How to Get a Portuguese NIF Number

What’s the Big Deal About the NIF?

Picture this: You’re all set for your Portuguese adventure. Dreams of sitting in cafes and sipping espressos dancing around your head. But wait! Before you can…

• Apply for that D7, D8, or Portuguese golden visa? NIF needed.
• Rent that charming Alfama apartment? NIF required.
• Getting home internet or a phone contract? NIF please.
• Buy a house along the Algarve coast? You guessed it – NIF necessary.

Basically, if you’re planning to do anything more exciting than ordering an espresso in Portugal, you’re going to need a Portuguese tax identification number (NIF).

NIF 101: The Basics

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 numbers you’ll need in Portugal. The next important one is your healthcare number (Número de Utente) but don’t worry: that’s for another article.

Now, there are two main reasons that Portugalist readers typically need a NIF for. Firstly, moving to Portugal and applying for a residency visa. Secondly, buying a house in Portugal. But those aren’t the only reasons. You’ll need this NIF number for just about everything.

You’ll need a NIF to:

• Apply for residency visas
• 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

Tourists, you’re off the hook – unless you’re making big purchases like a house or car. If a website asks for your NIF and you don’t have one, try using 000-000-000 or your passport number. You may be asked for one 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.”

The Great NIF Hunt: How to Get Yours

Now the big question is: how do you actually get a NIF number? And just as important: what’s the cheapest way to get one? Which leads us to another question: should you just use the cheapest company or is there a reason to spend a little more?

Since 2016, we’ve done a TON of research on the subject. We spoke to lawyers, relocation companies, and all of the online companies that pop up when you Google “NIF Portugal.” We looked at their reviews, their fees, and also tried them out. Basically, we did all the research so you don’t have to.

The default way to get a NIF is to get your NIF number in Portugal by going into a Finanças office. However, this isn’t the best

Option 1: The Online Express (Perfect for Those Resident Outside the EU/EEA)

If you’re legally resident outside the EU/EEA (e.g. you live in the US, UK, India, China etc.) then you’ll need a fiscal representative to get a Portuguese NIF number. The easiest and cheapest way to get your NIF number online as most online services charge around €80 on average whereas a traditional lawyer might charge several hundred Euros.

Can I get a NIF number in Portugal? Sure! Just remember if you’re a non-EU/EEA resident, you’ll need to bring a fiscal representative to the Finanças, Loja de Cidadão, or Espaço Cidadão office. If you don’t have a friend who’s willing to be your tax representative, you’ll need to pay a lawyer.

Option 2: The In-Person Adventure (For the Brave and the EU/EEA Residents)

If you’re resident in the EU/EEA, you don’t need a fiscal representative to get a NIF. That means you can walk into a Finanças, Loja de Cidadão, or Espaço Cidadão office in Portugal and get one on the spot for free. If you’re also a citizen of an EU/EEA country, you won’t need to apply for a residency visa (like the D7 or D8) to move to Portugal so you can probably wait until you get to Portugal to get one.

Because Finanças (the tax authorities) are so overwhelmed these days, we 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 (maybe consider doing it online instead).

Non-EU/EEA residents can also go into one of these offices, however they’ll need a fiscal representative. If you have a friend who’s willing to be your fiscal representative, go for it. If you don’t, it doesn’t make financial sense to pay someone else to do it when you can use an online service for a lot less.

Plus, if you’re visiting on a scouting trip, you’re going to be limited on time — save that time for apartment hunting, opening a bank account, or something else you can’t easily do online.

1. Location, Location, Location: Find your nearest Finanças, Loja de Cidadão, or Espaço Cidadão office on Google Maps. Pro tip: Smaller towns often have shorter lines!
2. Gather Your Documents:
   • 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 non-EU/EEA)
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 unless you (or someone else) already has a NIF.
4. The Waiting Game (Live Version): 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.
5. Victory Lap: Present your documents, pay the €10.20 fee if you’re a non-EU/EEA resident, and walk out with your NIF printed on an A4 piece of paper! Non-EU/EEA residents don’t have to pay anything.

Remember: EU/EEA residents, you’re off the hook for the fiscal representative and the fee. Everyone else, you’ll need a Portuguese resident (usually a lawyer) to vouch for you.

The Fiscal Representative: Your Portuguese Tax Buddy

If you’re from outside the EU/EEA, you’ll need a fiscal representative to get your NIF. This can be a friend living in Portugal, but it’s typically a lawyer. They’re like your Portuguese pen pal, but instead of exchanging fun letters, they forward you exciting tax communications!

Being a fiscal representative comes with some responsibilities. If you’ve been asked to be one, know that you’re obligated to receive and forward any letters from the Portuguese Tax Authority to the NIF holder. Failure to do so could result in fines – so maybe think twice before volunteering for your cousin’s friend’s dog walker.

Living the NIF Life: Using Your New Portuguese Superpower

Now that you’ve got your NIF, it’s time to put it to work:

• Flash it for Big Purchases: Buying a car or a house? Time to show off those nine digits!
• Supermarket Superhero: Using your NIF for groceries is optional, but it could lead to tax deductions. Who knew buying wine could be so rewarding?
• Utility Ninja: Use your NIF to set up internet, electricity, and water. Yes, even with a foreign address!
• Memory Challenge: You don’t need to carry your NIF card everywhere, but memorizing the number will make you feel like a true local.

NIF Nitty-Gritty: Things to Keep in Mind

• Address Matters: You don’t need a Portuguese address to get a NIF, but 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 NIF 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.
• NIF for the Little Ones: Your kids will need their own NIF too, especially when it’s time for school enrollment.
• The Forever NIF: Your NIF number never expires and it isn’t possible to cancel it.
• Forgot Your NIF? 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 with NIF: Sorry, lovebirds – you can’t share a NIF like you share a bank account. Every individual needs their own Portuguese tax number.
• Freelancer Alert: If you’re a non-Portuguese freelancer invoicing a Portuguese client, you don’t need a NIF. 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 elsewhere? You can also visit a inanças, 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.

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

Using your NIF isn’t just about following the rules – it’s about maximizing your Portuguese experience (and minimizing your tax bill)!

• Deduction Detective: When you request an invoice with your NIF, you can deduct expenses on your personal income tax (known as IRS in Portugal, not to be confused with the American IRS – although both involve taxes, one is decidedly more Mediterranean).
• Lucky Lottery: Enter the weekly “Fatura da Sorte” for a chance to win €35,000 in Treasury Certificates. Who said taxes can’t be fun?

Remember, if you’re a non-resident, you generally only need to file a tax return for income received in Portugal. But don’t take our word for it – chat with an accountant to be sure.

Your NIF Adventure Awaits!

Congratulations, NIF ninja! You’re now armed with all the knowledge you need to obtain and wield your very own Portuguese tax number. With your NIF in hand, you’re ready to tackle apartment rentals, car purchases, inheriting Portuguese assets, visa applications — you name it!

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