receipt_long Taxes & Finance

How to Get a NIF Number in Portugal as a Foreigner

Q: How to get a NIF in person (the fastest way)

Walk into any Finanças (AT) office or Loja do Cidadão (Citizen Shop) in Portugal. No appointment is needed at most offices, though queues can be long. Bring: EU/EEA citizens: your national ID card or passport, and an address in your home country. Non-EU citizens: your passport, proof of home address (utility bill or bank statement), and — if you are not yet a Portuguese resident — a fiscal representative (see below). The fee is approximately €10–15. You walk out with your NIF printed on a docume

Q: Do non-EU citizens need a fiscal representative?

Yes — if you are a non-EU/EEA national and not yet a resident of Portugal, the Tax Authority requires you to nominate a fiscal representative: a person or company with a Portuguese address who agrees to be responsible for your tax correspondence. This can be: A lawyer or accountant (most common). A trusted friend or family member with a Portuguese address. A specialist expat service. Once you become a legal resident of Portugal, you can remove the fiscal representative requirement. EU/EEA citize

Q: How long does getting a NIF take?

In person at a Finanças office: same day (30–90 minutes at the office). Via remote service: 1–5 business days from submitting your documents.

Portugal's tax ID — required for almost everything

schedule 6 min read calendar_today Updated 15 Jun 2026 flag 🇵🇹 Portugal

The NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is Portugal's 9-digit tax identification number. You need it to open a bank account, sign a lease, buy property, get a phone contract, and more. Here's exactly how to get one as a foreigner, with or without being a resident.

The NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is Portugal's tax identification number — a 9-digit code assigned by the Portuguese Tax Authority (AT/Finanças). It is the single most important document you will need when settling in Portugal. Without it, almost nothing works.

What is a NIF and why do you need it?

The NIF is Portugal's equivalent of a Social Security Number (US), National Insurance Number (UK), or CPF (Brazil). It is required for:

Opening a Portuguese bank account
Signing a rental lease or buying property
Getting a job or registering as self-employed
Signing up for utilities (electricity, gas, internet)
Getting a Portuguese SIM card on a contract
Applying for a residency permit (AIMA)
Filing taxes in Portugal
Shopping at large supermarkets (for VAT receipts)

Get your NIF before you do almost anything else in Portugal.

Who can get a NIF?

Anyone can get a NIF in Portugal — you do not need to be a resident or even plan to live there. Investors, property buyers, and people doing business in Portugal can all get one. The process differs slightly depending on whether you are an EU/EEA citizen or from outside the EU.

How to get a NIF in person (the fastest way)

Walk into any Finanças (AT) office or Loja do Cidadão (Citizen Shop) in Portugal. No appointment is needed at most offices, though queues can be long. Bring:

EU/EEA citizens: your national ID card or passport, and an address in your home country
Non-EU citizens: your passport, proof of home address (utility bill or bank statement), and — if you are not yet a Portuguese resident — a fiscal representative (see below)

The fee is approximately €10–15. You walk out with your NIF printed on a document the same day, usually within an hour.

How to get a NIF online without visiting Portugal

If you cannot travel to Portugal yet, several licensed services can obtain a NIF on your behalf remotely. You supply your passport scan and home address proof; they handle the paperwork. Popular services include law firms and specialist expat services. Costs typically range from €50–€150, and turnaround is 1–5 business days. This is also how many property buyers outside Portugal get their NIF before arrival.

Do non-EU citizens need a fiscal representative?

Yes — if you are a non-EU/EEA national and not yet a resident of Portugal, the Tax Authority requires you to nominate a fiscal representative: a person or company with a Portuguese address who agrees to be responsible for your tax correspondence. This can be:

A lawyer or accountant (most common)
A trusted friend or family member with a Portuguese address
A specialist expat service

Once you become a legal resident of Portugal, you can remove the fiscal representative requirement. EU/EEA citizens do not need one.

How long does getting a NIF take?

In person at a Finanças office: same day (30–90 minutes at the office).
Via remote service: 1–5 business days from submitting your documents.

What to do after you get your NIF

Keep the NIF document safe. Your NIF number does not change — it is yours for life. Use it immediately to:

Open a Portuguese bank account (Millennium BCP, Novo Banco, Santander, or digital banks like Wise)
Sign your rental agreement
Register at the local Junta de Freguesia (parish office) for a proof of address
Book an appointment at AIMA to start your residency process (non-EU)

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This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or immigration advice. Rules change frequently — always verify with official Portuguese government sources or a qualified professional before acting.