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

Planning a move to Portugal? One of the first things you’ll need is a NIF — short for Número de Identificação Fiscal. This 9-digit tax ID is required for most financial and legal actions in Portugal, from opening a bank account to signing a lease or applying for a residency visa.

This guide gives you fast answers, step-by-step instructions, and the most up-to-date information for 2025.

Quick NIF Facts

Option 1: Get Your NIF Online

Best for: Americans, Brits, Swiss, and non-EU/EEA residents applying from abroad.

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).

Step-by-Step:

1. Pick a provider – Popular names include:

2. Submit your documents – Passport, proof of address, and power of attorney.

3. Wait for your NIF – Most services deliver in 2–7 business days.

Online NIFs are valid and identical to those issued in person. Many services now assign a fiscal rep only during the process, not ongoing. This is because most people don’t need a fiscal rep unless they have ties to Portugal (e.g. they own a house or car there and live outside the EU/EEA).

Option 2: Get Your NIF In Person

Best for: EU/EEA residents physically in Portugal.

You can visit a:

• Finanças office
• Loja de Cidadão
• Espaço Cidadão

What You’ll Need:

• Valid passport or EU ID
• Proof of current address (e.g., utility bill or bank statement)
• Fiscal rep’s ID if you’re a non-EU/EEA resident

Steps:

1. Find a location – Smaller towns = shorter lines.
2. Book a slot (optional) – Call +351 217 206 707. Appointments can’t be booked online unless someone with a NIF does it for you.
3. Take a ticket (senha) – Arrive early, especially in Lisbon or Porto. Getting a slot here is tough.
4. Pay the fee – €0 for EU/EEA residents, €10.20 for everyone else.
5. 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 & Why You Need a NIF

You’ll need a NIF for:

• Visa applications (e.g., D7, D8/Digital Nomad, Golden Visa)
• Renting or buying property
• Starting a job or business
• Signing a lease or utility contract
• Opening a Portuguese bank account
• Enrolling children in school

Tourists usually don’t need one—unless they’re buying property or a car.

Tax Benefits & Lottery Perks

• Claim deductions: Use your NIF at pharmacies, auto shops, restaurants, and just about everywhere else to get tax deductions.
• Win prizes: Spend €10+ and you’re auto-entered into the Fatura da Sorte 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 for legal or tax reasons.

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).

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.

Can kids get NIFs?
Yes, they’re needed for school enrolment.

Can I lose or cancel a NIF?
No. It doesn’t expire and cannot be canceled.

What if I forget my number?
Visit Finanças if you’re in Portugal or a Portuguese consulate if you’re abroad.

Can my spouse and I share a NIF?
No. Everyone needs their own.

Can I get a NIF without a Portuguese address?
Yes. Use your foreign address. If you have reside outside the EU/EEA and have fiscal ties to Portugal (e.g., a house or a car), you’ll need a fiscal rep.

Final Tips

• Update your address: When you move to Portugal, update it on the Portal das Finanças.
• Language tip: Bring a Portuguese speaker to Finanças if you’re not confident.
• Freelancers: You’ll need a NIF if you’re based in Portugal and invoicing local clients.

What’s Next?

Now that you’ve got your NIF, you can:

• Open a Portuguese bank account
• Sign a lease
• Apply for your visa (e.g., the D7, Digital Nomad Visa, or the Golden Visa)

Check out our full guides on:

• NISS (social security number)
• Portuguese health number (Utente)

Still need a NIF? Use one of the discounted services above and get yours this week.