1. What is a NIF Number in Portugal?
The NIF, or Número de Identificação Fiscal, is a unique tax identification number issued by the Portuguese tax authority to individuals and companies. It’s a must have, for anyone looking to live, work or invest in Portugal as it’s required for various everyday transactions such as opening a bank account, registering with a healthcare provider and filing taxes. The NIF number is also known as the Portuguese tax number or Número de Contribuinte. As a taxpayer identification number it’s essential for individuals to get a NIF number to comply with tax obligations and access various services in Portugal.
Want to hear what other clients
are saying about us?
2. Purpose and Benefits
The main purpose of the NIF number is to identify individuals and companies for tax purposes, so the Portuguese tax authority can track tax payments and ensure tax compliance.
The benefits of having a NIF number include being able to open a Portuguese bank account, register with a healthcare provider, get a residence permit and file taxes. Also, having a NIF number can simplify various administrative tasks such as renting or buying property, getting a mobile phone contract and accessing social security benefits.
As a foreign national, getting a NIF number is a crucial step in integrating into Portuguese society and accessing various services and benefits.
For EU Citizens
EU citizens can get a NIF number without an accountant. They simply need to present a valid ID document (passport number or national ID card) and proof of address (utility bill or bank statement).
For Non-EU Residents
Non-EU residents have additional requirements, mainly the need to appoint a fiscal representative (tax representative) residing in Portugal. This applies to all third country nationals, including UK nationals post-Brexit. The fiscal representation requirement ensures tax compliance for those with a non-Portuguese address.
3. Who Needs a NIF Number?
If you are dealing with the Portuguese tax administration in any way, you will need a NIF number. This includes:
- Portuguese nationals
- Foreign nationals residing in Portugal
- Non-residents purchasing property or opening a bank account
- EU citizens relocating to Portugal
- Third country nationals applying for the Portugal Golden Visa process
- Brazilian citizens covered by special agreements
The NIF serves as your unique identifier within the Portuguese tax system.
4. Documents and Requirements for Applying for a NIF Number
To apply for a Portuguese tax identification number NIF you’ll need the following documentation according to your nationality:
- Portuguese nationals: Citizen’s Card (citizen ID card)
- Other EU citizens: National ID card or passport
- Non-EU residents: Passport and proof of fiscal representation
In some cases additional documentation may be required, such as birth certificate, document proving your address, residence permit or entry visa information. All documents must be presented to the issuing regional tax authority’s office.
5. How to Apply for a NIF Number in Portugal
In-Person
The traditional way is to go to your local tax office (finance department) with all required identification documents. You’ll fill in the application form provided by the Portuguese tax authorities and if you’re a non-resident make sure your fiscal representative is with you. The advantage of this method is that you get your Portuguese taxpayer number immediately. To find the nearest tax office you can use Google Maps to locate and navigate to the closest one.
Online
For those who can’t visit in person the NIF can be requested separately through authorized service providers that specialize in fiscal representation, online platforms that facilitate applications for non-residents or legal services that offer tax representation for Portugal Golden Visa applicants.
These services have become very popular especially among foreign nationals who want to navigate the Portuguese bureaucracy from abroad. Non-residents can also appoint a Portuguese lawyer as their proxy to apply for the NIF number on their behalf.
6. Bank Accounts and NIF Numbers
An individual tax identification number, also known as a Portuguese NIF number is mandatory to open a Portuguese bank account. Banks require this identification number NIF for:
- To verify your identity for tax purposes
- To process tax payments
- To issue documentation for official fiscal transactions
- To link your bank statement to the tax authorities
You can’t complete the account opening process without a NIF, whether you’re a resident or non-resident.
7. NIF Number for Families and Groups
When moving to Portugal with family each member needs their own NIF number, including children. Married couples need individual NIFs and the same applies for social security identification number registration.
Businesses or organizations (legal person entities) get a separate NIF that distinguishes them from natural person taxpayers. A NIF is also required to enroll in a Portuguese university as it’s needed for various administrative tasks and services.
8. Day-to-Day Use
In daily life the NIF number is used for various transactions such as opening a bank account, paying bills and filing taxes. It’s also required for official fiscal transactions such as buying or selling property and for accessing social security benefits.
As a non-resident it’s essential to have a NIF number to access various services such as healthcare and education. The NIF number can also be used to get a Portuguese tax card which is required for certain transactions such as buying or selling property.
Furthermore the NIF number is used by the Portuguese tax administration to track tax payments and ensure tax compliance, so it’s an essential document for individuals and companies.
9. Updating Your NIF Number Information
You should update your Portuguese NIF information whenever there are changes to:
- Your address
- Contact details
- Fiscal representation arrangements
- Rental agreement details
- Tax status (resident vs. non-resident)
You can update through the Portuguese Tax Administration portal or at your local tax office.
10. Fees and Costs
The official cost to get a NIF from the Portuguese tax office is relatively low. However, additional expenses may include fiscal representative fees for non-EU residents, service charges from agencies that facilitate remote applications, translation costs for non-Portuguese documents, mobile phone contract verification and fees to obtain necessary documents from your home country. These costs should be transparently disclosed by any service provider that helps you with your application.
11. NIF Number and Tax Obligations
Having a Portuguese NIF number comes with tax obligations including annual tax filing (even for some non-residents), reporting income earned in Portugal and declaring assets for those with significant investments. Temporary residents get a provisional taxpayer number which is later replaced by a permanent NIF number once they get permanent residency.
You’ll also be responsible to pay taxes on Portuguese sourced income and comply with tax benefits programs if eligible. Non-residents should note that having a NIF doesn’t automatically make you tax resident in Portugal but it does create certain reporting obligations.
12. NIF for Non-Residents: Specific Considerations
For non-residents, especially those inheriting Portuguese assets or making investments, a fiscal representative is mandatory for non-EU citizens. This representative handles communication with tax authorities and ensures compliance with Portuguese tax obligations.
The arrangement allows transactions even without physical presence in Portugal. Brazilian citizens covered by bilateral agreements may have slightly different requirements but still need fiscal representation if not residing in Portugal.
13. Leaving Portugal and NIF Cancellation
If an individual leaves Portugal permanently they may wonder what happens to their NIF number. Unfortunately it’s not possible to cancel a NIF number as it’s a unique and permanent identifier. However if an individual is no longer a tax resident in Portugal they may not be required to file taxes or comply with certain tax obligations.
It’s essential to notify the Portuguese tax authority of any changes in address or tax residency status to avoid any complications.
Additionally, individuals who got a NIF number as part of the Portugal Golden Visa process should be aware that their NIF number will remain valid even if they leave Portugal. It’s crucial to understand the implications of leaving Portugal on tax obligations and NIF number validity to ensure compliance with Portuguese tax laws and regulations.
14. Your NIF Success Plan
The NIF is an essential part of financial and administrative life in Portugal. Whether you’re moving, investing or just opening a bank account, getting this identification number should be one of your first priorities. The Portuguese government issues and regulates the NIF, ensuring compliance with its tax regulations. For EU citizens the process is relatively straightforward, for non-EU residents it’s the fiscal representation requirement.
By understanding the application process, required documents and associated obligations you can navigate this initial bureaucratic step with confidence and set yourself up for a smoother experience with the Portuguese tax system and financial transactions in Portugal.
Want to hear what other clients
are saying about us?
15. Frequently Asked Questions
What is a NIF in Portugal?
The Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF) is a Portuguese taxpayer identification number required for financial and legal transactions, such as purchasing property, signing contracts, opening bank accounts, and paying taxes. It is essential for both residents and non-residents engaging in economic activities in Portugal. Portuguese nationals automatically receive a NIF with their Citizen's Card, while foreign nationals can obtain one through the tax office or via a fiscal representative.
Do tourists need a NIF in Portugal?
Tourists visiting Portugal generally do not need a NIF unless they plan to engage in financial activities such as purchasing property, signing contracts, or opening a bank account. However, a NIF may be beneficial for VAT refunds on high-value purchases. Non-residents who work or pay taxes in Portugal are required to obtain one. The NIF can be requested at a tax office or through a fiscal representative.
How do I find my NIF in Portugal?
You can find your NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) on official documents such as tax returns, social security cards, citizen cards, bank statements, or any correspondence from the Portuguese Tax Authority. If you cannot find it, you can check online through the Portuguese Tax Authority portal (Portal das Finanças) or visit a local tax office with identification to retrieve it.
Do I need a NIF number to open a bank account in Portugal?
Yes, a NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is required to open a bank account in Portugal, as it is used for tax and financial purposes. Non-residents, including expatriates and digital nomads, can obtain a NIF through a Portuguese tax office or an online fiscal representative service. Banks may also request proof of address, identification (passport or residence permit), and proof of income before opening an account.
