How to Get Your NIF Portugal: A Guide for Expats

It's a tax identification number granted by Portuguese tax authorities (aka 'Finanças'), that allows anyone to domicile and pay their taxes in Portugal, and you don't need to be a resident to request one. The NIF is by far the most requested ID for any service in Portugal.

Each person and each company are assigned a Portuguese NIF number, which will last indefinitely.

Anyone can request a NIF number in Portugal, regardless of citizenship or residency in Portugal.

Why do I need a Portuguese NIF?

If you want to live in Portugal or plan to have financial assets here, the NIF will be your main need.

The Portuguese NIF is essential to hire services, rent or purchase properties, and do financial transactions, among many other needs.

Who should apply for a NIF in Portugal?

Everyone residing in Portugal, or even non-residents, who engages in any of the activities mentioned will need a NIF. They can be:

• Portuguese citizens (who will have a NIF when issuing a "Cartão de Cidadão" unless they request it outside of Portugal)
• Permanent foreign residents (holders of 'Autorizações de Residência', CRUE or D-level visas)
• Temporary residents, including workers, students, and family members (holders of E-level visas)
• Short-term visitors who want to engage in any of the mentioned activities
• Non-residents engaging in any of the mentioned activities from outside of Portugal
• Companies

Will the NIF change my status as tax resident in Portugal?

Not necessarily!

Your NIF is your first step to becoming a tax resident in Portugal. It is essential to it. However, to become a tax resident, you'll need to register with a Portuguese address, and for that, you'll need a proof of address in Portugal.

The NIF number in Portugal is mainly for tax purposes, and it can be available as a NIF for non-residents.

Where will I use a Portuguese NIF?

Besides being a governmental ID, the following circumstances will call for the use of the Portuguese NIF:

• First step to become a Portuguese resident as an EU citizen
• First step to obtaining a Portuguese Visa
• Utility services (phone, water, electricity, internet)
• Get your CRUE
• Opening a Portuguese bank account
• Renting a property in Portugal
• Purchasing a property in Portugal
• School or universities enrollment
• Opening a company or freelancing.

What are the benefits of applyuing for a Portuguese NIF number?

By providing your NIF in Portugal, you may also qualify for tax credits or discounts on the total annual taxes you may pay to the Portuguese Tax Office.

For instance, if you go out to eat, use public transport, or purchase a prescription item and request the receipt to be issued with your NIF, you are immediately eligible for tax benefits in the various IRS tiers that are offered for these sorts of expenditures.

How can I get a Portuguese NIF?

To apply for a Portuguese NIF, you have two options:

• Directly at the Portuguese tax office
• With an intermediary company (us!)

We recommend you evaluate each option and choose wisely according to your priorities (faster or cheaper; it's your choice).

What documents do I need to get a Portuguese NIF?

What is a Tax Representative for a NIF?

When you are not a legal resident in Portugal, the country needs a point of contact with you in the country to manage your tax responsibilities.

A tax representative is your point of contact with Portugal's fiscal authorities. It's through his contact information, mainly his address, that authorities will be in touch with you.

Why do you need a fiscal representative?

If you’re a non-resident in Portugal with a NIF number, appointing a fiscal representative is legally mandatory to obtain a NIF (tax identification number).

For EU citizens, while it’s not legally required, the current system only allows remote NIF requests to be submitted by a fiscal representative. This means that even as an EU citizen, using a fiscal representative is the way to secure your NIF from abroad.

What are the responsibilities of a fiscal representative?

Your fiscal representative plays a crucial role in ensuring you stay compliant with Portuguese tax laws. Their responsibilities include:

• Receiving and managing tax correspondence on your behalf, ensuring you meet all legal deadlines;
• Helping you in handling tax payments, including fees and any fines, if applicable;
• When necessary, submit claims, appeals, and disputes pertaining to your taxes.
• Keeping you fully informed and assisting with all tax-related matters.

When can I dismiss my tax representative in Portugal?

When you legally move to Portugal, you must establish a Portuguese address and, in the case of a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national, apply for a residence permit, after arriving with a visa.

If you are an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen you can do it at any given time.

How can I dismiss my tax representative in Portugal?

When you request the change of address for a Portuguese one (EU one, if you are an EU national) at e-balcão, on the 'Finanças' portal, or at your local 'Finanças' office, you can also request the removal of your tax representative in the same requisition.

Can I get the Portuguese NIF for free at Financas?

At the tax office in Portugal, you can obtain your NIF Portugal for free.

Your citizenship will determine the process.

Portugal refers to its tax offices as 'Finanças' and offers both in-person and online services.

However, please be aware that, as with any other government office, there can be very long lines, and some areas request that you make an appointment before heading there.

Can I get the Portuguese NIF online for free?

If you are outside Portugal and wish to request your NIF, you can do it online, but you'll need a tax representative, who must be a trusted Portuguese legal tax resident, with credentials to access 'Finanças' Portal. His credentials should be a 'Finanças' Password.

☝️ If you choose this option, you must sign a Power of Attorney authorising your trusted Portuguese legal tax resident to request the NIF on your behalf. This document must be notarized. So, before proceeding, you must consider this fee in your home country.

Getting your NIF with AnchorLess

AnchorLess offers a simple, fast, reliable, and safe way to request your NIF in Portugal. 👋

Our automated method simplifies your application into 3 simple steps, while also protecting your data.

AnchorLess does your NIF

Starting at 99€, you only need to provide an ID, proof of address, and sign a 'Power of Attorney' specifically for your NIF issuance.

You can do it from anywhere, with any device, and in less than 24 hours, you'll receive your NIF in your email automatically.

Simple, fast, and completely stress-free. AnchorLess also provides a tax representative that will serve as your fiscal point of contact in Portugal while you don't make your move.

Do I need a lawyer to get a Portuguese NIF?

Officially, you don't need a lawyer.

However, as requesting a Portuguese NIF remotely may look a bit challenging for some, several practices are offering this service at a high price (you can find it for 200 to 300 euros). Usually, there are hidden fees attached (if you need any other requests or additional information).

What does a Portuguese NIF look like?

Believe it or not, your NIF will be a simple, plain, white piece of paper 📃. No matter how you decide to request your NIF, it will always be the same. There is no official seal, stamp or print.

Usually, you won't need this paper document, except when opening a bank account. Everywhere else, you'll just need to dictate or type your NIF.

Where can I find my Portuguese NIF?

You'll find it at the top left of your NIF document. 🧐

It will be in the first "box," right before your name. In the image below, you can see everything:

What about that NIF card in the beginning?

It is also a plain white piece of paper with the image of a card 💳. You would need to cut it and improvise a protection for it to use on a day-to-day basis.

It's not mandatory, and it's a tool for those who don't easily remember their NIF.

Where can I get one?

Unfortunately, it is not available anymore. 😔

Years ago, this option was available, but it is no longer valid.

Is there any alternative?

Yes, there is! 😊

After you receive your NIF and password, you can download the app 'E-Fatura'. On the home page, you'll see a QR code with your NIF. And you can easily use it at any shopping counter.

What is the 'Finanças' Password?

The 'Finanças' password is, as the name suggests, a password that allows you to log in to the government tax office portal to manage your tax obligations.

You will make a request to become a tax resident in Portugal and submit your IRS information there.

How can I get my 'Finanças' Password?

Access to your 'Finanças' password is one of the primary reasons why you either need a trusted fiscal representative or a company handling your NIF.

When you first attempt to log into the 'Finanças' portal using your NIF, you must request the password and input the address of your fiscal representative (if you have one).

Your fiscal representative will receive an official government letter containing your password.

☝️ That's why it needs to be a trusted person! Access to this mail order is essential to ensuring the safe management of your NIF.

Why is AnchorLess your trusted partner for your Portuguese NIF? 👋

When you request your NIF online here at AnchorLess, we automatically ask for your password, without extra fees.

We'll send it to you automatically, once again protecting your data.

For this reason, we advise EU nationals to opt for a fiscal representative when purchasing their NIF from us, even though it's not technically required. This way, your password will arrive safely in your inbox instead of being at risk of loss in the mail system.

The NIF application process is simple with a short duration and your Portuguese NIF number will be issued in just a few days.

How long does it take for my 'Finanças' Password to arrive?

Due to delays in the mail network, it may take 2 (or a bit more) weeks for your password letter to arrive.

If you are an EU citizen and your NIF address is outside Portugal, it will take longer.

What should I do in 'Finanças'?

You can manage your personal details, your income and invoices to ensure that you'll have a larger tax deduction or return. 💰

The Portuguese tax system offers a category-based invoice classification, where you can separate receipts according to their service and increase your final deduction or return.

You can use the 'Finanças' portal or the 'E-fatura' app to do it.

What should I do after receiving my NIF and 'Finanças' password?

Basically become a Portuguese tax resident: change your NIF password and fiscal address.

However, be aware that switching your NIF address to a Portuguese address will inform authorities that you are a tax resident in Portugal, thereby requiring you to pay taxes there as well.

To do the first is simple, but for the latter, you must be living in Portugal with a lease, a residence permit, or 'Manifestação de Interesse' in place.

What data will the Portuguese government keep about me?

The Portuguese Tax Authority uses the NIF (Tax Identification Number) as an essential tool to calculate and manage your fiscal obligations and economic activities in Portugal. Numerous activities necessitate it, especially those related to income receipt, tax payment, and even daily purchases.

Those are the data that the Portuguese government will keep: any financial activity, purchase, or contract you may include or register your NIF, all the economic activities.

For instance, if you request your supermarket invoice along with your NIF, they will have this information available.

How can I use my Portuguese NIF?

You’ll need a NIF (Tax Identification Number) for a wide range of essential and non-essential transactions and activities in Portugal, including:

• Buying, selling or renting property
• Inheriting Portuguese assets through a last will and testament
• Opening a bank account
• Applying for credit, such as a mortgage or signing a mobile phone contract
• Receiving income for work or business activities
• Enrolling at a Portuguese university
• Setting up utilities or telecommunications
• Buying a car or applying for a Portuguese driving license
• Getting insurance
• Registering for a gym

You can also include your NIF in the following purchases:

• Restaurants;
• Supermarkets;
• Drugstores;
• Bookstores;
• Retail;
• Public transport;
• Healthcare appointments;
• General repair (vehicles or home)

Each one has a different bracket that could result in discounts and benefits when filling out your IRS in Portugal.

What happens if I don't have a Portuguese NIF?

Living in Portugal without a NIF doesn't incur criminal penalties. Without a NIF, you won't be able to accomplish any of the aforementioned tasks, which will significantly hinder your daily business operations.

How can I check if my Portuguese NIF is valid?

While nif.pt is not an official governmental tool, you can try to use it to verify the validity of a NIF.

The only way to use an official government tool is to log into Portal das Finanças and insert your NIF with its password. If you successfully log in, it indicates that your NIF is valid.

Can I cancel my NIF before leaving Portugal permanently?

Unfortunately, no!

The NIF is irrevocable once issued. However, if you stop declaring your income through the Portuguese tax system, have no properties or financial obligations (such as a phone bill), and do not acquire (or fully pay) any tax debt, as per AT's current status, you won't have any financial obligations to declare or pay with the tax authority.

What if I lose my NIF Portugal, how can I find it?

This can be a bit more complicated.

As of now, the only solution we can offer is to direct your situation to one of our lawyers with the original document you used to request your lost NIF Portugal.

They will work directly with Finanças to retrieve your lost Portuguese NIF number.

Are there any changes to the Portuguese NIF number in 2026?

There were none!

Though Portugal implemented several new immigration and nationality rules, the NIF remained pretty much unaffected.