What is a Fiscal Representative?
A fiscal representative, also known as a tax representative, is a mediator of your choice, that you confer with power of attorney, to handle your tax-related matters with the Portugal tax authorities – officially known as AT – Autoridade Tributária, or more commonly referred to as Finanças in Portugal.
Finanças declares that “any one person, singular or collective, can be appointed, if they have residency in the national territory.” Theoretically, you can appoint anyone fitting the description to be your tax representative.
However, it’s always best to appoint an expert – someone whose job is to comply with the Portuguese tax authorities – to take care of it for you.
What does a Tax Representative in Portugal do?
As your mediator with the Portuguese tax authorities, your fiscal representative:
- Receives all notices, including property tax bills, from Finanças;
- Updates your address and all contact information;
- File your annual tax returns (IRS);
- Makes your application for special regimes such as NHR 2.0;
- Makes sure deadlines are met so you avoid up to €7,500 fines for late responses.
In some cases, if you don’t have a representative, Finanças can invalidate your NIF or freeze property transactions.
Who Needs a Tax Representative in Portugal? (And Who is Exempt?)
Not every expat seeking to relocate to Portugal is going to need a tax representative. However, did you know, in some cases, having a fiscal representative is mandatory?
It can get a bit confusing when exactly you need one, when you don’t need one, and when you should consider getting one – if only to save you the headache of handling bureaucracy, especially if it’s in a language you haven’t mastered yet.
Ultimately, it comes down to whether you’re a tax resident, but let’s break it down.
| Scenario | Is Tax Representation Mandatory? | Why / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| You have Portuguese residency and are also a tax resident who spends more than 183 days in Portugal | NO | You’re considered a resident and reachable. |
| You are an EU/EEA citizen, not a tax resident in Portugal, but you have a verified EU/EEA address and activated electronic delivery | NO | Electronic notifications replace the need for a proxy. |
| You are a non-EU/EEA citizen (e.g., USA, UK, UAE, South Africa) and not tax-resident in Portugal | YES | Always mandatory. A local proxy is required for legal contact. |
| You are a Golden Visa holder living fewer than 183 days in Portugal | YES | You're classified as a non-tax resident. |
| You have a company that owns Portuguese real estate | YES | Needed for IMI, AIMI, and corporate tax filings. |
| You were a Portuguese tax resident but moved out and changed your tax address to outside Portugal/EU/EEA | YES | Applies from the moment your address changes. |
Fiscal Representation: Key Takeaway Points
- A fiscal representative is mandatory for every non-tax-resident whose official address is outside the EU/EEA. EU/EEA non-residents are exempt only if they enable electronic notifications. Portuguese tax residents never need a representative.
- If you’re a tax resident, meaning you file your worldwide income returns in Portugal, you don’t need fiscal representation, as the government can reach you locally.
- If you’re non-resident with a Portuguese NIF (that you’ve acquired for property purchase, a Golden Visa investment, opening a bank account, you will need fiscal representation if your official address is outside the EU/EEA.
- Decree Law 44/2022 enabled EU/EEA citizens to no longer need a fiscal representative, since they can become exempt if they register an EU address and opt in to digital notifications. If they don’t, they’ll need to have tax representation.
Benefits of Having a Fiscal Representative in Portugal
In theory, anyone can be your tax representative in Portugal; even your closest Portuguese friend.
However, you should bear in mind that, in practice, if you decide to go down that route, your friend can become legally liable if they miss deadlines.
There’s a common Portuguese saying that goes: “amigos amigos, negócios à parte”, (friends are friends, business to the side) of which the meaning loosely translates to: “don’t mix business with pleasure”.
The better choice is to simply hire a tax representative professional, which will directly benefit you with:
- Peace of Mind: A tax representative takes care of all the documentation for you as well as act as your mediator to the Portuguese tax authority, meaning you don’t really have to concern yourself with being up to date.
- Tax Compliance: Your fiscal representative will ensure your tax status is completely compliant with Portuguese law.
- Tax Knowledge & Expertise: The Portuguese tax law is a complex matter that can be difficult to navigate, especially when you don't understand the language. If you have any questions that need to be clarified, fiscal representatives know all there is to know about the legislation, and will let you know if there's any changes that needs your attention.
Portugal Homes as Your Fiscal Representative
Portugal Homes sets itself apart from other real estate companies through our very own After Sales department.
But what is After Sales, exactly? It’s an in-house team completely dedicated to helping you throughout the post-purchase process. When you buy property with Portugal Homes, we don’t abandon you after the sale is completed.
Our After Sales services aren’t exclusively tied to property purchase. If you already own a home in Portugal, but need assistance with your tax status, we can also help you.
We remain at your side throughout whatever issues you may encounter. Our Tax Representation Package includes, but is not limited to:
- Power of Attorney: you sign a bilingual power of attorney document, enabling us to become your tax representatives. We submit it to the notary and with Finanças.
- Helping you obtain the Portuguese NIF number: we confirm the address tied to your tax number and switch correspondence to our Lisbon office so there is always someone available to receive it.
- Filing your Annual Property Tax (IMI);
- Declaring your yearly Tax Returns (IRS);
- Issuing your VAT returns if you rent out property;
- Take care of your property rental receipts;
- Renewals – before the representation anniversary we reconfirm contact details and renew the contract.
What are the Risks of Not Having a Fiscal Representative?
The biggest risk, by far, is non-compliance.
If Finanças cannot deliver a notice because no valid representative exists, they will still mail it to your last known address and deem it served.
Fines for late response start at €150 and can reach €7,500, plus interest.
Persistent non-compliance can block future property resale and Golden Visa renewals.
With one of our After Sales staff as your tax representative, these risks drop to zero, and every notice is handled to ensure compliance.
Tax Representative Cost in Portugal
Hiring a fiscal representative service in Portugal can range from “free” to as much as €1,500 per year.
Although, technically, you don’t have to pay for a tax representative, resorting to asking a friend to do it for you, Portugal Homes strongly urges you to consider otherwise – and reach out to a professional.
At Portugal Homes, we have standard packages for services like Tax Representation, Property Management and Property Inspections, but we're happy to tailor a package according to your needs.
With our After Sales team at your side, we provide consistent support regarding your tax status throughout the year.
Fill out the form below and let us help you take care of your taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who needs a fiscal representative in Portugal?
Any non-resident whose official tax address lies outside the EU/EEA must appoint a fiscal representative the moment they apply for a Portuguese NIF or acquire a Portuguese asset (property, bank account, fund units). Non-residents who are EU/EEA residents are exempt only if they activate electronic notifications in Portal das Finanças.
2. Do I need a fiscal representative if I become a Portuguese tax resident?
No. The obligation ends the day you meet tax residency criteria (more than 183 days per year in Portugal) and update your NIF address to a Portuguese one.
3. How much does a fiscal representative cost in Portugal?
Typical standalone services charge €350–€550 + VAT per year for basic mail-forwarding.
Portugal Homes’ After Sales' Tax Representation Package includes handling several type of tax management for competitive fees.
4. Can anyone be my fiscal representative in Portugal?
Legally, yes - any Portuguese resident over 18 can accept becoming a tax representative via power of attorney. Practically, the representative becomes liable for your unpaid fines and notices. Most expats use a professional service – like Portugal Homes’ Tax Representation Package.
5. How do I appoint a fiscal representative in Portugal?
Simply reach out to Portugal Homes, and we’ll draft you a power of attorney document, letting us become your tax representatives and take care of all your tax-related matters.
6. How to remove a fiscal representative in Portugal if I move here full-time?
File a Change of Address on the Portal das Finanças (or at a counter) to a Portuguese address first.
7. What happens if I fail to appoint a fiscal representative?
Finanças may issue fines starting at €150 up to €7,500, block property transfers, freeze bank deposits, or declare your NIF as “inactive”. Unanswered assessments also jeopardise Golden-Visa renewals and citizenship applications.
8. Do I need a fiscal representative to obtain my NIF number?
You don't need a fiscal representative to obtain a NIF number. However, if you are a non-EU/EEA citizen, it will be considerably easier to hire a fiscal representative, who will request the NIF on your behalf at Finanças using the power of attorney.
9. What is NIPC in Portugal and how does it relate to fiscal representation?
NIPC (Número de Identificação de Pessoa Colectiva) is the corporate equivalent of a NIF. Non-resident companies holding Portuguese real estate or earning income in Portugal must appoint a fiscal representative exactly as individuals do.
10. Will I still need a fiscal representative after I obtain Portuguese citizenship?
If you maintain an address abroad and remain a non-tax-resident, yes. The rule is tied to tax residency status, not nationality.
