Portugal · NIF
How to get your NIF (Portuguese tax number)
The NIF is the number you need for almost everything in Portugal, from renting a flat to opening a bank account. You get it from the tax authority (Finanças), at a counter or through the joint service for foreigners.
What it is
The NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal, also called número de contribuinte) is your Portuguese tax number. You'll be asked for it to rent a home, open a bank account, sign a work contract, get a phone contract, and even on shop receipts.
It's usually one of the first things you get in Portugal, because most other steps need it.
Before you start
You'll need:
- Your passport or EU identity card.
- Proof of your address: in Portugal, or abroad if you don't live here yet.
- If your address is abroad: you'll usually need to sign up for electronic notifications on the Portal das Finanças, or appoint a tax representative (a person or company in Portugal who receives tax letters for you). Which applies depends on your country and situation: check the official page before you go.
Steps
- Choose where to apply:
- At a Finanças office (Serviço de Finanças). Booking an appointment is recommended.
- At an Espaço Cidadão that offers the joint service for foreigners: it can give you your NIF, social security number (NISS) and health service number (número de utente) in one request.
- Bring your documents and say whether your address is in Portugal or abroad.
- Appoint a representative or sign up for electronic notifications if your address is abroad and this applies to you.
- Get your NIF. It's usually issued on the spot, on a printed certificate.
- Get your Portal das Finanças password. Request it online with your NIF; it's posted to your address. You'll need it to update your address and file tax returns.
Cost
Getting the NIF is free. A tax representative usually charges a yearly fee.
Common pitfalls
- Keeping a foreign address after you move. When you start living in Portugal, update your tax address to your Portuguese one: your tax residence follows it.
- Paid "NIF services" online. The NIF itself is free. Agencies charge for doing it for you, which is fine if you can't go in person, but not required.
- Lost password. The Portal das Finanças password is posted to your registered address. If you've moved, update your address first.
- Mixing up NIF and NISS. The NIF is for tax; the NISS is for social security. Most workers need both.
When to ask a helper
If you're applying from abroad, need a tax representative, or the office asks for documents you don't have, ask someone who got their NIF the same way.
Spot a mistake?
Rules change and offices differ. If something here is wrong or out of date, tell us and we'll check it.