How to Get an NIF Portugal Tax Identification Number: A Guide for Expats

The número de identificação fiscal, or NIF number in Portugal, is a unique tax identification number the Portuguese tax authorities assign. Your Portuguese tax number is essential for carrying out any economic activity in Portugal, such as paying taxes, opening a Portuguese bank account, receiving a bank statement, or signing any contract. In short, you need it for almost all tax purposes and financial transactions.

As it’s so commonly used, if you’re considering moving to Portugal or are already here, your priority should be getting your NIF. This can seem complicated, but it is pretty straightforward once you understand the process.

This guide covers everything you need to know about getting your tax identification number (NIF) in Portugal.

What is a Portuguese NIF number?

A Portuguese NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is an individual tax identification number. Also known as a contribution number (Número de Contribuinte), the NIF is used for tax purposes in Portugal.

Each individual who applies for an NIF number in Portugal is assigned a unique, nine-digit number.

Who uses the Portuguese NIF number?

Portuguese citizens, foreigners living in Portugal, or individuals with business interests in or financial ties to Portugal should get an NIF number.

While it is not legally mandatory, having an NIF number in Portugal is crucial. The número de identificação fiscal is used in several financial transactions and activities such as signing a legal lease, signing up for a Wifi contract, opening a bank account, paying taxes, inheriting Portuguese assets, or legally working in Portugal.

The NIF number is as essential as a social security number in the United States, as it’s necessary for engaging in official or legal fiscal activities such as paying annual income taxes in Portugal, renting or buying property in Portugal, or signing up for utilities.

Where can I use my Portuguese NIF number?

The NIF number Portugal is used by both foreign residents and Portuguese nationals in any official fiscal transactions and business transactions, including:

• Buying and selling property
• Inheriting Portuguese assets
• Opening bank accounts to produce a bank statement
• Acquiring loans, including a mortgage
• Paying taxes in Portugal (and for getting a tax return)
• Receiving tax benefits (such as tax deductions, even for small purchases such as buying medication at a pharmacy)
• Receiving an income
• Enrolling in a Portuguese university
• Receiving Social Security payments
• Setting up utilities
• Buying a car or applying for a Portuguese driving license
• Signing a local contract (e.g., a cellphone contract)

How apply for your NIF Portugal

The process for getting an NIF in Portugal depends on your circumstances, such as whether you are a Portuguese resident, a non-resident, or an EEA/EU resident.

You can apply for a NIF number by:

• Attending an appointment at the local tax office (Finanças) or citizen shop (Loja do Cidadão)
• Appointing a lawyer or an accountant to apply for it on your behalf
• Applying through a third-party provider that handles the entire NIF application on your behalf

Getting your tax identification number NIF as a Portuguese resident

You can apply at your local Portuguese tax office or citizen shop if you’re a resident. You can find your nearest tax office by searching on Google Maps. Bear in mind that there are often long lines with long waiting times. Some tax offices require you to make an appointment, so you should check whether is necessary first. If so, check whether you can book an appointment here.

Ensure you have all the necessary documents (we’ll cover those later in the article) before you go to the tax office. If you don’t speak Portuguese, it can be advisable to bring a translator or tax representative with you, as not all staff can speak English.

Alternatively, you can apply online by granting power of attorney to a representative who can complete the process, which is the easiest solution.

Getting your NIF remotely

With the online system, you do not need to be physically present in Portugal to get an NIF. You can apply from outside Portugal via a representative such as a lawyer (more on that later).

Getting a NIF for non-EU Citizens

If you’re applying for a NIF number as a non-European Union/European Economic Area/Swiss national who is not a Portuguese resident you’re required by law to appoint a fiscal representative for your NIF application.

What is a tax representative?

A fiscal representative is an individual or business that is a point of contact between a third-country national and your tax office (or Finanças).

The tax representative does not need to be a lawyer, a professional accounting company, or a registered Portuguese accountant. You can appoint any Portuguese permanent resident as long as they have a Portuguese address.

We advise against registering your NIF through a friend or acquaintance. Many local residents do not thoroughly understand the local tax laws, and you could run into difficulties.

Who needs fiscal representation?

If you are not a resident of Portugal, you will need fiscal representation to apply for your tax number (NIF).

Any individual who is not a Portuguese resident or EU/EEA resident and owns property, a bank account, or any other commercial activity or interest in Portugal must appoint a fiscal representative registered in the local tax system. The tax and customs authority will need to contact you about your tax obligations in Portugal, and they won’t send mail outside of the EU or EEA.

If you move to Portugal, you’ll no longer need tax representation, as Financas can contact you directly. If decide that you no longer want fiscal representation, you can request that the local tax authority remove the fiscal representation attached to your name and NIF.

Step-By-Step Guide to Getting a NIF

Step 1: Gather the required documents

First things first, you need to have the right documents, which are:

• An official photo ID (a passport, as an identification document, is your safest bet)
• Proof of a Portuguese address or an address in your resident country (a bank statement, utility bill, or rental contract should suffice)

Please remember that you should only apply with a Portuguese address if you intend to be considered a local tax resident. This needs to be represented in your other documents as well, such as your bank statement.

Suppose you are applying through an attorney or fiscal representative. In that case, you must also submit a power of attorney, proving they have the authority to act on your behalf.

If these documents are in a language other than Portuguese, English, French or Spanish, they must be translated into Portuguese.

Applicants who require a tax representative for the application will also need a letter of appointment, which we can draft for you.

Step 2: Apply in person or online

If you apply in person, you will need to go to Financas office with your documents and either attend your appointment or take a ticket and wait for your turn, depending on the policy of the office you go to.

If you apply online through a fiscal representative, they will log on to the NIF website to submit your documents and fill out your application form based on the information you provide.

Step 3: Receive your NIF number

The Portuguese tax authority will provide a document stating your NIF number within 10 business days. This number does not expire; it’s your permanent Portuguese tax number.

How to get a NISS number?

Your NISS (Número de Identificação de Segurança Social) is your Portuguese social security identification number. You can only get your NISS if you are working in Portugal and have a job there. Your social security identification number is used to track contributions and entitlements within the social security system. You also need to have this number if you’re a self-employed freelancer in Portugal.

Both numbers are vital for residents and expatriates living in Portugal, each facilitating different aspects of legal and financial integration into Portuguese society.

Your employer will get your social security number for you if you are working in a company, although you will still need to provide them with the documents that they will need. If you are self-employed, you can complete the process yourself or grant someone power of attorney to apply on your behalf.

You can apply for the NISS online here for free from the Segurança Social (Social Security Department). The required documents are a valid ID, such as a passport or residence permit, and proof of a Portuguese address. Once your application is submitted successfully, you’ll get an email with your NISS number and instructions on picking it up in person with your ID at a social security office. Alternatively, you can give someone power of attorney to collect it for you.

With your all-important NISS number, social security contributions are paid to the Portuguese government and are shared by the employer and employee. The rates generally applicable are 23.75 percent for employers and 11 percent for employees. These payments cover pension, family, and unemployment benefits.

Business Tax Numbers in Portugal

Business tax identifiers in Portugal differ based on the type of entity. Freelancers, sole traders, and unincorporated partnerships can utilize their personal NIF for tax obligations. However, distinct legal entities like limited companies require their own NIF, known as the NIPC (Número de Identificação de Pessoa Colectiva). This NIPC, also serving as a VAT number, comprises ‘PT’ followed by nine digits.

You obtain the NIPC when you start a business in Portugal and register your business with both Tax and Customs Authority and the Portugal Company Registry (Registo Nacional de Pessoas Colectivas). Applying for the NIPC can also be done online, typically requiring business registration documents, proof of address, and identification of the authorized representative.

Getting an Individual Taxpayer Number for the Portugal Golden Visa

Getting a Portuguese NIF number is essential during the Portugal Golden Visa process. That’s because, to apply for the Golden Visa, you must make an investment in Portugal through one of the designated programs via a Portuguese bank account—which can only be done if you have an NIF number.

Investors who apply for the Portuguese Golden Visa can appoint a fiscal representative to apply for an NIF number when they apply for the visa.

Exploring Visa and Immigration Options for Portugal

If you're considering making the move to Portugal, it's essential to be informed about the various visa and residency options available. The Golden Visa Portugal program is an attractive option for many, offering residency to investors and their families. For those eyeing retirement in this beautiful country, the Retirement Visa (D7) is tailored for you. Digital nomads can take advantage of both short and long stay options with the Nomad Visa (D8). Meanwhile, the NHR - Non Habitual Tax regime provides significant tax benefits for new residents. 

For the entrepreneurial spirit, Portugal offers the Entrepreneurship/startup Visa (D2) - Start-up Visa (open company) tailored for those looking to establish their businesses in the country. Those with specialized skills can explore the Work visa for highly qualified employees (D3). Additionally, if you have Portuguese ancestry, you might be eligible for Citizenship by descent. 

However, moving to a new country isn't just about visas. If you're thinking of buying property, our guide on Buying Property in Portugal can offer invaluable insights. Dive deeper into the immigration process with our comprehensive Portugal immigration guide. For Americans specifically looking to relocate, we have curated information on Americans moving to Portugal. Lastly, one can't forget the importance of the NIF (Tax Registration Number), a crucial step in any relocation process. 

Frequently Asked Questions about the NIF Number in Portugal