Obtain NIF in Portugal - Tax Number with Legal Help

Our local representatives can help you obtain the Portuguese fiscal number or the taxpayer identification number in Portugal by managing the formalities imposed. Our lawyers in Portugal can also represent EU and third-country nationals when applying for NIF in Portugal. Below you can discover information about the relevant procedures.

Quick Facts
NIF stands for	Número de Identificação Fiscal
NIF also known as	Taxpayer identification number in Portugal (TIN)
Who needs a NIF in Portugal?	Foreigners and business owners in Portugal to be identified from a tax point of view and more
Main requirements/documents	Valid ID/passport, standard forms, and Articles of Association for business owners. We can represent clients with a power of attorney in Portugal.
Tax representative to apply for NIF in Portugal	Required only for residents outside the EU/EEA who do not sign up for electronic notifications
NIF solicited for opening a bank account in Portugal	Mandatory
Other cases for which NIF is required in Portugal	– employment, – paying utility bills, – renting/buying cars, etc.
Where can I apply for NIF in Portugal?	At the local tax office, helped or represented by our Portuguese lawyers
Is NIF required for buying a property in Portugal? (YES/NO)	YES
Form of NIF in Portugal	A NIF is a 9-digit number presented as a PDF document.
Time frame to get NIF in Portugal	A few days
Applications made based on appointments (YES/NO)	YES
NIF for children in Portugal	Legalized and notarized birth certificate is required.
Fee for NIF in Portugal	Free of charge. However, applicants will be informed of the fees of our Portuguese lawyers.
Why work with our Portuguese lawyers?	We can manage the NIF-related formalities and procedures and also represent customers from a legal point of view with the relevant authorities.

What is NIF and who needs this number?

Foreign citizens who want to relocate to Portugal, as well as those who want to open a business, must register with the local tax system and obtain an NIF in Portugal or more precisely, a Portuguese fiscal number. Here’s what you need to know about the NIF in Portugal:

NIF is Número de Identificação Fiscal and consists of 9 digits. It is also known as Taxpayer Identification Number or TIN.
Both Portuguese citizens and foreigners must have this number. In the case of the latter, the application can be made before or after relocation to Portugal (e.g. through a representative).
With this number, tax obligations can be identified more easily and it also helps in various procedures in Portugal.
Among the fiscal obligations for which a NIF number is necessary for Portugal are income tax returns, income tax notices, corporate tax returns, property tax, etc.

Here is an infographic with details about NIF in Portugal:

How can you apply for a NIF number in Portugal?

It is necessary to make an appointment with the tax office in the city chosen for residency in Portugal. In the case of those with residence outside the EU/EEA, a tax representative is required unless they sign up for electronic notifications from the tax authority. Identification documents – ID/ passport for natural persons and Articles of Association for legal entities – are required for obtaining NIF. All formalities can be completed and managed by our attorneys in Portugal. We have experience in the field and can help those interested in obtaining an NIF number in Portugal.

In which cases are you asked for a Portuguese fiscal number?

All your tax information can be verified with the NIF in Portugal. Also, there are situations in which the NIF in Portugal is necessary. Without it, certain tasks cannot be performed or recorded. Here are some examples:

For tax obligations – The Portuguese fiscal number is required for varied administrative tasks and is the identification document from a tax point of view. With this, you can respect your tax obligations according to your status.
Residency in Portugal – Applying for residency in Portugal requires the issuance of this Portuguese fiscal number.
Opening a bank account – It is necessary to present the NIF number in Portugal when opening a bank account. Without this identification document, you cannot have a bank account in Portugal.
For real estate purposes – Selling, buying, or renting a property in Portugal requires the use of the NIF in Portugal as an identification method and not only that. Our Portuguese lawyers can help you sell or buy a property in Portugal.
For utility bills – Registration for paying utilities requires the presentation of the NIF in Portugal as a main document.
For employment – an NIF number in Portugal is also required at the time of employment in this country. Thus, future employees are registered for social security, pension funds, income tax payments, etc.
Car registration – You need a Portuguese fiscal number to buy and register a car in Portugal. The formalities can be explained to you by one of our lawyers in Portugal.
Business formation – Those who want to start a business in Portugal must have an NIF. With this document, the company is identified as a taxpayer in Portugal.

Feel free to watch this video presentation and learn more about NIF in Portugal:

Portuguese tax card

There are no more physical Portuguese tax cards issued after registering for NIF in Portugal.

Now, individuals receive a PDF document that serves as proof of their NIF in Portugal. Taxpayers can optionally download and print a card if they prefer to have a convenient way to carry their NIF number.

Our Portuguese attorneys can help you register for the NIF and obtain the PDF document.

Tax number for businesses

While individual freelancers or sole traders can use their personal Numero de Identificacao Fiscal in Portugal, limited companies or any business form that exists as a separate legal entity must obtain an NIPC (Número de Identificação de Pessoa Colectiva). This number NIPC also functions as the VAT number, having the “PT” prefix followed by nine digits.

To get an NIPC, businesses need to register with the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority and the National Company Registry Office. They need to provide documents such as: proof of business registration, a business address, and identification of the business representative.

Therefore, the NIF number in Portugal and the NIPC are different tax numbers, based on personal or business activities.

Our lawyers in Portugal can also help you obtain the NIPC.

Other identification numbers in Portugal

Aside from the NIF number in Portugal, foreign individuals should also apply for the NISS (Número de Identificação da Segurança Social) to access social security benefits, such as: healthcare, pensions, and unemployment support. Portuguese nationals automatically receive a NISS.

The NISS is somewhat similar to the NIF in Portugal. Foreign residents can apply for the NISS at a social security district center or a local social security office. The application process requires valid identification documents and proof of a Portuguese address to confirm residency. Employers can assist with obtaining the NISS for their foreign employees, as it is essential for payroll. Additionally, our attorneys in Portugal can help foreigners obtain the NISS.

Foreigners will need both the NISS and Numero de Identificacao Fiscal in Portugal to be able to live and work legally.

Taxes in Portugal

Individuals should also be acquainted with the taxation system when applying for the Portuguese fiscal number. Here are some details related to this subject:

Income tax ranging from 12.5% to 48%, depending on the taxable income;
Additional solidarity rate ranging between 2.5% and 5% applicable to the part of taxable income above EUR 80,000 (2.5%) and above EUR 250,000 (5%);
Income tax at a flat rate of 25% for non-residents and their taxable income.

Our law firm in Portugal can also assist in tax-related matters.

Do you want more information about NIF in Portugal? We invite you to contact our law firm in Portugal for all the details and legal aspects.