A NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is a 9-digit tax number issued by the Portuguese Tax Authority. You’ll need one before you can open a bank account, sign a lease, apply for a visa, or do almost anything official in Portugal.
If you’re not in Portugal yet, you can get one online — often in as little as 2 days and for as little as €64. But prices, delivery times, and what’s included vary a lot between providers.
We’ve done the research so you don’t have to. Use our free comparison tool to find the right provider for your situation — and often at a lower price than going to the company directly.
You’ll Need a NIF To
✔ Apply for a visa (D7, D8, Golden Visa, etc.)
✔ Open a Portuguese bank account
✔ Sign a rental lease
✔ Buy property in Portugal
✔ Set up utilities (water, electricity, internet)
✔ File taxes or start a business
It’s one of the very first steps — and almost everything else depends on it.
Get A NIF Number for €64
Why Use Our NIF Comparison Tool?
💰 Find the lowest price: Online NIF services range from €69 to €150+. We show them side by side so you can spot the best deal instantly — and our exclusive discount codes often make it cheaper than going direct.
⏱ Compare delivery times: Some providers deliver your NIF in 2 days, others take 10. If your visa appointment is around the corner, speed matters.
📋 See what’s included: Fiscal representation periods, rush options, and bundled services differ between providers. Our comparison table makes it easy to see what you’re actually getting.
🔒 No risk: Unlike a visa or bank account, a NIF application cannot be rejected. There are no country restrictions either. You just need the right provider at the right price.
Who Needs a NIF?
Short answer: almost everyone moving to Portugal, and many people who aren’t.
🇺🇸 🇬🇧 🌍 If you’re a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen (e.g. American, British, Canadian) applying for a visa like the D7 or Digital Nomad Visa, you’ll need a NIF before you submit your visa application. You’ll also typically need a fiscal representative in order to apply for the NIF.
🇪🇺 If you’re an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, you can usually wait until you arrive in Portugal and get one for free at a Finanças office — no fiscal representative required.
Even non-residents need a NIF if they’re buying property, opening a bank account, or setting up utilities for a second home in Portugal.
🧳 If you’re just visiting as a tourist, you probably won’t need one — unless you decide to buy a house or car while you’re here.
When You’ll Use Your NIF
✔️ Visa applications (D7, D8, Golden Visa, etc.)
✔️ Opening a Portuguese bank account
✔️ Signing a rental lease
✔️ Buying property in Portugal
✔️ Setting up utilities (water, electricity, gas, internet)
✔️ Starting a job or business
✔️ Enrolling children in school
✔️ Filing taxes in Portugal
✔️ Registering for healthcare
✔️ Inheriting Portuguese assets
Everyday Benefits
Once you’re living in Portugal, you’ll use your NIF constantly — at the supermarket, in restaurants, at the pharmacy, even at coffee shops. Here’s why:
💰 Tax deductions: Give your NIF when making purchases and they’re automatically logged. At the end of the year, these count toward deductions on your Portuguese tax return.
🎰 Win prizes: Purchases over €10 automatically enter you into Fatura da Sorte, a weekly government lottery where you can win up to €35,000 in treasury bonds.
🏠 Prove residency: Using your NIF on everyday purchases helps build a trail that shows you’re physically living in Portugal — which can be helpful at renewal time.
Frequently Asked Questions
A fiscal representative is a person or company that acts as your point of contact with Finanças (the Portuguese tax office) while you’re living outside the EU/EEA. If you reside outside the EU/EEA and already have fiscal ties to Portugal (e.g. you own a property or car here), you’ll need one. Most people moving to Portugal don’t already have assets here, so ongoing fiscal representation isn’t strictly necessary — but it is required to obtain the NIF in the first place. All the online services in our comparison tool include fiscal representation for a set period (typically 6–12 months).
No. A NIF on its own does not make you a tax resident. However, if you register a Portuguese address in the Portal das Finanças, the authorities will treat you as a Portuguese tax resident — which could create complications if you’re still tax-resident elsewhere. Don’t update your address until you’re ready to make the move. You do not need to file a Portuguese tax return simply because you have a NIF.
Yes, but typically not until you need to enrol them in school. You don’t usually need a NIF for your children before arriving in Portugal.
No. Unlike a bank account, a NIF cannot be shared — you’ll each need your own. The good news is that most providers offer discounts when you apply for two or more NIFs at the same time.
Yes. Most people moving to Portugal apply using their current foreign address and then update it once they’ve settled. This is completely normal and is how the vast majority of visa applicants do it.
No. Unlike a visa or bank account application, a NIF cannot be rejected. There are no country restrictions either. As long as you provide valid identification and proof of address, you’ll receive your NIF.
No. Your NIF is permanent — it doesn’t expire and cannot be cancelled. However, your fiscal representation period (included with online services) does have a set duration. If you don’t have ongoing fiscal ties to Portugal (e.g. a property or car), you don’t need to renew it.
If you’re in Portugal, visit any Finanças office with your ID. If you’re abroad, contact a Portuguese consulate. Bring your passport or EU ID and proof of address.