of Euros because of a miscommunications with the tax office, due to the fact the tax representative was not aware of the need to comply with a few legal obligations.

Therefore, appoint a tax representative you trust, that understands and communicates both Portuguese and English in order to facilitate the communication between the tax office and the client.

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Cláudia, Lawyer in Castelo Branco...
I am a Lawyer, working independently for 7 years now. I have experience in family law, property, public deeds, criminal law and general matters. I'm my work I sometimes do translations and certifications of foreign documents. I although have experience in teaching.
We used Claudia’s service when immigrating to Portugal. Process started in UK with visa applications. Claudia dealt with all documents required, applying and obtaining our NIF numbers, setting up our tax status and assisting with opening our Portuguese bank account. When we arrived in Portugal, we rented a property for six months. Again, Claudia assisted with contract and relocation. We bought a property in August 2023. Claudia dealt with all conveyances, exchange contracts and through to completion. She has also helped us with Portuguese driving licenses healthcare insurance and registration on Portugal's health system. Also done translation of important documents. We found her work to be impeccable and all times. Moving to a new country and new language is quite a daunting process. Claudia made us feel at ease at all times and reassured us when ever we were unsure or nervous about pending meetings/appointments with immigration officials. In our opinion, we could only recommend her services at 100%+++ Finally. She is a true professional. Meetings and her offices, we were always greeted with a friendly smile and warm welcome. We continue to use her services.
Greg Nicholl
Greg Nicholl
11 Mar 2024
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