The NIF (número de identificação fiscal) is Portugal's tax identification number. It is usually needed to rent a home, open a bank account, sign utility contracts, buy property or work. Anyone, resident or non-resident, can request one from the tax authority, either through e-balcão on the Portal das Finanças or at a tax office by appointment.
It depends on
Residents present ID plus the EU registration certificate or a residence permit, while non-residents present a passport or ID and proof of their foreign address.
People without a Portuguese Citizen Card apply through e-balcão, where a representative files the request, or in person at a tax office by appointment.
Non-residents who join a digital notification channel do not need to appoint a tax representative (representante fiscal).
Who needs it
Practically everyone who moves to Portugal needs a NIF, and many people request one before arriving because landlords, banks and utility providers ask for it. Germans and other EU citizens typically obtain it either as non-residents, with a passport and their German address, or after registering with the municipal council. Non-EU nationals preparing a D7 or D8 visa application often need one early, for example to open a Portuguese bank account. Property buyers, freelancers invoicing Portuguese clients and anyone receiving Portuguese income also need one. When you later become tax resident, the number stays the same; only your status and tax address change.
How it works
- 1
Gather your documents
Bring a passport or national ID; residents add the registration certificate (CRUE) or residence permit, and non-residents add proof of address if it is not on the ID.
- 2
Choose a channel
Request the NIF through e-balcão on the Portal das Finanças via a representative with scanned documents, or book an appointment at a tax office (Serviço de Finanças).
- 3
Consider a combined request
EU citizens and holders of a residence permit, granted or applied for, can request the NIF, social security number (NISS) and SNS user number together at selected Espaços Cidadão.
- 4
Set up electronic notifications
Joining a digital notification channel on the Portal das Finanças removes the need for a tax representative while your address is abroad.
- 5
Switch to resident status
Once you meet the residence criteria, change your tax address to Portugal online via e-balcão or at a tax office.
within 60 days
What it costs
| Item | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Representative for an online request | [amount] | Fees of lawyers, solicitors or service providers are not set by law; compare offers. |
Key facts
| Fact | Value | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIF: who can request one | Any person, Portuguese or foreign, resident or non-resident | 12 | checked 15 October 2026 |
| NIF for people without a Portuguese Citizen Card: channels | e-balcão (Portal das Finanças) or a tax office by prior appointment | 32 | checked 15 October 2026 |
| Tax representative (representante fiscal) for non-residents | Not required if you join a digital notification channel | 4 | checked 15 October 2026 |
| Single request for NIF, NISS and SNS user number | Available at selected Espaços Cidadão | 5 | checked 15 October 2026 |
| Updating the tax address (NIF) after becoming resident | Within 60 days | 6 | checked 15 October 2026 |
| EU citizens: deadline to request the registration certificate (CRUE) | Within 30 days after the first three months of stay | 782 | checked 15 October 2026 |
| Tax residency test | More than 183 days in any 12-month period starting or ending in the tax year, or a home held as habitual residence | 6 | checked 15 October 2026 |
Common mistakes
- Keeping a foreign address on the NIF after moving, which leaves you registered as a non-resident.
- Assuming a tax representative is always required, although joining electronic notifications removes that obligation.
- Giving a power of attorney without a certified signature when the representative is not a lawyer or solicitor.
- Treating the NIF as a residence document; it is only a tax number.
FAQ
Can I get a NIF before moving?
Yes. Non-residents can request a NIF with a passport or national ID and proof of their foreign address. Because online requests through e-balcão are filed by a representative, many people abroad appoint a lawyer, solicitor or trusted person. If the power of attorney is not issued to a lawyer or solicitor, the signature on it must be certified.
Do I need a tax representative?
Not necessarily. Since Decreto-Lei n.º 44/2022 amended the General Tax Law, taxpayers who join a digital notification channel, such as electronic notifications on the Portal das Finanças, do not have to appoint a tax representative. If you live abroad and do not join, you may still be required to appoint one, so set up notifications soon after receiving the number.
What changes when I become tax resident?
The number stays the same, but you must update your tax address to Portugal. Portal das Finanças guidance asks you to do this within 60 days of meeting the residence criteria, online through e-balcão or at a tax office by appointment. EU citizens present their passport or ID and the registration certificate issued by the municipal council.
Is the NIF the same as a residence permit?
No. The NIF is a tax number and gives no right of residence. EU citizens staying longer than three months still need the registration certificate from the municipal council, and non-EU nationals need a visa and residence permit. The NIF, social security number and SNS user number are separate registrations, although some Espaços Cidadão now process them in one request.
Sources
- Governo de Portugal – gov.pt, Pedir o Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF) para pessoa singular (opens in a new tab)Authority · checked 15 October 2026
- Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira – Portal das Finanças, Questões frequentes: atribuição de NIF a cidadão estrangeiro (opens in a new tab)Authority · checked 15 October 2026
- Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira – Portal das Finanças, NIF e alteração de morada para cidadãos não titulares de Cartão de Cidadão (1 July 2025) (opens in a new tab)Authority · checked 15 October 2026
- Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira – Portal das Finanças, FAQ: Representante fiscal do não residente e notificações eletrónicas (opens in a new tab)Authority · checked 15 October 2026
- Governo de Portugal, Cidadãos estrangeiros em situação regular já podem obter os principais números de identificação num único pedido (opens in a new tab)Authority · checked 15 October 2026
- Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira – Portal das Finanças, Alteração de não residente para residente (cidadãos estrangeiros) (opens in a new tab)Authority · checked 15 October 2026
- Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (AIMA), Lei n.º 37/2006, de 9 de agosto (consolidated text) (opens in a new tab)Law · checked 15 October 2026
- Câmara Municipal do Porto, Certificado de registo de cidadão da União Europeia – suporte informativo (opens in a new tab)Authority · checked 15 October 2026
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