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GUIDES/TAXES & ID

How to get your NIF in Portugal

Como obter o número de identificação fiscal

The NIF (número de identificação fiscal) is the nine-digit tax number you need for almost everything in Portugal — a bank account, a rental contract, a phone plan, even a gym. Here's how to get one, in person or remotely.

UPDATED JUN 2026 · 6 MIN READ · REVIEWED BY A PORTUGUESE ACCOUNTANT · ALSO IN PORTUGUÊS
KEY FACTS
COST
Free at Finanças · €70–150 via agent
TIME
Same day in person · 1–10 days online
WHERE
Any Finanças or Loja do Cidadão
NON-EU?
Fiscal representative required

01 · What a NIF is, and why you need one

Every taxpayer in Portugal has a NIF — also called a contribuinte. It identifies you to the tax authority (Autoridade Tributária) and is requested constantly in daily life. You can get one before you ever move, and having it does not, by itself, make you a tax resident.

You'll be asked for it when you open a bank account, sign a lease, buy a SIM, set up utilities, accept a job, or register a business. In short: get it first.

02 · Option A — In person at Finanças

If you're already in Portugal (or visiting), this is the fastest route and it's free. Walk into any tax office and you'll usually leave with your number the same day.

  1. 1
    Book or queue at a Finanças office
    Larger cities take same-day tickets; smaller towns rarely need an appointment.
  2. 2
    Bring your ID and proof of address
    Passport or EU ID card, plus any document showing your home address abroad.
  3. 3
    Walk out with your number
    It's printed on a slip immediately. Keep it safe — it never changes.
NOTE · NON-EU RESIDENTS
If you live outside the EU/EEA, you must appoint a fiscal representative resident in Portugal until you become a resident yourself. Most people use an accountant or a specialised online service for this.

03 · Option B — Remotely, before you arrive

Can't travel yet? A lawyer or an online provider can act as your representative and request the NIF on your behalf. You send scans, they handle Finanças.

DOCUMENT
IN PERSON
REMOTE
Passport / EU ID
Required
Scan
Proof of address
Required
Scan
Representative power of attorney
—
Required
Fees vary by provider; the number itself is always free.
"Get your NIF before anything else — without it, you can't even sign for the apartment you just found."
— EVERY EXPAT, EVENTUALLY

Once you have the number, the next questions are usually about tax. Use the tools below to estimate what you'll actually take home.

RELATED TOOLS
IRS Tax Calculator Calculadora de IRS→ Net Salary Salário líquido→ Visas & Residency Vistos e residência→
SOURCES: Portal das Finanças · AT Was this helpful? ▲ ▼Share ↗