How to Get a NIF Tax Number in Portugal?

As an expat, remote worker, student, or digital nomad coming to work and live in Portugal, one of the first things you will need is a NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal). A NIF is a tax identification number, and it is required for various activities such as opening a bank account, signing a rental contract, getting a mobile phone plan, and more. In this article, we will guide you through the process of obtaining a NIF in Portugal, including its requirements, how to get it, and the fastest way to obtain it.

What is a NIF?

A NIF is a unique identification number assigned to individuals and legal entities for tax purposes. It is similar to a social security number or national insurance number in other countries. The NIF is essential for all fiscal activities in Portugal, including paying taxes, opening a bank account, buying or selling property, and more. Without a NIF, you may face difficulties in completing basic financial transactions.

Requirements to get a NIF in Portugal

The requirements for obtaining a NIF in Portugal depend on your residency status. If you are a non-resident, you can get a NIF by visiting a tax office (Serviço de Finanças) in Portugal. However, if you are a resident, you must have a Portuguese address and be registered with the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) to obtain a NIF.

Here is a list of the requirements you will need to obtain a NIF in Portugal:

1. Passport or other official identification document: You will need to provide a valid passport or other official identification document that includes your photo and signature.
2. Proof of address: If you are a resident, you will need to provide proof of your Portuguese address, such as a utility bill, rental contract, or bank statement. Non-residents do not need to provide proof of address.
3. Tax representative: If you are a non-resident, you will need to appoint a tax representative in Portugal to receive tax notices and represent you before the tax authorities.

How to get a NIF in Portugal

There are two ways to get a NIF in Portugal: in person or through a legal representative.

1. In person: To obtain a NIF in person, you will need to visit a tax office (Serviço de Finanças) in Portugal. You will need to bring your passport or other official identification document and proof of address. The tax office will provide you with a form to fill out, and you will be asked to sign it. The process usually takes about 30 minutes, and you will receive your NIF on the same day.
2. Through a legal representative: If you cannot visit a tax office in person, you can appoint a legal representative to obtain a NIF on your behalf. Your legal representative can be a lawyer, accountant, or tax consultant who is authorized to act on your behalf. They will need to provide your identification documents and proof of address, as well as a power of attorney document that authorizes them to act on your behalf. The process usually takes a few days, and you will receive your NIF by mail.

Fastest way to get a NIF in Portugal

The fastest way to get a NIF in Portugal is to visit a tax office in person. The process usually takes about 30 minutes, and you will receive your NIF on the same day. However, it is important to note that tax offices can be busy, especially during peak hours, and you may need to wait in line.

If you cannot visit a tax office in person, appointing a legal representative is the next fastest way to obtain a NIF. The process usually takes a few days, and you will receive your NIF by mail.

Here are the steps to obtain a NIF in Portugal:

1. Gather your documents: Make sure you have all the required documents, including your passport or other official identification document, proof of address, and a power of attorney document if you are appointing a legal representative.
2. Visit a tax office: If you can visit a tax office in person, find the nearest office and bring your documents with you. If you are a non-resident, make sure to appoint a tax representative before visiting the tax office.
3. Fill out the form: The tax office will provide you with a form to fill out. You will need to provide your personal information, such as your name, date of birth, and address.
4. Sign the form: After filling out the form, you will need to sign it in the presence of a tax official.
5. Wait for your NIF: If you visit a tax office in person, you will receive your NIF on the same day. If you appoint a legal representative, you will receive your NIF by mail.

Time frame for obtaining a NIF in Portugal

If you visit a tax office in person, you can obtain your NIF on the same day. The process usually takes about 30 minutes, but it can take longer if the office is busy. If you appoint a legal representative, the process can take a few days, depending on the availability of the representative and the processing time at the tax office. You should expect to receive your NIF by mail within a week.

You'll find more resources about how to obtain a NIF on this blog post from Portugalist. It adds several other helpful tips regarding the whole process, including a tool which tells you whether you'll need a legal representative to obtain a NIF or not based on your country of residence or whether you can just go to Finanças yourself.

Conclusion

Obtaining a NIF in Portugal is an essential step for expats, remote workers, students, and digital nomads who plan to work and live in Portugal. It is required for various activities such as opening a bank account, signing a rental contract, getting a mobile phone plan, and more. To obtain a NIF, you will need to provide your passport or other official identification document, proof of address, and, if you are a non-resident, appoint a tax representative. You can obtain a NIF by visiting a tax office in person or appointing a legal representative. The fastest way to obtain a NIF is to visit a tax office in person, and the process usually takes about 30 minutes. If you cannot visit a tax office in person, appointing a legal representative is the next fastest way to obtain a NIF. The process can take a few days, and you will receive your NIF by mail.