NIF – Portugal Tax Number

What documents do I need to apply for the NIF?

Once you know that you’ll be moving to Portugal, apply for a NIF right away. That way, you won’t waste time and can consider job offers or look for properties as soon as you arrive in the country. 

Here’s what you’ll need for your application: 

• A passport or valid ID
• Proof of residence – This cannot be an address in Portugal. Documents accepted by Portuguese authorities include: 
  • A telephone or utility bill (internet, electricity, gas, or water). Make sure that the document is in your name and less than 3 months old.
  • A bank account statement in your name that is not older than 3 months. You may blur out any financial information on your statement.

In rare cases where a passport is not available, applicants may show their birth certificates instead. If you’re not applying for the NIF yourself, you’ll need your lawyer or Tax Representative to submit a signed letter permitting them to act on your behalf. This document must be translated into Portuguese. 

How Do I Apply for the NIF as an EU Citizen?

The process is quite simple. You just need to visit “Finanças”, the local tax office, or a “Loja do Cidadão”, which is a so-called citizen’s shop. As a business, you can use the website of Finanças, but it’s only available in Portuguese. If you need help, hire a third party, such as an accountant or lawyer, to obtain a NIF on your behalf. 

However, if you want to obtain your NIF yourself while in Portugal, follow this step-by-step guide: 

Step 1: Find Your Closest Finanças

For can search on Google Maps to find the closest tax office near you – just type “Finanças (name of your town or city)”. Make sure to check their opening hours online before visiting. These are some in the bigger cities:

• Lisbon 
• Lisbon 2
• Porto
• Braga

Step 2: Obtain Proof of Residence 

Proving that your current address is abroad will ensure that you won’t become a Portuguese taxpayer when you obtain your NIF. For your proof of address, simply download your latest bank statement, which states your address.

As an EU citizen who lives outside of the EU and EAA, you can opt to remotely open a European bank account which comes with a European address. You can also check if your current bank account will allow you to change your address to any address in the EU. Keep in mind that non-EU/EAA citizens will have to provide government-issued proof of residence.

Step 3: Visit Finanças

Make sure to arrive at Finanças as early as possible. You’ll want to be there about 15 minutes before they open to avoid long lines. As a government office, Finanças has a similar reputation as the DMV in the U.S., meaning it’s viewed as inefficient. However, if you get there early, you might just have to wait around 20 minutes until it’s your turn. 

Don’t forget to bring your documents. Also, in most places you’ll need to get a ticket in a machine to wait for your turn. One of the buttons should display ‘NIF’ or ‘Número de Contribuinte’.

Step 4: Get Your NIF 

As soon as it’s your turn, walk toward the counter and explain that you’re there to obtain your NIF. If you’re in a big city, the staff will most likely speak English so you won’t have to bring a local with you. You’ll be asked to show your documents and, in rare cases, explain why you want to get a NIF. 

At last, you’ll be handed one A4 sheet of paper which contains your information as well as your newly-issued NIF. Keep this paper and show it whenever you’re asked for it (e.g.: when opening a bank account).