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NIF for Foreigners: How to Get a Portuguese Tax Number

Complete guide for foreigners to get a NIF (Tax Identification Number) in Portugal. Documents, costs, fiscal representative and online options in 2026.

The NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) — also called “número de contribuinte” — is the basic requirement for almost any meaningful transaction in Portugal: opening a bank account, signing a rental contract, buying property, signing up for services, and of course paying taxes.

Who needs a NIF?

Anyone planning to:

  • Buy or rent property
  • Work or register a business activity
  • Open a Portuguese bank account
  • Apply for residence (D7, D8, golden visa, etc.)
  • Buy contracts above certain thresholds (telecoms, cars, etc.)

How to get one — three paths

1. Resident in the EU/EEA — in person at the AT

  • Where: any tax office (serviço de finanças) or Citizen Shop (Loja de Cidadão)
  • Documents: ID document (passport or EU national ID) and proof of address (EU address is fine)
  • Cost: free
  • Time: immediate (you get the number on the spot)

2. Resident outside the EU/EEA — fiscal representative required

Citizens of third countries (Brazil, US, post-Brexit UK, etc.) without EU tax residence need to appoint a fiscal representative with a Portuguese NIF. The representative deals with the tax authority on your behalf and is jointly liable.

  • Who can be it: a family member, friend, lawyer, accountant or specialised firm
  • Representative cost: free (family/friend) to €70–250/year (professional service)
  • Documents: passport + proof of address in your home country
  • Procedure: the representative submits the request at their tax office

3. Online — via lawyer or specialised service

Several companies (Bordr, NIFOnline, eResidence, Portuguese law firms) handle the entire process remotely:

  • Cost: €100–250 (NIF only); €250–400 (NIF + bank account)
  • Lead time: 1–4 weeks
  • Upside: no need to travel to Portugal

This is the most common path for investors and people preparing a visa application.

What about EU citizens just moving?

EU citizens with an address in Spain, France, Germany, etc.: you can request the NIF in person by showing your passport/ID and proof of address in the EU country. No fiscal representative required.

Resident NIF vs. non-resident NIF

The NIF number itself is always the same, but the tax authority classifies your tax residence based on the address you declare:

  • Tax resident in Portugal: taxed on worldwide income; eligible for benefits (Youth IMT, NHR, etc.)
  • Non-resident: taxed only on Portuguese-source income, with specific rates (28% on capital gains, 25% withholding at the deed, etc.)

Important: if you move to Portugal, update your address on the Portal das Finanças as soon as you have a residence permit. Otherwise you may lose tax benefits you would be entitled to (including Youth IMT).

Practical tips

  1. Portal das Finanças password — request it on the spot (or online using NIF + tax number) so you can handle everything digitally later.
  2. Email and phone — register valid contacts; many important notices (including IMT/IMI) come through there.
  3. Post-residence representative — once you have residence, you can (and should) cancel the fiscal representation by filing a request with the AT.
  4. NIF for children — free, requires one parent to be identified.

And the NISS?

NIF (tax number) and NISS (Social Security number) are different. To work / contribute to Social Security you also need the NISS, issued by Instituto da Segurança Social, usually after you obtain a residence permit.

Sources: Decree-Law 14/2013; Personal Income Tax Code; Portal das Finanças. Verified for 2026.