How to Get a Portuguese NIF Number

Hi, I’m James Cave, the founder of Portugalist and the author of the best-selling book Moving to Portugal Made Simple. I’ve been helping people move to Portugal since 2016 and a big part of that is researching how to get a Portuguese NIF number.

I’ve spoken with expats, lawyers, and relocation companies, and researched all of the available options out there. I’ve compared prices, delivery times, and reviews to work out which companies offer the fastest turnaround times and the best value for money.

So how do you get a NIF (aka Portuguese tax identification number)?

The short answer: that depends on where you’re resident (that’s legally living).

• EU/EEA residents can typically just head to a Finanças, Loja de Cidadão, or Espaço Cidadão office once they get to Portugal as they typically don’t need a NIF before moving here.
• Those resident in the rest of the world (e.g. the USA, UK, Brazil, etc) typically need a NIF for their visa applications and also may be asked for a fiscal representative if they go to a Finanças, Loja de Cidadão, or Espaço Cidadão office to request one. For this reason, it’s easier for them to use a lawyer or relocation company to obtain their NIF number rather than doing it in person.

How much does it cost to get a NIF number through one of these companies? The cheapest prices I’ve found were around €70 whereas I also found companies and law firms charging as much as €500 and even €1,000. Wowza!

At Portugalist, my goal is to save you money on your move to Portugal. Fill in the form below to get your NIF number for as little as €69.

Getting a NIF Online

Best for non-EU/EEA residents, but suitable for EU/EEA residents too

There are two main ways you can get a NIF online – either through a lawyer or through a relocation company (which have have lawyers they use to request NIF numbers for their clients). Both options require you to give power of attorney to the company for the sole purpose of obtaining the NIF on your behalf.

There’s no difference between the two – they both get you the same taxpayer identification number at the end of the day. However, there is a very strong argument for using a company or service that’s reliable because if you’re electing a person or company to be your fiscal representative, you want someone who’s going to pass on any communications from Finanças (the Portuguese tax office) promptly.

In practice, however, I’ve found the relocation companies and online services (aka the cheaper options) to be faster at getting a NIF number than many law firms. Many law firms had a turnaround time of around two to four weeks. In comparison, these online companies typically deliver your tax ID in a week or less.

Popular names for these online services include Bordr, Anchorless, and E-Residence, although there are more and more companies popping up every day. After looking at the prices of 7 of these companies, the average cost worked out at €99, with prices ranging from around €68 to €136.

Get a NIF In Person

Best for EU/EEA residents, but suitable for non-EU/EEA residents too

The default way to get a NIF is by going into a Finanças office (although you can now request them in a Loja de Cidadão or Espaço Cidadão office too). If you’re an EU/EEA resident (e.g. you live in France or Spain), you won’t need a fiscal representative and there’s no charge.

Because Finanças (the tax authorities) is so overwhelmed these days, I suggest either going to a Finanças in a smaller town or a Loja de Cidadão or Espaço Cidadão office. If you’re in a major urban area like Lisbon or Porto, expect big lines in any of these government offices (and honestly, maybe you should consider paying and getting it online instead).

If you’re also an EU/EEA citizen, you won’t need a visa (such as the D7 or digital nomad visa) to move to Portugal like those from the rest of the world do. In most cases, this means you can usually just move to Portugal and get your NIF number soon after you arrive.

What about non-EU/EEA residents (e.g. someone who lives in the USA or UK)? You guys can also go into one of these offices, however you may be asked for a fiscal representative (that’s a person who acts as the point of contact between you and Finanças).

If you have a friend who’s willing to be your fiscal representative, go for it. You’ll be able to get your tax ID for around €10.20 and it’ll be issued on the spot.

However, if you don’t have someone to be your fiscal representative, it doesn’t make financial sense to pay someone else to come with you when you can use an online service for a lot less than a lawyer’s hourly rate (assuming you get in and out of Finanças in an hour).

Steps to Getting Your Number (in person)

1. Find your nearest Finanças, Loja de Cidadão, or Espaço Cidadão office on Google Maps.
2. Gather Your Documents. You’ll need the following:
   • Passport or European ID
   • Proof of address (e.g. recent utility bill, bank statement that’s less than 3 months old, etc).
   • Fiscal representative’s ID and proof of address (only if you’re a non-EU/EEA resident)
3. Book Your Slot (Optional): Call +351 217 206 707 to schedule an appointment, or live dangerously and just show up! Unfortunately, you can’t make an appointment online but someone else who already has a NIF can do so on your behalf.
4. Take a ticket: Arrive early, grab a senha (ticket), and read your Portuguese phrasebook while you wait. Most people arrive around 30 minutes early. In Lisbon and Porto, some people practically camp out the night before. Again, having seen some of the lines around Lisbon, I suggest going to a Finanças in a small town rather than in a major city.
5. Victory Lap: Present your documents, pay the €10.20 fee if you’re a non-EU/EEA resident, and walk out with your brand new fiscal number printed on an A4 piece of paper! (EU/EEA residents don’t have to pay anything).

Using Your New Number

Just what is this nifty (see what I did there!) little number used for?

The Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF) is a unique 9-digit number that the Portuguese government uses to track financial transactions and subscriptions. It’s sometimes called a Número de Contribuinte as well, and it’s one of several personal identification numbers you’ll need in Portugal.

Most people initially need the NIF for one of two reasons: they’re moving to Portugal and applying for a residency visa or they’re buying a property here. But, you’ll actually use this tax identification number for just about any major purchases or subscription.

For example, you’ll need this number to:

• Apply for Portuguese residency visas (such as the D7, digital nomad visa, or golden visa)
• Buy (or rent) property
• Get a job or start a business
• Inherit Portuguese assets
• Pay taxes and social security
• Sign up for utilities, home internet, and a cell phone contract
• Buy a car
• Open a Portuguese bank account

If you’re just visiting as a tourist, you’re off the hook – unless you’re making big purchases like a house or car while you’re here. And, if a website asks for your Portuguese tax number and you don’t have one, you can normally just use 000-000-000 or your passport number.

You may also be asked for your NIF in the supermarket, but all you need to do is flash your best “I’m on vacation” smile and sheepishly say “eu não falo português.” That’s if you’re a tourist, of course. If you’re living here, there are very good reasons for using this number (besides it being a requirement in many instances).

I’m talking about tax benefits.

Tax Benefits: Because Who Doesn’t Love Saving Money?

Using your tax number isn’t just about following the rules – it’s about minimizing your tax bill from the Portuguese IRS!

Here’s how it works: every year, you’re allowed to claim some tax back on certain spending categories – for example food, car maintenance, and healthcare. You don’t need to do much – all you need to do is use your NIF when paying for products or services in these categories and the tax office will automatically reduce your tax bill.

Basically, it’s a good idea to use it all the time (using it also shows you’re physically in Portugal, should you ever be questioned about whether you’re meeting the physical stay requirements). So memorize that number (ideally in Portuguese) as you’ll be using it a lot.

Oh and did I mention you get to gamble with it too? Every time you spend €10 or more (and add your NIF to the receipt), you’ll be entered into the weekly “Fatura da Sorte” for a chance to win €35,000 in Treasury Certificates. It’s not life-changing money, but it’s certainly not anything to complain about either!

The Nitty-Gritty: Things to Keep in Mind

• Address Matters: You don’t need to be already resident in Portugal to get a Portuguese tax number: non-residents can request a NIF too, even if you don’t have a Portuguese address. However, once you move here, update your new Portuguese address via the Portal das Finanças. But be aware of the tax considerations (see below).
• Tax Implications: Getting a Portuguese tax number doesn’t automatically make you a tax resident as long as you use a non-Portuguese address. However, registering a Portuguese address will mean the Portuguese tax and customs authority will now assume you’re now a Portuguese tax resident.
• Language Barrier? English is widely spoken in Portugal, but for some reason this isn’t always the case in the Portuguese tax office. Use an online service to make your life easier or bring that friend that can speak Portuguese to act as a translator.
• Tax numbers for the Little Ones: Your kids will need their own tax number too, especially when it’s time for school enrollment.
• Expiration Date: Your tax identification number never expires and it isn’t possible to cancel it.
• Forgot Your Number? If you’re in Portugal, head to a Finanças office. If you’re abroad, your nearest Portuguese embassy or consulate can help you reunite with your long-lost tax identification number.
• Married: Sorry, lovebirds – you can’t share this number like you share a bank account. Every individual needs their own individual tax ID.
• Freelancer Alert: If you’re a non-Portuguese freelancer invoicing a Portuguese client, you don’t need a Portuguese tax number. But if you’re planning to make Portugal your home office, it’s likely you will need one.
• Can I get a NIF for free? If you’re an EU/EEA resident, yes. Just visit a Finanças, Loja de Cidadão, or Espaço Cidadão office in Portugal. Resident outside the EU/EEA (including Switzerland)? You can also visit a Finanças, Loja de Cidadão, or Espaço Cidadão office and pay the €10.20 fee, however, you’ll need a fiscal representative too. Unless you have a friend living in Portugal who’s willing to act as that, expect to have to pay a lawyer to do this. Alternatively, get your number online.

Your Adventure Awaits!

Congratulations! You’re now armed with all the knowledge you need to obtain and wield your very own Portuguese tax number or Número de Identificação Fiscal (let’s see you pronounce that after a few drinks!).

With your new Portuguese fiscal number in hand, you’re now ready to rent an apartment, buy a car, inherit Portuguese assets, or apply for that residency visa.

Boa sorte! Whether you decide to get your Portuguese tax identification number in Portugal or online, I hope this guide has been helpful. And don’t forget to check out my other guides to other Portuguese numbers like the NISS (social security identification number) and the Número de Utente (SNS or healthcare number).