What Is a NIF in Portugal? How to Get Your Portuguese Tax Number (2026 Guide)

If you plan to rent a flat, open a bank account, buy property, sign a work contract or even get a phone contract in Portugal, the first thing you will be asked for is your NIF. This guide explains what the NIF is, who needs one, which documents you need and the different ways to get it — including from abroad.

What is a NIF?

NIF stands for Número de Identificação Fiscal, Portugal's tax identification number. It is also called the número de contribuinte (taxpayer number). It is issued by the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority (Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira, usually called "AT" or simply "Finanças").

A NIF is a 9-digit number. The last digit is a check digit calculated from the first eight. For individuals the number usually starts with 1, 2 or 3; company numbers (NIPC) start with 5. You keep the same NIF for life, even if you leave Portugal and come back years later.

Having a NIF does not make you a Portuguese tax resident and does not by itself create any tax to pay. It simply identifies you in your dealings with the Portuguese state and with Portuguese companies.

What do you need a NIF for?

In practice you need a NIF for almost every formal step in Portugal:

• Opening a Portuguese bank account — no bank will open an account without one.
• Renting a home — landlords must register the lease with the tax authority using your NIF.
• Buying property or a car — the deed, property transfer tax (IMT) and registration all require it.
• Working in Portugal — employers need it for payroll and tax withholding.
• Applying for a visa or residence permit — for example the D7 or digital nomad visas, where you usually need a Portuguese bank account first.
• Utilities, internet and mobile contracts, and invoices with your number on them (fatura com NIF).
• Starting a business or registering as self-employed.

Who can get a NIF?

Anyone can get a Portuguese NIF: Portuguese and foreign citizens, residents and non-residents, adults and children. You do not need to live in Portugal or have a visa to apply.

What changes is how you apply and whether you need a fiscal representative:

• Residents of the EU/EEA can apply with their foreign address and do not need a fiscal representative.
• Residents of countries outside the EU/EEA (for example the UK, the USA, Brazil or Canada) generally need a representative in Portugal to file the first request and to receive tax correspondence for them. Once you have access to the Portal das Finanças you can usually opt in to electronic notifications and remove the representative if you have no ongoing tax obligations in Portugal. Read our guide on the fiscal representative in Portugal for the details.

Documents you need

For an individual, the tax authority typically asks for:

1. A valid identity document — passport, or national ID card for EU citizens.
2. Proof of address — a recent utility bill, bank statement or official letter showing your current address (not needed if the address is printed on your ID card).
3. If someone applies on your behalf: a power of attorney and, for non-EU residents, the fiscal representative's acceptance of the representation.

Documents issued abroad may need an apostille (under the Hague Convention) and, depending on the language, a translation. If you need help with apostilles, see our directory of Portuguese embassies and consulates.

How to get a NIF: your options

1. In person at a Finanças office in Portugal

If you are already in Portugal you can book an appointment at a tax office (Serviço de Finanças) or a Loja do Cidadão and request the NIF on the spot. The service itself is free. The downside is availability: appointments in Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve are often booked weeks ahead, and non-EU residents may still be asked for a fiscal representative.

2. At a Portuguese consulate abroad

Some Portuguese consulates can process a NIF request. Availability and waiting times vary a lot from one consulate to another, and an appointment is usually required.

3. Online through the e-Balcão, via a representative

The tax authority's online service desk (e-Balcão) accepts NIF requests, but you need Portal das Finanças credentials to use it — which you do not have yet. That is why the first request is typically submitted by a representative (a lawyer, a certified accountant or another person with access) holding your power of attorney.

4. With a NIF service such as GetNIF

With GetNIF you fill in a short online form, pay securely and upload your documents. A Portuguese lawyer — your GetNIF Buddy — prepares the power of attorney and files the request with the tax authority. If you need a fiscal representative, you can name someone you know in Portugal or use one of our partner accountants. You follow every step in your personal dashboard. Note that the tax authority requires the original, apostilled documents (signed power of attorney, passport copy and proof of address), so you post those to your lawyer with tracked shipping; once complete documentation is in, the NIF is usually issued within about a week.

How long does it take and what does it cost?

• Cost at the tax office: requesting a NIF from the tax authority is free.
• Cost with a representative or service: you pay for the lawyer's work and, for non-EU residents, for the fiscal representation.
• Time: in person, the number is usually issued immediately once you get an appointment. Remote requests depend on the documents: with everything in order, a few working days.

After you get your NIF

1. Request your Portal das Finanças password (senha). It is sent by post to your registered tax address, so make sure that address is correct.
2. Keep your address up to date. If you move to Portugal and become a resident, update your tax address to your Portuguese one.
3. Activate electronic notifications so tax letters reach you digitally — this is also what allows many non-EU residents to stop using a fiscal representative.
4. Get your other numbers when you need them: the social security number (NISS) if you will work, and the health number (número de utente) once you live in Portugal. See NIF vs NISS.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a NIF without living in Portugal?

Yes. Non-residents can get a NIF with their foreign address. Non-EU residents generally need a fiscal representative for the first request.

Is the NIF the same as the NISS?

No. The NIF is your tax number; the NISS is your social security number, needed to work or pay social contributions in Portugal.

Can I check whether a NIF is valid?

The ninth digit is a check digit, so an invalid number can be spotted mathematically. Whether a number belongs to a specific person can only be confirmed by the tax authority or on documents it issues.

Does my NIF expire?

No. Your NIF stays the same for life. What can change is your address, your resident status and whether you have a fiscal representative.

Ready to get your NIF without travelling to Portugal? Start your GetNIF application — it takes a few minutes.