If you live in Portugal, you’ll need a NIF number (the full name is Número de Identificação Fiscal and it’s also called a Número de Contribuinte, but more people just say ‘NIF’).
Once you live in Portugal, you’ll need to use this NIF when you register for many things like a mobile phone contract, broadband, start a job in Portugal, or take out a mortgage. Basically: you just need for just about everything.
And here’s how you get one:
If you’re a non-EU/EEA resident (e.g. you live in the US or UK) then nine times out of ten you’ll need to use a company or lawyer to obtain your NIF.
Want to know the cheapest NIF option for non-EU/EEA residents? That’s Anchorless.io when you use the code PORTUGALIST25. Otherwise, use the comparison table to compare companies.
You can also ask a friend or family member who lives in Portugal to accompany you to a Finanças or a Loja do Cidadão office, but most of us aren’t lucky enough to already know someone in Portugal before we move there. And, there’s a good chance you’re reading this from outside Portugal.
If you’re an EU/EEA resident (e.g. you live in France or Germany) you simply go to your nearest Finanças or a Loja do Cidadão office in Portugal and request one there.
What is a NIF?
Just what is a NIF? Good question!
A NIF is a nine-digit personal tax identification number or fiscal number, which is issued by Finanças, (the Portuguese tax office). A sample NIF might look like this: 210 828 170, so it looks a bit like a phone number.
As well as needing one once you live in Portugal, you may also need one if:
- You’re a non-EU/EEA resident applying for a residency visa (like the D7 or golden visa).
- You’re buying a house or car in Portugal, even if you don’t intend to move here.
- You’re a prospective student, registering at a Portuguese university.
- You’re inheriting Portuguese assets as part of a will.
- You’re trying to open a Portuguese bank account.
Sometimes you have to give your NIF over, for example when you buy a house or car or sign up for home internet. And sometimes it’s optional, like when you’re asked for it at the supermarket or the hairdresser.
Much like the US social security number or the UK national insurance number, this number is personal to you – except, unlike the US SSN, this is something you can comfortably give out at the supermarket or shop. And there are benefits for giving it out. Using your NIF at places like the supermarket, restaurant, garage, or hairdressers can allow you to earn tax back, which means more money in your pocket. Plus, every €10 you spend also gets you a ticket in a weekly draw.
Why does the Portuguese government incentivise people to use their NIF by offering tax reductions and lottery tickets? Because if reduces tax evasion. If you request a receipt with your NIF number on it, it forces the company to produce an official receipt, which Finanças (the Portuguese tax office) get notified about.
Obtaining a NIF number is normally free for EU/EEA residents.
For non-EU/EEA residents, if you have a friend or family member who can act as your fiscal representative and come to Finanças with you, it’ll cost you a mere €10.20 (plus maybe a nice bottle of wine for them). If you don’t know someone who can be your fiscal representative, and you’re not in Portugal, you’ll need to use a lawyer or company and this will set you back around €80 at the cheaper end of the scale (we’ve priced up all the companies so you can compare).
Getting a NIF as a Non-Resident
Now the big question is just how do you get a NIF as a non-resident (somebody who isn’t resident in Portugal)?
Well, that depends on where you’re resident now.
- I’m resident in a non-EU/EEA country (e.g. the US or UK): You typically need a fiscal representative, which normally ends up being a lawyer or company. You can see the comparison table for all of the companies we’ve compared.
- I’m resident in an EU/EEA country (e.g. Germany, Ireland, Portugal): You can can usually just walk into a Finanças or a Loja do Cidadão office in Portugal and request a NIF.
Words like resident and citizen tend to confuse people, so let’s break it down with some examples. Remember: this is based on where you’re resident; not what citizenship you hold.
More Examples:
Residency | Requirement | |
John | US citizen living in the US | He needs a fiscal representative because he is resident in the US and not in an EU/EEA country. He should check the comparison table. |
Mary | US citizen living in France | She does not need a fiscal representative because she is resident in France, which is an EU/EEA country. |
Paul | French citizen living in Germany | He does not need a fiscal representative because he is resident in Germany, which is an EU/EEA country. |
Karen | French citizen living in the UK | Despite French citizenship, she needs a fiscal representative because she is not resident in the EU/EEA. She should check the comparison table. |
NIF Helper
Confused about how to get a NIF? Simply enter your details below and our NIF helper will show you.
Get a NIF Online
- Cost: From around €75-€300, depending on the company.
- Turnaround time: From 24 hours to several weeks, depending on the company.
Both those resident in an EU/EEA country (e.g. France) and those resident in a non-EU/EEA country (e.g. the US or UK) can get a NIF number online using one of the companies below.
Those resident in a non-EU/EEA country (e.g. the US, UK, or Singapore) need a fiscal representative, and the online route is probably your best option. You could also use a Portuguese lawyer, which is typically more expensive, or you could ask a friend or family member who’s already resident in Portugal, but you likely don’t know anyone.
Those resident in an EU/EEA country (e.g. Germany or Italy) can use one of these online services if they want an easy option. However, since they don’t need a fiscal representative, they can also walk into a Finanças or Loja do Cidadão office in Portugal and request one for free.
Comparison Table
Here are some companies that can help you get a Portuguese NIF number:
Cost | Timeframe | Fiscal Representation | |
|---|---|---|---|
€74.25 with code PORTUGALIST25 | 3-10 days | 1 Year | |
€79 | Up to 14 Days | 1 Year | |
€87 (with code PORTUGALIST) | 3 Days | Not necessary | |
€89 | 1-10 Days | 1 Year | |
€89 | 2-10 days (depending on selected option) | 1 Year | |
$140 | Less than 1 week | 1 Year |
Do you Need a NIF and a Portuguese Bank Account?
If you need a NIF & Portuguese bank account (which you might if you’re applying for the D7 visa, for example) the best value is Anchorless’ NIF + Portuguese bank account bundle for €389.25, using the discount code PORTUGALIST25.
See a comparison of other companies offering a NIF + bank account bundle.
Just need a NIF?
- Chapest: The cheapest option, with 12 months of fiscal representation, we could find is €74.25 (Anchorless.io) when you use the discount code PORTUGALIST25.
- Fastest Turnaround: The fastest service was 24-48 hours (Lisbon.net), using the premium rush service. This costs extra, but could be worth it if you need to get a NIF quickly.
- Best-rated: Bordr is probably the best-rated on TrustPilot due to their excellent customer service, and it has the most reviews due to being the first company to start offering this service. However, all of the other companies have fantastic reviews as well.
Typical documents needed:
- Passport (or National ID card if you’re an EU citizen).
- Proof of address such as a driver’s licence, bank statement, or utility bill.
- If your documents are in a language other than Portuguese or English, you may be asked to provide a certified translation.
Do I need to pay for ongoing fiscal representation?
Most companies and lawyers charge an annual fee for fiscal representation, and the first year is usually included when you obtain a NIF through them. The exception is Novomove.
However, the rules have changed and, in many cases, you won’t need to pay for fiscal representation anyway.
- If you are planning to move to Portugal, you would not need a fiscal representative once you get to Portugal.
- If you don’t move to Portugal, and don’t have financial ties to Portugal, such as a house or car, you don’t need a fiscal representative.
- If you are an EU/EEA resident, you can receive communication from Finanças at your EU/EEA address.
Get a NIF in Portugal
- Cost: Normally free.
- Turnaround time: Depends on the approach. It can take just a few minutes, excluding time spent standing in line, which can be more than a few minutes.
Both residents of an EU/EEA country (like Ireland or Italy) and residents of a non-EU/EEA country (like the US, UK, or Turkey) can apply for a NIF number in-person at a Finanças or Loja do Cidadão office in Portugal.
However, those resident in a non-EU/EEA country (e.g. the US, UK, Switzerland, or Canada) need a fiscal representative to accompany them. Those resident in an EU/EEA country (e.g. Poland or Denmark) don’t.
Who can be your fiscal representative:
- One of the online companies (e.g. Bordr or Anchorless)
- A Portuguese lawyer.
- An individual, such as a friend or family member, who’s resident in Portugal and willing to act as your fiscal representative.
Non-EU/EEA residents need a fiscal representative when requesting a NIF number. This can be a company such as Bordr or it could be an individual, such as a friend or family member, who’s resident in Portugal and willing to act as your fiscal representative. – Kathleen Lo, Bordr
EU/EEA members do not need a fiscal representative when requesting a NIF directly at a Finanças or Loja do Cidadão office in Portugal. However, those from Switzerland do. – Kathleen Lo, Bordr
Typical documents needed:
- Passport (or National ID card if you’re an EU citizen).
- Proof of address such as a driver’s licence, bank statement, or utility bill.
- If your documents are in a language other than Portuguese or English, you may be asked to provide a certified translation.
In theory, it should be as easy as walking into a Finanças or Loja do Cidadão office and requesting one. In practice, it isn’t always and it may take a lot of your time, particularly in large cities. However, this is a good introduction to what bureaucratic life in Portugal can be like (it varies from place to place).
I tried visiting a Finanças office but was told that in order to get a NIF I would need to make an appointment. In order to do that, someone with a NIF would need to make an appointment for me. Now knowing anyone, I tried another Finanças office (the head office in Porto) and was directed to the Loja de Cidadão. While they were very helpful, they only offer a limited number of tickets per day and even though I waited for hours, I eventually gave up. I came back the next morning at 5:55 AM … and that was just in time to get a prime spot near the door. The queue was about 100m+ at 9:30 when they opened (on a Saturday). From then on it was easy, but I wished I had just ordered one online beforehand.
Roman (Portugalist reader)
As mentioned, the quality of service varies from place to place and some people have a much easier experience.
I walked in, no prior appointment and got the NIF within 5 mins. Although making an appointment is required, but I was lucky that they attended to me. Nonetheless, this is my personal experience.
Prince
If you’re visiting a Finanças or Loja do Cidadão office in a smaller town, it’ll probably be easier. The offices of both departments in Lisbon and Porto are known for having long queues.
Useful Tips:
- Some offices allow you to turn up whereas others require you to make an appointment.
- Ideally, do it first thing and get there at least 10 minutes before it opens.
- You will need to take a senha (ticket) and wait your turn.
- The button you need to press will probably say “NIF” or “Número de Contribuinte.”
- Wait until your number is called and then explain that you are here for a NIF.
- While it’s likely that the person you speak to will speak English, the people who work in Finanças are not known for being helpful so try to make an effort in Portuguese.
FAQs About the NIF Number
The following are some of the most commonly asked questions about the Portuguese NIF number, all of which have been answered by Kathleen Lo, who co-runs Bordr. These answers were verified by the lawyers Bordr work with.
Basic Questions
Q. What does NIF stand for?
NIF stands for Número de Identificação Fiscal, which translates to Tax Identification Number. It’s a personal identification number assigned for tax purposes and is used when making purchases and completing official transactions in Portugal.
Q. Can I get a NIF Without a Portuguese Address?
Yes, you can absolutely get a NIF without having a Portuguese address and can use your residential address outside of Portugal. You always need to present a proof of address when getting a NIF – so if you’re still outside Portugal, then you’ll need to present documentation for where you’re currently residing. Once you move to Portugal and need to update your address to your Portuguese one, you can update your details inside the Portal das Finanças.
Q. Is a NIF number always nine digits long? Can it be longer or shorter?
Yes, a NIF number is always nine digits long – not one digit longer or shorter.
Q. A website is asking me for a NIF, but I don’t have one. What should I do?
If you’re not a Portuguese resident, it can be confusing when Portuguese websites (such as supermarkets) ask for your NIF. Some people put their passport number or a personal tax identification number from their own country. If that doesn’t work, try putting nine zeros e.g. 000000000.
Q. Can I get a NIF without a Portuguese address?
Yes, you can absolutely get a NIF without having a Portuguese address and can use your residential address outside of Portugal. You always need to present a proof of address when getting a NIF – so if you’re still outside Portugal, then you’ll need to present documentation for where you’re currently residing. Once you move to Portugal and need to update your address to your Portuguese one, you can update your details inside the Portal das Finanças
Questions about Taxes & Responsibilities
Q. If I get a NIF, will I have tax obligations in Portugal (e.g. filing a tax return)?
If you obtain a Portuguese NIF you won’t automatically have tax obligations in Portugal or be required to file a Portuguese tax return. However, even if you haven’t made Portugal your country of residence, you may have tax obligations in Portugal if you have purchased a property or car in Portugal, for example.
Q. I’m a freelancer with a client in Portugal (I do not live there and have never visited). Do I need to include a non-resident NIF when invoicing my client in Portugal?
As a non-Portuguese freelancer, you do not need a NIF in order to invoice a client in Portugal.
Q. Someone has asked me to be their fiscal representative. What are the legal and financial ramifications of this and could it end up costing me?
As someone’s fiscal representative, you are obligated to receive any letters from the Portuguese Tax Authority and forward them to the NIF holder. If you don’t forward these communications or are not able to prove that you have communicated these notices to the NIF holder, you might get hit with a fine.
Questions from European Residents
Q. Do EEA Residents Need a Fiscal Representative to Get a NIF?
If you are an EU/EEA resident applying for a NIF directly with the Financas, you do not need a fiscal representative.
Q. Do Residents in Switzerland Need a Fiscal Representative to get a NIF?
Residents of Switzerland do need a fiscal representative since Switzerland is not part of the EU or EEA.
Questions from Non-EU Residents
Q. Do non-EU residents need to use a lawyer as their fiscal representative? If I know someone in Portugal can I ask them to get me a NIF and be my representative?
All non-EU residents need a fiscal representative to apply for a NIF on their behalf. Your fiscal representative does not necessarily need to be a lawyer, but they do need to be a Portuguese tax resident and a Portuguese permanent resident or citizen. If you have a trusted friend or know someone in Portugal who is willing to take on the responsibility, they can absolutely be your fiscal representative.
Q. Will having a NIF help me get residency?
Although having a NIF number is increasingly becoming a requirement for many residency visas, and not having one could mean your application will be rejected, having one won’t necessarily improve your chances of getting residency if you don’t meet the main visa requirements (e.g. having a sufficient income in the case of the D7).
Questions about using your NIF
Q. Do I Legally Have to Use My NIF When Making a Purchase?
You are required to provide your NIF when making large purchases like a car or a house because these come with annual tax obligations. In the supermarket, giving your NIF is optional because this simply allows you to have tax deductions on your personal income.
Q. Why am I asked for my NIF in the supermarket sometimes but not other times?
It pretty much depends on the person checking you out at the supermarket. If you’d like to use your NIF, simply ask the cashier for your NIF to be included on the receipt.
Q. Can I use a NIF with a foreign address for residential things like getting internet, paying for utilities, etc?
Yes, you definitely can. There is no address requirement when using your NIF for such services.
Q. How can I get my NIF printed on a card?
The Portuguese Tax Authority no longer issues NIF cards, but you can get a file that you can print out yourself on the e-fatura website. The 2-page PDF issued by Finanças would be the best document to use as proof of your NIF.
Q. Is it still a legal requirement that I carry my NIF on me?
No, you do not need to carry your NIF document with you at all times. For day-to-day things, like at the supermarket, you can simply provide your NIF verbally. For official transactions, you may need to bring the official document, which serves as your proof of NIF. As a Portuguese resident, it would be really helpful to memorize your NIF since it’s used so often
Questions about Changing Your Address
Q. How do I change the address of my NIF once I become a resident in Portugal?
Once you become a resident in Portugal, you can easily request for your change of address on the tax office’s website, Portal das Finanças.
Q. When should I change the address on my NIF? Should I do it as soon as I arrive?
You should change the address on your NIF to your Portuguese address as soon as you have proof of address in Portugal.
Q. Do I need to change my NIF to a Portuguese address before I can rent an apartment?
You should be able to use your NIF with a foreign address to rent an apartment. If you are looking to use your long-term rental agreement as proof of address, then you should confirm with your landlord that they will be registering the lease with Finanças.
Questions from families
Q. Will my children need a NIF? At what age does someone need a NIF?
There isn’t a hard requirement on age, but your child will need a NIF in order to enroll in school.
Q. Are NIF Numbers Given At Birth?
NIFs are not mandatorily assigned at birth.
Q. Can a married couple share the same NIF?
Each individual needs their own NIF number. As a married couple, you can share a joint bank account, but will still need your own NIF numbers to open it.
Questions about Forgotten NIFs
Q. I was born in Portugal but no longer live there. Would I have been given a NIF at birth or at what age do Portuguese citizens obtain their NIF?
NIFs are not mandatorily assigned at birth. Parents typically get a NIF for their children when they start school since this is necessary for enrollment. If you are a Portuguese Citizen, one way to check if you have a NIF is by looking at your Cartão do Cidadão (Citizen Card).
Q. Does my NIF number expire?
Your NIF number does not expire and does not need to be renewed either. If you already have one, you don’t need to get another one.
Q. I’ve Forgotten My NIF Number, what Do I Do?
If you are in Portugal, you can go to a Financas office to request a copy of your NIF. If you are abroad, please get in touch with the Portuguese embassy or consulate nearest you.
Questions about Leaving Portugal
Q. Can I cancel a NIF number?
The Portuguese tax office does not allow for the cancellation of your NIF even if you no longer live in Portugal. However, as of 2022, you no longer need an ongoing fiscal representative if you have a NIF, don’t reside in Portugal, and don’t have any tax obligations here (e.g. owning a property).
Q. I’ve left Portugal and moved to another EU country, but I wasn’t able to update my new address because I didn’t know it. Can I change that now? What happens if I don’t?
You should definitely update your address so that you won’t be considered a tax resident in Portugal anymore. If you don’t update the address associated with your NIF, you might be liable for personal income tax in Portugal. You can update your address at Portal das Finanças and we have put together step-by-step instructions here.
