Considering a move to Portugal? One of the first things you’ll need to sort out is your NIF Portugal Number. This number is very important in Portugal for transactions like opening a Portuguese bank account, buying property, or starting a business. In this article, you’ll discover why it is essential to have and how to go about applying for one.
What is a NIF number in Portugal?
A Portugal NIF number (Número de Identificação Fiscal), also referred to as the contribution number (Número de contribuinte), is an individual Portuguese tax number for all Portuguese citizens, residents, and non-residents who are conducting business or making any purchases that involve tax.
The tax identification number is issued by the Portuguese tax authority, also known as the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority (Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira – AT), has nine digits, and is unique to each person.
A NIF in Portugal is used for most financial transactions like purchasing property, inheriting Portuguese assets, opening a bank account in Portugal, paying taxes in Portugal, taking out a mobile phone contract, entering a rental agreement, applying for a Portugal Golden Visa, receiving social security payments, attending a Portuguese university, signing up with health insurance companies, and pretty much all other financial transactions. You’ll also need a NIF number if you’re hoping to find a job in Portugal.
The Portugal NIF number is usually located in any correspondence with the tax authorities and can also be found on issued tax cards and Portuguese citizenship identity cards.
Is a tax identification number (NIF) the same as a social security identification number?
The NIF number (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is used for tax purposes and for the Portuguese tax authorities to track financial transactions. This is different from a social security identification number (Número de Identificação da Segurança Social – NISS). However, just like the NIF number, Portuguese citizens will automatically be assigned a NISS, and it will appear on their citizen card, while foreign residents will need to apply for one in order to access benefits such as the state pension and unemployment allowance. However, if you work for a Portuguese company, they could get one for you on your behalf.
How to Get a NIF in Portugal
The process for how to get a tax number in Portugal differs depending on whether you’re a citizen, resident, or non-resident. While a Portuguese citizen is lucky enough to automatically receive a NIF when they turn ten years old, non-Portuguese citizens will have the following options to apply for a NIF number, depending on which category best applies to you:
Getting a NIF Portugal: Non-residents or temporary residents of Portugal
If you are a non-resident of Portugal and want to apply for a Portuguese taxpayer number from outside the country (for example, if you want to buy property in Portugal), you can get a temporary NIF through a Portuguese lawyer or financial representative (tax representative) in Portugal who agrees act on your behalf. You may initially be issued a temporary or tentative taxpayer number (NIF), but this will be replaced by a permanent NIF number after a few months or after you become a permanent resident of Portugal.
Getting a NIF Portugal: Portuguese residents
You can apply for a NIF in a few different ways as a resident. You could get it in person by visiting the local Portuguese tax office, called Finanças, or go to a citizen’s shop, loja do cidadão, if that is closer to your home. Or, if you are a business, you can apply for a NIF number online at Finanças (website in Portuguese only). Currently, this Portugal NIF online application option is not available for individuals. Alternatively, you can ask a lawyer or an accountant offering tax representation to get your NIF for you.
Getting a NIF for non-EU residents applying for a Portuguese Golden Visa
If you are a non-EU citizen applying for residency in Portugal and making an investment in the Portuguese economy through the Portugal Golden Visa process, you can apply for a Portuguese NIF alongside your application for a Portuguese Golden Visa.
What documents do I need to apply for a Portuguese NIF number?
The documents needed for your individual tax identification number are quite straightforward, and you should have most of them already. They include:
- A valid photo ID, either a passport, citizen ID card (for European Union, European Economic Area, or Swiss citizens), or Portuguese residence document.
- Proof of address, such as a utility bill, rental contract, or bank statement.
- Signed proof of the power of attorney if you have a tax representative applying for your NIF on your behalf.
What does a NIF cost?
Applying for a NIF is free, but if you would like a Portuguese tax card, there is a cost of €6.80.
How can I check my NIF number in Portugal?
You can check your NIF number in any local tax office or on any tax correspondence. You could also log in to your online personal tax account or check your Portuguese identification document.
NIF number Portugal – all taken care of.
We hope that this has clarified getting set up in Portugal as far as the tax office is concerned. We also have more information on registering as a freelancer in Portugal, so be sure to check that out.
Frequently Asked Questions about NIF Portugal:
What documents are required to obtain a NIF in Portugal?
- A valid photo ID
- A proof of address
- Signed proof of the power of attorney if a tax representative is assisting you
- Non-EU residents may need to provide additional documentation like a visa or residence permit
How long does it take to get a NIF in Portugal?
Mere minutes, usually. But if you’re a non-resident in Portugal, you may get a temporary taxpayer number first. Your permanent NIF number will follow after a few months or if you get permanent residency in Portugal.
Do I need a NIF in Portugal as a non-resident?
You will need a NIF as a non-resident if you plan to perform economic activities like buying property in Portugal or opening a Portuguese banking account.
Can I buy property in Portugal without a NIF?
Unfortunately, no. You will need a NIF to buy Property in Portugal.
What is the cost of obtaining a NIF in Portugal?
Applying for a NIF is free, but if you would like a Portuguese tax card, there is a cost of €6.80.
Is it mandatory to have a NIF for starting a business in Portugal?
Yes, a NIF is a legal requirement for business registration documents and starting a business in Portugal. You will not be able to open business bank accounts without a NIF either.
What is the importance of an NIF for opening a bank account in Portugal?
The Portuguese government requires a NIF number before opening a bank account in Portugal.
Can a lawyer help me obtain a NIF in Portugal?
Yes, a lawyer in Portugal can act as your tax representative to help you obtain a NIF (taxpayer identification number).
How to get an NIF in Portugal without a representative?
If you are a foreign national and you want to get your taxpayer identification number (NIF) without a tax representative, you may apply for it in person at your local tax office.
Are there any restrictions for obtaining a NIF in Portugal as a foreigner?
No, there are no restrictions on foreign citizens being able to get a NIF if needed to comply with tax obligations or to carry out financial transactions in Portugal.
