The Tax Identification Number (NIF) is essential for various transactions in Portugal, from opening a bank account to purchasing real estate. Obtaining this document can be streamlined with the help of a lawyer, offering significant advantages in terms of time and cost. In this article, we explore the reasons why this choice can be crucial for your plans in Portugal.
Obtaining an NIF does not require the physical presence of the applicant. The same can be represented in Portugal by a person or entity who, armed with a power of attorney, can obtain the NIF on their behalf. In most cases*, this person or entity will be designated before the Portuguese Tax Authority as the Fiscal Representative.
1. Dispenses with the legalization of the power of attorney and other necessary documents
When a power of attorney is signed in favor of a lawyer, it does not require legalization. Lawyers in Portugal have notarial powers, which eliminates the need to legalize the power of attorney, saving time and money for the applicant.
Legalizing a power of attorney can be a complex process, often involving waiting months for the availability of the consulate of the country of residence. Alternatively, it may be necessary to apostille the document, which involves certification by a notary and subsequent apostille** by another entity.
The same applies to the other documents required to obtain the NIF, which also need to be integrated into the process, such as the identification document and proof of address of the Applicant. This latter document is often not even capable of being legalized.
2. Ensures a faster and more economical process
By hiring a lawyer, you will be able to obtain your NIF within one business day and without the need to incur costs for legalizing documents abroad. A time and money savings that cannot be guaranteed by other entities and individuals without that qualification.
3. Ensures effective management of communications with the Tax Authority
The Fiscal Representative is responsible for alerting the represented party about communications from the Tax Authority. Therefore, it is advisable that the Fiscal Representative be a trusted person or entity, such as a lawyer or a law firm registered with the Portuguese Bar Association.
Often, applicants who hire services from untrustworthy entities end up not receiving important communications from the Tax Authority, which can lead to serious problems such as tax debts.
Hiring a lawyer to handle the process of obtaining an NIF in Portugal offers undeniable advantages. In addition to ensuring the speed and efficiency of the process, it provides legal security and peace of mind, fundamental elements for those who intend to establish or expand their presence in Portugal.
If you plan to invest or move to Portugal and need assistance in obtaining your Portuguese NIF, contact us. We guarantee a personalized and efficient approach to simplify your path to Portugal.
* In some cases, it is possible to dispense with the fiscal representative provided electronic notifications are activated on the Portuguese Tax Authority’s website or through the Postal Box “CTT” – the client should regularly check notifications to confirm their timely receipt.
**Hague Apostille – Under the Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (concluded at The Hague, on 5 October 1961, under the auspices of the Hague Conference on Private International Law), the apostille consists of a formality by which the authenticity of public acts issued in the territory of one contracting State and to be presented in the territory of another contracting State of the same Convention is certified, thus giving them formal evidentiary value.
