How to Get a Portuguese NIF Number: The Easy, Step-By-Step Guide

Ah, the infamous NIF number – that mysterious string of digits that seems to pop up at every turn when you’re trying to settle into your new Portuguese life.

• Applying for a residency visa like the D7 or D8? You’ll need a NIF.
• Want to rent that charming apartment in Lisbon’s Alfama district? NIF required.
• Planning to buy a car? You guessed it – NIF needed.

Most people use an online service (such as E-Residence) to get a NIF number, particularly if they’re moving to Portugal from outside the EU/EEA. However, it is also possible to a NIF number in person in Portugal as well.

In this guide, we’ll walk your through the different options to help you understand which option is best for you.

Overview of the NIF Number

• What is it? The Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF) is a unique nine-digit tax identification number essential for a range of transactions in Portugal such as buying or renting property, applying for a residency visa, applying for a job, or opening a bank account.
• Who needs it? Anyone moving to Portugal, basically. If you’re not moving to Portugal, there are some instances where you may still need it (e.g. you’re buying a property in Portugal).
• How do I get it? Typically if you’re resident outside the EU/EEA, you’ll use a lawyer or online service provider (we list several below). If you are resident in the EU/EEA, you’ll typically just go to a Finanças, Loja de Cidadão Office, or Espaço Cidadão office.

How to Get a NIF Online

It is possible to get a NIF number online, and this is the main route non-EU/EEA residents take. Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to request one directly—you will need to use a lawyer or online service providers.

(Some companies charge as much as €1,000 to get you a NIF while others can take 3-4 weeks. We only list companies that can get the NIF number fast and affordably.)

1. Choose a Service Provider
   • There are multiple companies that offer this service. Prices range from €68-€300, depending on the company and package chosen.
2. Submit Your Documents
   • Upload a scanned copy of your passport and proof of address.
3. Receive Your NIF
   • The process usually takes around 2-7 days, depending on the service you’ve chosen. Your NIF will be emailed to you.

Online service providers

How to get a NIF in Person

You can also get a NIF number in person, in Portugal. This option makes more sense for EU/EEA residents as they don’t need a fiscal representative and also typically don’t need a NIF number until the move to Portugal.

• EU/EEA Residents: You can request a NIF number without needing a fiscal representative.
• Non-EU/EEA Residents: You will need a fiscal representative, which could be a friend living in Portugal but typically needs to be a lawyer.

1. Locate Your Nearest Finanças, Loja de Cidadão Office, or Espaço Cidadão office.
   • Use Google Maps to find the nearest Finanças, Loja de Cidadão Office or Espaço Cidadão office. Offices in smaller towns typically have shorter lines.
2. Schedule an Appointment (Optional)
   • Call +351 217 206 707 to book an appointment with Finanças, or arrive early as a walk-in.
3. Gather Required Documents
   • Passport
   • Proof of address
   • Fiscal representative’s ID and proof of address (if using a fiscal representative)
4. Visit the Office
   • Arrive early to avoid long waits. Bring all required documents and your fiscal representative.
   • Present your documents at the counter. You’ll receive your NIF on the spot. There will be a small fee of €10.20, however, if you’ve used a lawyer as a fiscal representative, there will likely be additional costs for their time.

FAQs

• Do I need a Portuguese address to get a NIF? No, you do not need a Portuguese address to request a NIF. However, once you move to Portugal, you should update your address via the tax office’s website, Portal das Finanças.

• Do tourists need a NIF? Generally speaking, most tourists won’t need a Portuguese tax number. If you get asked for it at the supermarket, you don’t need to give over anything. If you get asked for it on a Portuguese website (e.g. for online groceries), you can usually just give 9 zeros (000-000-000) or your passport number.

• Are there tax implications for obtaining a NIF? Obtaining a NIF does not automatically subject you to Portuguese taxes. However, if you register a Portuguese address, you may be considered a tax resident.

• Can I get a NIF if I don’t speak Portuguese? Most (but not all) Finanças staff speak basic English. If you are concerned about communicating, ,ost online service providers offer support in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, and Russian (depending on the company).

• How much does it cost to get a NIF? For EU/EEA residents, getting a NIF in person is free. Those that use an online company (which will be most non-EU/EEA residents) should expect to pay anywhere from €68-€300, depending on the company they use. Non-EU/EEA residents can get a NIF in-person for €10.20, however, this requires you to be in Portugal and have a fiscal representative.

• Can I get my NIF via email? During the COVID-19 pandemic, some people successfully received their NIF numbers by sending an email to Finanças offices. However, this option may no longer be available.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Will using a NIF help reduce my Portuguese tax obligations? When you request an invoice/receipt with your NIF for purchases, you can deduct expenses on your personal income tax (known as IRS in Portugal). Besides the free entry to the weekly draw (Fatura da Sorte) being able to reduce your taxes in this way is the main benefit of using your NIF.

• What prizes are currently available for using the NIF? For the Fatura da Sorte (Lucky Invoice) draw, they award Treasury Certificates of 35,000 euros in weekly contests.

• Will I have to fill out annual paperwork or a tax return once I have a NIF, even if it’s just a non-resident one? Generally, non-residents only need to file a tax return for income received in Portugal. We recommend speaking to an accountant to get advice on your personal situation.

• I’ve accidentally used someone else’s NIF number but want to correct this so I get the benefits. What can I do? The vendor should be able to cancel the old receipt and issue a new one. If the vendor is not willing to do it, the most that you can do is file a formal complaint in the livro de reclamações (complaints book).

• Can a married couple share the same NIF, like sharing one bank account? Each individual needs their own NIF number. As a married couple, you can share a joint bank account, but you will still need your own NIF numbers to open it.

• I’m a freelancer with a client in Portugal. 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.

• 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 enrolment.

Fiscal Representation

• Do non-EU residents need to use a lawyer as their fiscal representative? Non-EU residents need a fiscal representative to apply for a NIF on their behalf. This does not necessarily need to be a lawyer, but they must be a Portuguese tax resident.

• I’m leaving Portugal forever and moving to a non-EU country. Can I cancel my NIF? The Portuguese tax office does not allow for the cancellation of your NIF even if you no longer live in Portugal. However, you no longer need ongoing fiscal representation unless you have ‘ties’ to Portugal e.g. you own a property or car here.

• 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? You should update your address to avoid being considered a tax resident in Portugal. If you don’t, you might be liable for personal income tax in Portugal. You can update your address at Portal das Finanças.

• Someone has asked me to be their fiscal representative. What are the legal and financial ramifications of this? As a fiscal representative, you are obligated to receive any letters from the Portuguese Tax Authority and forward them to the NIF holder. Failure to forward these communications or prove that you have done so could result in fines.

Using Your NIF

• Is it a legal requirement to use a 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.

• 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.

• Can I use a NIF with a foreign address for residential things like getting internet, paying for utilities, etc.? Yes, there is no address requirement when using your NIF for such services.

• 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 memorise your NIF (in Portuguese) since it’s used so often.

• 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.

• I’ve forgotten my NIF number. What should I do? If you are in Portugal, you can go to a Finanças office to request a copy of your NIF. If you are abroad, please get in touch with the Portuguese embassy or consulate nearest you.

• 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.

• 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.

Conclusion

Getting your Portuguese NIF number doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With this ultimate guide, you’ve learned the importance of a NIF, how to obtain it, and how to use it effectively. With your NIF in hand, you’ll now be well on your way to enjoying everything Portugal has to offer.