NIF Portugal: Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Tax Number

Who needs a Portuguese NIF number?

Portuguese citizens, non-residents, and foreign residents who pay taxes or have financial ties to Portugal need a NIF number.

In other words, anyone with fiscal transactions in Portugal needs a NIF, including entrepreneurs starting a business, people applying for the Portugal Retirement Visa, or investors buying real estate. Even those interested in opening a bank account need a NIF in Portugal.

If you are already a resident in Portugal, obtaining a NIF number is usually faster and easier because you already have proof of a Portuguese address and the necessary documents.

However, the process can take longer for non-residents due to additional steps, and they often need help from a professional service (like a lawyer or an agency) or a Portuguese citizen/resident to act as their tax representative.

Note: The Citizen’s Card has replaced the former Taxpayer’s Card for Portuguese nationals and Brazilian citizens covered by the “Porto Seguro” Agreement.

How to Get a NIF Number in Portugal

Here is how to apply in person for a Portuguese tax number.

Step 1: Visit the tax office or citizens’ shop

If you are planning on obtaining a Portuguese NIF number face-to-face, you can visit the tax office (Finanças) or the citizens’ shop (Loja do Cidadão). They are located across major cities and towns, such as Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, Lagos, and Tavira. For a full list of available offices and citizens’ shop the country, check the official public services locator on the Portal des Finanças.

Walk-ins are common, but you may have to wait longer in line. That’s why, before you head to the Portuguese tax office, we recommend you book an in-person appointment through the CAT (Call Centre) on (+351) 217 206 707. Their opening hours are from 9:00 AM to 7 PM, Monday to Friday.

Step 2: Bring the necessary documents

For the Tax Payer Identification Number in Portugal, you will need civil identification documents and proof of address.

The documents you present at any tax office must be certified copies or originals. The officials can accept your simple copies only when you submit them alongside the originals.

If any of the documents are in a foreign language, such as French, Spanish, or English, you need to have them translated into Portuguese. Certifications can be done by a Notary, a lawyer, a solicitor, or a chamber of commerce and industry.

Step 3: Submit your request

When it is your turn, head up to the counter and let the employee know that you want to register for a NIF number.

Most of the staff can speak basic English, so you can provide them with the necessary information without having to hire a translator.

Step 4: Receive your NIF immediately

After the staff compiles the paperwork, they will provide you with an A4 sheet on the same day. This paper contains your new fiscal identification number in Portugal.

If you are interested in a NIF because you plan to open a local bank account, our guide to banking in Portugal can help you compare the best banks in the region.

Getting a NIF for EU/EEA residents

The standard way to obtain a NIF number in Portugal is to visit your nearest tax office and apply in person. The application itself is free.

If you want to avoid waiting in line, a tax representative can help you apply for a Portugal NIF online for a small fee. They complete the process remotely on your behalf, although this service is completely optional.

Getting a NIF for non-EU/EEA residents

If you don’t live in Portugal and are a citizen from outside the EU or EEA, you are legally required to have a tax representative. Paying a small private service fee for your fiscal number in Portugal is a step you cannot avoid. There are no government fees for the NIF itself.

Keep in mind that having a NIF number doesn’t make you a tax resident in Portugal. To become a Portuguese tax resident, you need to spend more than 183 days in the country or have a permanent home there.

How much does it cost to get a NIF in Portugal?

If you apply for a NIF number directly through the Portuguese tax authorities, the application itself is free. However, non-residents need a fiscal (tax) representative, which involves a separate service fee that varies by provider.

Keep in mind that this fee is not charged by the Portuguese government, but by the representative who handles the process on your behalf. While hiring a professional is optional in some cases, it can be highly beneficial if you are not familiar with Portuguese bureaucracy or online systems.

Many expats consider the cost worthwhile, as a tax representative can help avoid common issues such as delays, errors in documentation, or the need for multiple visits to the tax office.

What is the role of the NIF number in the Portugal Golden Visa process?

A NIF in Portugal is required for a number of areas and operations. It is also required for several transactions that need to be performed in order for you to obtain the Portuguese Golden Visa.

Investors applying for the Portugal Golden Visa will need to apply for a NIF number. This residency by investment program also enables applicants who are non-EU/EEA nationals to choose from a range of qualifying investment routes in Portugal.

To secure Portuguese residency through the Portuguese Golden Visa, you will need to invest in the Portuguese economy, of which there are several options available, from investing in a cultural production or investment funds.

There are also many other residency options, such as Portugal’s D7 Visa, if you would like to relocate to the country and have sufficient passive income.

The Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to get residency in Portugal, provided they work for a foreign (non-Portuguese company or are self-employed.

The D2 Entrepreneurship Visa allows budding entrepreneurs to move to Portugal and kickstart a company in the country, while the Portugal HQA Visa Program provides a route to residency for highly qualified individuals.

Goldcrest: How We Can Help You 

Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent that is based in Lisbon. We provide expert, impartial advice on real estate investments and how to buy property in Portugal. From scouting out the perfect property through to property acquisition, we have you covered throughout the process.

If you are looking to purchase property in Portugal, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team of skilled experts is available to solve all your real estate doubts, helping you with the property search and offering insightful expertise and strategic advice.

Why choose Goldcrest?

• Local knowledge: With offices located across Portugal, our presence nationwide allows us to assist you personally across the country.
• Independent service: As an independent buying agent, we do not represent any development or project. Our service is entirely tailored toward each individual client, providing you with everything you need to secure the perfect property at the best possible price. As an impartial advisor on the market, we work solely on behalf of our client and provide a service tailored to your needs and requirements.
• Streamlined process: Our real estate agents speak English and Portuguese, and our service is completely focused on providing you with a hassle-free buying experience, saving you time.
• Experienced team: Our expert real estate team has a vast local knowledge of the Portuguese property market. We have cutting-edge technology and metasearch tools at your disposal to provide full market coverage, ensuring the best investment choices and negotiated prices.
• Network of partners: We have a close network of partners, including lawyers, property management services, builders, architects, designers, and landscape gardeners, again saving you time and hassle by providing you with trusted experts in their field of work.