How to Get a Portuguese NIF Number (Fast & Cheap)

If you’re planning on moving to Portugal, buying property, or even just opening a bank account, you’ll very quickly hear about the NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal).

This 9-digit tax identification number, issued by the Portuguese Tax Authority (Autoridade Tributária), is required for almost any financial or legal interaction in Portugal.

It’s one of the very first things you’ll need, but the process can feel confusing.

• Who needs one?
• How do you get one if you’re not in Portugal yet?
• Do children need their own NIF?
• And does having a NIF automatically make you liable for Portuguese taxes?

This guide answers all of those questions (and more) so you know exactly what to expect — plus, the fastest and cheapest ways to get your NIF.

Who Needs a NIF?

• Anyone moving to Portugal: If you don’t require a visa (i.e., you’re an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen), you can usually wait until they’re in Portugal to get one (for free and without a fiscal representative). Everyone else (e.g., Americans, Brits, Canadians, Indians, Venezuelans) needs a NIF at the point of their visa application and will normally need a fiscal representative too.
• Non-residents: Even if you don’t live here, you normally need a NIF to buy property, open a bank account, or set up utilities for your second home here.

If you’re just visiting as a tourist or digital nomad, you probably won’t need one.

How to get a NIF Number

There are three main route:

Option 1: Get Your NIF Online (Using a 3rd-Party Service)

Best for:

• Americans, Brits, Swiss, and any non-EU/EEA resident applying from abroad.
• DIY Applicants who aren’t using a lawyer.
• Those using a lawyer, but who want to reduce costs.

Online services are fast, easy, and ideal if you need your NIF for a visa or bank account before arriving in Portugal (e.g., you’re applying for a visa like the D7 or Digital Nomad Visa).

With costs for online services starting at €69, that’s much less than what most lawyers charge. In 2023, we contacted several law firms and relocation companies and were quoted anywhere from €100 to €500 (around €300 on average). They also didn’t all promise it in a specific timeframe like the companies below.

In the table below, you’ll find the cheapest options we could find. And if you use the accompanying discount codes, it’s often cheaper than going to the company directly.

Step-by-Step:

1. Pick a provider – The main providers are:

Reviews taken from TrustPilot

2. Submit your required documents to your chosen provider

You’ll need to upload copies of:

• Your passport or European ID
• Proof of address (driving licence, utility bill, etc.,)
• You’ll also likely need to sign a power of attorney which allows them to obtain the NIF on your behalf.

3. Wait for your NIF – Most services deliver in 2–7 business days. Some offer rush services if you need your NIF faster (e.g., in 24 hours).

Option 2: Get Your NIF As Part of a Visa Package

Best for:

• Non-EU/EEA residents applying for visas like the D7, Digital Nomad Visa, or Golden Visa.
• People who prefer one point of contact for everything.

Most law firms and relocation companies bundle the NIF (and a Portuguese bank account) with their visa packages. This can be convenient since they also handle:

• Which documents you’ll need to gather,
• Scheduling your consular/VFS appointments,
• Your AIMA appointment in Portugal.

Cost: Often around €300+ (more than doing it yourself, but less hassle).

Tip: If you’re budget-conscious, you can always handle the NIF and bank account yourself first, then hire a lawyer for the actual visa.

Option 3: Get Your NIF In Person

Best for:

• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens physically in Portugal.
• Visitors on scouting trips who prefer to sort it out themselves (only worthwhile for non-EU/EEA residents if you have a Portuguese friend who can be your fiscal representative).

If you’re visiting Portugal, perhaps as part of a scouting trip, you can get a NIF number while you’re here. This makes more sense for EU/EEA residents (e.g. someone living in Ireland or France) seeing as they don’t need a fiscal representative to come with them.

Where to go:

• Finanças office (tax office) — most common.
• Loja de Cidadão (citizen’s shop).
• Espaço Cidadão (smaller citizen service desk).

However, most people go to a Finanças office. As of 2025, you will normally need to pre-book an appointment for this. Some smaller locations still allow walk-ins.

Documents You’ll Need:

• Valid passport or EU ID
• Proof of current address (e.g., driving licence, utility bill, or bank statement)

Steps:

1. Choose a location – Tip: It’s easier to get an appointment or potentially walk into a Finanças office in a small town. Offices in places like Lisbon and Porto can be extremely busy.
2. Book an appointment – required at most locations. Call +351 217 206 707 (in Portuguese). If you know someone with a NIF, they may be able to book online for you.
3. Go to your appointment – Go to your appointment at the designated time or walk in if you’re trying to get a NIF without an appointment. Arrive early, especially if you’re trying to get a NIF without an appointment. Take a ticket/senha.
4. Request your NIF – At the counter, explain you need a Número de Identificação Fiscal. Some staff speak English, but basic Portuguese helps.
5. Pay the fee (if applicable) – free for EU/EEA residents; ~€10.20 for non-EU (some offices don’t seem to charge).
6. Walk away with your NIF – It’s printed on an A4 page and valid immediately.

If you have a friend who’s resident in Portugal and willing to act as your fiscal rep, you can save money. Otherwise, you’ll likely need to use a lawyer or relocation service.

When to Use Your NIF

You’ll notice that people use their NIF numbers at the grocery store, restaurants, cell phone shops—everywhere really! Here’s why you should too!

• Claim deductions: Use your NIF at pharmacies, auto shops, restaurants, and just about everywhere else to get tax deductions. You don’t need to do anything but give it over when asked.
• Win prizes: Spend €10+ and you’re auto-entered into the Fatura da Sorte weekly lottery (win up to €35,000 in treasury bonds).
• Residency proof: Using your NIF can help demonstrate you’re physically in Portugal, which may be useful if you need to prove this later on.

You’ll also need to use your NIF in the following situations:

• Visa applications (e.g., D7, D8/Digital Nomad, Golden Visa)
• Buying a property in Portugal
• Renting a property in Portugal (you can rent without a NIF, but this probably will mean you won’t have a contract and won’t be able to register the contract with Finanças)
• Setting up utilities in Portugal (e.g. water, electricity, gas, internet)
• Obtaining Portuguese health insurance
• Starting a job or business
• Signing a lease or utility contract
• Opening a Portuguese bank account
• Enrolling children in school (children don’t normally need a NIF before this)
• Filing taxes in Portugal
• Taking out health insurance or registering with the public health service
• Inheriting Portuguese assets (such as a Portuguese property)

Tourists, or those visiting Portugal temporarily, usually don’t need one—unless they’re buying property or a car.

Common Questions

What’s a fiscal representative?
Someone (or a company) who acts as a point of contact between you (someone living outside the EU/EEA) and Finanças (the Portuguese tax office).

If you have reside outside the EU/EEA and already have fiscal ties to Portugal (e.g., a house or a car), you’ll need a fiscal rep. Most people moving to Portugal don’t already own a property or car here, so don’t need ongoing fiscal representation. If your lawyer or provider signs you up for fiscal representation (typically for a year) and you don’t need it, you can cancel it before the year is up.

Does having a NIF make me a tax resident?
No, unless you register a Portuguese address. If you do, the authorities will assume you’re now considered a Portuguese tax resident. This obviously could obviously cause issues and could cause you to be a tax resident in two countries, so don’t update your address in Portal das Finanças until you’re ready. You do not need to file a Portuguese tax return just because you obtain a NIF number.

Can kids get NIFs?
Yes, they’re needed for school enrolment. They’re typically not needed before this.

Can spouses share a NIF?
No, unlike a bank account, a NIF cannot be shared. You will each need your own.

What if I’m rejected?
Unlike opening a bank account or applying for a visa, you won’t be rejected when applying for a NIF. There are also no country restrictions like there are for a bank account or visa.

Can I lose or cancel a NIF?
No. Your NIF doesn’t expire and cannot be canceled. However, unless you have fiscal ties to Portugal (e.g., a house or property here), you shouldn’t need ongoing fiscal representation.

What if I forget my number?
Visit Finanças if you’re in Portugal or a Portuguese consulate if you’re abroad. Bring ID and proof of address.

Can my spouse and I share a NIF?
No. Everyone needs their own. However, you can share a bank account for your visa application.

Can I get a NIF without a Portuguese address?
Most people moving to Portugal will use a foreign address and then change once they move here.