Are you seriously thinking about moving to Portugal?
What is a NIF and why do you need one to live in Portugal.
If you have just moved to Portugal and want to start working here or conducting business here, one of the first things you will need to do is get a tax identification number or NIF (“Número de Identificação Fiscal”). It is also called a contribution number (“número de contribuinte”). No matter where you are from, you will need a personal tax identification number (NIF). and you will need it if you start any legal activity or do business in Portugal. To get a Portuguese NIF, you will need to submit an application to the Portuguese tax authorities. It is important to note that this process may differ for EU and non-EU citizens.
Also known as the Portuguese Individual Tax Identification Number, NIF is the taxpayer’s personal number for tax purposes in Portugal and is used for work purposes or when officially carrying out other activities in Portuguese territory. The NIF is issued by the Portuguese tax authorities. The application should be made as soon as possible if you are in Portugal, even if only for short-term residence. The NIF itself is a unique nine-digit number issued to each person, which can be disclosed in any tax correspondence with the tax authorities. It is shown on issued tax cards and also on Portuguese citizenship identity cards.
You can request a NIF in several ways
In person, by visiting the local tax office called “Finanças” or by going to a city store “loja do cidadão” (the website is only in Portuguese) if it is closer to your home.
Or, if you are a company, you can apply online at Finanças (website in Portuguese only). Currently, this online application option is not available for individuals. Alternatively, you can also ask a lawyer or accountant to do it for you.
But here’s the best part. There is now an official online service to get your shiny NEW NIF number, with just a few clicks of the mouse. Living and Working in Lisbon actively collaborates with Portuguese law firms. We can help you get your NIF or open a Portuguese bank account, without you having to worry about the paperwork. Find out more.
Obtaining a NIF for non-residents in Portugal
If you are not a resident of Portugal and wish to apply for a Portuguese tax number from abroad (for example, if you wish to purchase a property in Portugal), you can obtain a temporary NIF through a Portuguese lawyer or financial representative or with our service.
Obtaining a NIF for non-EU residents
If you are a non-EU citizen applying for residency in Portugal by making a significant investment in the Portuguese economy through the Golden Visa program, you can apply for a Portuguese NIF at the same time as applying for your visa.
What documents do I need to apply for a NIF?
ID
The document requirements for obtaining a Portuguese NIF can be described as minimal. You will only need to provide a photo ID (or a scanned and signed copy if you are dealing with a lawyer or representative in Portugal).
For non-citizens of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you must present your passport. This is a mandatory requirement. For EU, EEA or Swiss citizens, you can show your passport or identity card from your home country. In some cases, those who cannot present a passport or official photo ID can use their birth certificate instead.
Certificate of residence
If you are applying for a NIF while living in Portugal, you will need to provide documentation that confirms your residential address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a rental contract, or other official proof of residence. If you are applying for a NIF from outside Portugal, the process requires the assistance of a lawyer or a designated tax representative. In this scenario, you must supply the representative with a legally binding document, signed by a lawyer, authorizing them to act on your behalf. Additionally, this authorization document must be translated into Portuguese to comply with legal standards.