Researching a move to Portugal or exploring how to invest in Portuguese property? Chances are, you may have seen the term “NIF Portugal” or “NIF number” floating around and wondered what it’s all about. Whether you’re planning to buy property, set up a business, or simply open a bank account, the NIF number in Portugal is your golden ticket to a smooth transition.
Read on to explore what a NIF number is, what it is used for, and how to get one as an expat.
What is a NIF number?
Putting it simply, a Portugal NIF number, or Numero de Indentificacao Fiscal, is a unique, 9-digit tax identification number issued by Portuguese tax authorities. It is also known as a contribution number.
The NIF number in Portugal is used for tax purposes and is essential when performing financial transactions. You will also need a NIF number to get your Portuguese social security number.
Who uses the Portuguese NIF number?
Portuguese residents, non-residents, and Portuguese citizens will use a Portuguese NIF number when conducting fiscal activities like opening a Portuguese bank account, purchasing property in Portugal, or for tax purposes.
While not having a NIF number in Portugal is not illegal, it can substantially limit your transactions in Portugal as an expat staying in Portugal long-term. An advantage of having a Portuguese NIF number is that in a shop or supermarket, you will get asked for your contribuinte (NIF). If you give them your number, you could get tax back and save some money.
Where can I use my Portuguese NIF number?
As an expat, here are some transactions where a NIF number needs to be used, bearing in mind that this list is not extensive:
- Buying or selling a property
- Leasing or renting a property
- Buying a car
- Applying for a driver’s license
- Signing a phone service contract
- Applying for a residence visa
- Inheriting Portuguese assets through a will
- Opening a bank account at one of the banks in Portugal
- Making investments in Portugal
- Registering a business
- Setting up a retirement fund in Portugal
- Earning income from employment or business
- Receiving social security benefits
- Taking out loans, like mortgages
- Filing taxes in Portugal
- Enrolling in a Portuguese university
- Setting up utilities
How To Get Your Own NIF Number in Portugal as a Foreigner
It is free to obtain your NIF in Portugal. The process of applying for the NIF in Portugal is different for citizens of the European Union (EU) and non-EU citizen foreign nationals. Portuguese nationals will automatically receive their tax identification number (NIF) at the age of ten.
Portuguese residents: Individuals can apply in person at your local Portuguese tax office (Finanças) or visit a citizen’s shop. Businesses can apply online at Finanças if you can navigate the Portuguese website, or at the local tax office. You can also enlist the help of a lawyer or an accountant to apply for the NIF in Portugal on your behalf.
Portuguese non-residents: You can designate a tax representative (natural or legal person), such as a lawyer, to act as your proxy. While this person doesn’t have to be a lawyer, they must be both a Portuguese tax resident and a permanent resident or citizen of Portugal. They will be able to get a temporary NIF for you, which will later be replaced with a permanent NIF after a few months or once you achieve permanent residency in Portugal.
Getting Your NIF Number: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process for getting your NIF number is quite easy and straightforward. It is also free to apply for your NIF (although the tax card comes with a cost, but we’ll get to that a bit later). Below are the basic steps to follow to get your taxpayer number.
Step 1: Get the Required Documents
You will need the following documents:
- A photo identification document: This should be your passport or, if you’re a citizen of the EU, European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, you can also use your citizen’s identity card. If you cannot present your passport, a birth certificate is also accepted. When working through a proxy, a scanned and signed copy of your photo ID will do.
- Proof of residence: This should be a rental agreement or utility bill containing your Portuguese address if you’re living in Portugal, or an address in the EU for EU citizens. If you’re applying from outside of the EU/EEA you’ll provide your proxy with a document signed by an attorney and translated into Portuguese, along with a bank statement no older than three months containing your non-Portuguese residential address.
Step 2: Go to the Closest Finanças to You
Once you have your documents in order, take them to your local tax office (Finanças) or nearest government office to process your application. The offices can get quite busy, so be prepared to arrive early or wait a while to be helped.
Step 3: Get Your NIF Number
Once your application is processed, you will receive your NIF number within minutes and you will be ready to make good use of it in Portugal. You can also decide whether you would like to get yourself a Portuguese Tax Card.
How is a Portuguese Tax Card different from a NIF number?
Once you receive your permanent NIF, you can also get a Portuguese Tax Card issued by the Portuguese tax authority at a fee of €6.80. It is the size of a credit card and will display:
- Your unique 9-digit NIF number
- The date of issue
- The name of the regional tax authority
If you decide not to get the card, you can still find your NIF number on legal documents like your citizen identification document (ID) card and in all communications between you and Portugal’s tax authorities.
Using Your NIF Number in the Portugal Golden Visa Process
As we mentioned in our list, a NIF number is also needed when applying for residency visas, including the Portugal Golden Visa. To gain Portuguese residency through the Golden Visa, you’ll need to make an investment in Portugal’s economy. Options for this investment vary, ranging from contributions to cultural projects to investing in qualified funds, with investments starting at €250,000.
If you’re an investor applying for the Portugal Golden Visa, obtaining a NIF is a necessary first step. Don’t forget, there are other residency options apart from the Portugal Golden Visa, including visas specifically for passive income earners (D7 Visa), digital nomads (D8 Visa), and entrepreneurs (D2 Visa), to name a few.
As you can see, getting a NIF number is a simple process that will make life a lot easier if you’re living in Portugal or wish to buy Portuguese property. Not only is it free to get, but once you have it, it’s yours for life. Our partner, Global Citizen Solutions, also has a team of migration experts who are more than willing to assist you with getting a tax identification number (NIF) and assist with securing your visa to move to Portugal. You can read more about it in their tax identification number article.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Portugal NIF Number
What is a NIF number?
The taxpayer identification number, in Portuguese Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF), is a form of personal identification that is essential for purchasing property, paying tax, or for making any financial transactions in Portugal.
This 9-digit tax identification number is issued by Portuguese tax authorities and is also known as a contribution number. You will also need a NIF number to get your Portuguese social security number. The NIF is automatically associated and made available on the Citizen Card for Portuguese nationals residing in the European Union.
How long does it take to get a NIF number in Portugal?
Once you have the required documents in order and you get to the Portuguese tax office, processing takes a matter of minutes before you’ll get your tax identification number (NIF).
Do tourists need a NIF in Portugal?
Generally, tourists would not have much need for a NIF in Portugal, unless they plan to carry out a transaction that requires it, like purchasing property.
How can I get a NISS number?
A NISS number (Número De Segurança Social) is the social security identification number in Portugal. You are able to apply for one once you have your NIF and a valid residence permit. Foreign citizens can apply for a NISS number at the Portuguese social security office, known as a Segurança Social. Alternatively, if you are employed by a Portuguese company, they will get a social security identification number for you on your behalf.
What is the tax number in Portugal?
The Portuguese tax number is issued by the tax and customs authority and is required for tax purposes and other legal or financial transactions in Portugal. A NIF, meaning Número de Identificação Fiscal, or fiscal number Portugal, is another term to describe this tax number.
Any Portuguese resident, non-resident, third country national, or Portuguese citizen will need an individual tax identification number if they will be carrying out transactions that attract tax obligations or need to be accounted for by the Portuguese tax system, like opening bank accounts, working in Portugal, or buying property.
How do I find my NIF?
Your NIF will be present on any documentation from the Portuguese tax and customs authority, which issues the number. You should receive a document with the number written on it when you get your NIF number issued. You can also find it on the Portuguese tax card.
How do I get a NIF or taxpayer ID in Portugal?
The basic steps to follow are:
- Gather your required documents: A photo ID and proof of residence
- Take them to your local Portuguese tax office (Finanças) or submit them to your tax representation.
- Get your NIF tax identification number Portugal
Why do I need a fiscal representative?
A fiscal representative or appointed tax representative (legal or natural person) may be needed to help you apply for a NIF, especially if you do not live in Portugal. In this case, the tax representative will be able to act on your behalf to submit your documents and get your NIF number processed.
How much does a fiscal representative cost in Portugal?
A fiscal representative or tax representative could cost €100-€200, but some companies may charge more.
Does getting a NIF mean you’ll be taxed in Portugal?
Getting a NIF does not automatically accrue taxes in Portugal. Whether or not you are taxed in Portugal depends on whether you are a tax resident in the country. This applies to capital gains tax and luxury property tax as well.
What’s the importance of NIF in Portugal?
A NIF, or Numero de Indentificacao Fiscal, is needed in Portugal to comply with the Portuguese tax authorities while making large financial transactions, signing contracts, and applying for a visa.
Why are more Americans choosing Portugal?
More Americans are choosing Portugal to live and work for its high quality of life and affordable cost of living, especially when it comes to housing and healthcare. They are also drawn to the favorable climate, elevated safety in the country, rich culture, and stunning natural surroundings.
