Procedures for applying for a TIN while living abroad

Specific Requirements for Residents Abroad

Cape Verdean citizens or foreigners who live outside Cape Verde and wish to apply for a Tax Identification Number (NIF) must meet specific requirements that apply to their condition of residence abroad. These requirements differ slightly from the procedures for Cape Verde residents, considering the need to authenticate and validate documents issued abroad.

• Personal Identification Document

You must present a valid passport or identity card. For foreigners, the passport must be valid for at least six months.

• If the applicant is a minor, they must present their birth certificate or equivalent document.
• All documents issued outside Cape Verde must be authenticated by the Cape Verdean consulate in the country of residence. (Consular Portal)
• Proof of Residence Abroad

A document issued by the local authorities in the country of residence proving the applicant's current address. This document must be translated into Portuguese, if necessary, and authenticated by the consular services.

• Tax representative in Cape Verde

Residents abroad are obliged to appoint a tax representative in Cape Verde. This representative can be a natural or legal person and will be responsible for intermediating the applicant's tax obligations in the country.

• The appointment must be formalised by a declaration signed by both parties and notarised.
• The tax representative must have permanent residence in Cape Verde. (DW Cape Verde)

Application Submission Process

The process of applying for a NIF for residents abroad can be done in person at the Cape Verdean consulate or via online platforms, when available. Below are the detailed steps:

1. Document preparation

Gather all the necessary documents, including the NIF application form, available at Consular Portal. Make sure that all documents issued abroad are notarised and, if necessary, translated into Portuguese.

2. Submission to the Consulate

Go to the Cape Verdean consulate in your country of residence to hand in the documents. The consulate will check the authenticity and conformity of the documents before forwarding them to the tax authorities in Cape Verde.

3. Order tracking

After submission, the applicant can follow the status of the application via the consulate or the online portal, if one has been used. The average processing time is 10 to 15 working days for applications made abroad.

4. Receipt of TIN

The NIF will be issued and sent to the applicant or the tax representative in Cape Verde, depending on the preference indicated on the application form.

Costs Associated with Ordering Abroad

Although the NIF application is free, there are additional costs related to the authentication and translation of documents for foreign residents:

• Document Authentication

Fees charged by Cape Verdean consulates to authenticate documents issued abroad. Fees may vary depending on the consulate and the type of document.

• Official Translation

Documents issued in foreign languages must be translated into Portuguese by a sworn translator. Translation costs depend on the number of pages and the complexity of the document.

• Fiscal Representative's fees

If the applicant needs to appoint a tax representative, the latter can charge a fee for the service. The amounts vary according to the professional or company hired.

Support Available for Residents Abroad

The Cape Verde government offers various forms of support to facilitate the process of obtaining a NIF for citizens living abroad:

• Consular Services

Cape Verdean consulates are available to assist with authenticating documents, filling in the application form and answering questions. (Consular Portal)

• Online Portals

The official Cape Verde government portal provides detailed information on the requirements and procedures for applying for a NIF. In addition, some applications can be initiated online, reducing the need to travel.

• Service desks in Cape Verde

For foreign residents visiting Cape Verde, the Casa do Cidadão counters can offer face-to-face support to finalise the process.

Specific Considerations for the Diaspora

The Cape Verdean diaspora has its own particularities when it comes to applying for a TIN, especially when it comes to proving nationality and residence abroad:

• Proof of Cape Verdean Nationality

A document proving Cape Verdean nationality must be presented, such as a passport or identity card. For citizens with dual nationality, an additional document proving their connection to the country may be required.

• Authentication of Documents at the Consulate

All documents issued abroad must be authenticated by the Cape Verdean consular services. This procedure is essential to guarantee the validity of the documents before the Cape Verdean authorities.

• Facilities for Diaspora Investors

Cape Verdean investors living abroad can benefit from special conditions for obtaining a TIN, such as reduced deadlines and additional support for authenticating investment-related documents. (Consular Portal)

This guide details the procedures required to apply for a TIN while living abroad, focusing on the specificities of the Cape Verdean diaspora and the support available to facilitate the process.

Estimated Time and Support Available for the Process

Average time to obtain a TIN in Cape Verde

The time it takes to obtain a Tax Identification Number (NIF) in Cape Verde can vary depending on where the application is made and the completeness of the documentation submitted. In general, the process is relatively quick when done in person in Cape Verde. At the Tax offices or the Citizen's Centre, The TIN is assigned at the time of application, provided that all the documents are in order. (National Directorate of State Revenue)

For citizens living abroad, the processing time may be longer due to the need to send documents by post or the intermediation of a tax representative in Cape Verde. On average, the estimated time for residents abroad can vary between 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the efficiency of the local consular service and the validation of the documents submitted.

Differences in Processing Time for Residents and Non-Residents

Residents of Cape Verde benefit from a more agile process, as they can go directly to the tax offices. On the other hand, non-residents face a longer process, as they depend on communication between the consulate or embassy and the Cape Verdean tax authorities. In addition, sending physical documents and translating documents, when necessary, can add delays to the process.

Support Available for Residents Abroad

Cape Verdean citizens in the diaspora can count on the support of the embassies and consulates of Cape Verde to apply for a NIF. These organisations offer assistance in checking the documentation, provide information on the requirements and, in some cases, forward applications directly to the competent authorities in Cape Verde. (Cape Verde Consular Portal)

In addition, to make the process easier, many consulates offer online services or by appointment, allowing citizens to submit their requests without having to physically travel. For example, the use of Digital Mobile Key or the Citizen card may be required to authenticate the request.

Tax representation in Cape Verde

For foreign nationals or Cape Verdeans living abroad, the appointment of a tax representative is mandatory. This representative, who must be resident in Cape Verde, acts as an intermediary between the applicant and the tax authorities. The tax representative is responsible for:

• Submit the NIF application on behalf of the applicant.
• Ensure that all the necessary documents are complete and compliant.
• Receive official communications related to the NIF.

The tax representative can authenticate himself to the tax authorities using the Digital Mobile Key, o Citizen card or your NIF and password. (gov.uk)

Process-related costs

Although applying for a NIF is free when done in person in Cape Verde, citizens abroad may incur additional costs, such as:

• Document translationDocuments issued in foreign languages may need to be translated into Portuguese, especially when it comes to proof of identity or legal existence.
• Consular authenticationDocuments such as passports or certificates may need to be authenticated by the Cape Verdean consulate in the applicant's country of residence.
• Fiscal representative feesIf the applicant does not have a tax representative in Cape Verde, they can hire a professional, such as a lawyer or accountant, to fulfil this role.

Online Tools and Resources

To speed up the process, citizens can use online tools and resources provided by the Cape Verdean authorities. For example:

• TIN enquiryOnce the NIF has been issued, you can check the assigned number via the official portal of the National Directorate of State Revenues. (Consult NIF)
• Consular Portal mobile app: O Cape Verde Consular Portal offers a mobile application that allows citizens to access information on consular services, including the process of obtaining a NIF. (Consular Portal)

These resources are particularly useful for citizens in the diaspora, allowing them to follow the status of the process and obtain up-to-date information without having to travel.

Specific Considerations for Investors

Cape Verdean investors in the diaspora wishing to benefit from the Status of Investors from the Cape Verdean Communities must obtain a NIF as one of the first steps in the investment process. This number is essential for formalising contracts, opening bank accounts in Cape Verde and carrying out financial transactions. (Consular Portal)

In addition, the statute offers special conditions for emigrants wishing to invest in the country, including tax and customs benefits. To ensure that the process runs smoothly, it is recommended that investors consult a lawyer or accountant in Cape Verde for advice on the legal and tax requirements.

This article presents new and complementary information to the existing sections, detailing the average processing time, differences between residents and non-residents, and the resources available to the diaspora and investors.

Conclusion

The process for obtaining a Tax Identification Number (NIF) in Cape Verde, which is essential for financial transactions and formal activities in the country, has specific requirements for foreign residents and investors.

The documents required include a valid passport or identity card, proof of residence, a notarised criminal record and, for non-residents, the appointment of a tax representative resident in Cape Verde. The average processing time varies between 3 and 5 working days for applications made in person in Cape Verde and up to 15 working days for applications made abroad, due to the need to authenticate and send documents.

For the Cape Verdean diaspora, the support of consular services, such as authenticating documents and providing guidance on procedures, is fundamental. In addition, resources such as Consular Portal and the Casa do Cidadão counters in Cape Verde facilitate the process. Foreign or diaspora investors must also submit additional documentation, such as business plans and proof of capital transfers, in order to formalise economic activities in the country. Although applying for a NIF is free of charge, costs such as translating and authenticating documents or tax representative fees may apply.

This guide emphasises the importance of prior planning and documentary compliance to speed up the process. It is recommended that applicants use the consular services and online platforms available to minimise delays and ensure compliance with legal requirements. For more detailed information, please consult the Cape Verde Consular Portal.