How to Get a Portugal NIF Online
Renovating Life contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Links like this allow us to continue providing top-quality content at no cost to you.
Are you thinking about moving to Portugal? While there are about a million and one things to do before you make the move, the first thing you will need is a Portugal NIF.
A NIF is a Portuguese tax number issued to all residents of the country, and it is very important. You must have one to apply for a residency visa like the D7 visa, as well as for many purposes on the ground in Portugal such as opening a bank account, getting a phone or cable plan, setting up utilities, renting and buying property, and more.
Getting a Portugal NIF as a non-resident has gotten infinitely easier since our move to Portugal! There are many different services to choose from when you’re ready to get your NIF. As a non-EU resident, there are a few ways to obtain your Portuguese tax number. But first, let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions about getting a Portugal NIF.
Or, if you’re ready to get your Portugal NIF online, skip straight to the options.
Portugal NIF FAQs
-
A NIF is short for Número de Identificação, also known as a Número de Contribuinte, and it is a 9-digit tax number that is used when you make payments in Portugal. This number is used for tax purposes, employment purposes, and other activities while in Portugal. Obtaining a NIF is one of the first mandatory steps when moving to Portugal, and needs to be presented when opening a bank account, buying a house, getting wifi, etc.
-
Anyone who lives in or wishes to perform financial activity in Portugal, whether you are a temporary resident, an official citizen, or a foreign non-resident needs to have a NIF. While it is technically not illegal to not have a NIF, without one, you will not be able to do a lot of things necessary to live while in Portugal.
-
In most cases, Portuguese citizens and residents receive a taxpayer number (NIF) by applying at the tax office. They must present identification and their registered address in Portugal.
-
If you are an EU citizen and only temporarily living in Portugal, you will need to apply online or in person, as well as show proof of address in the EU.
-
If you are not a resident of an EU/EEA country, you will need a bit more than others. You will need to either apply online, in person, or through a lawyer or tax rep. As a non-resident you will also require fiscal representation, which most online NIF services include in your NIF application.
-
Depending on whether you are a Portuguese resident, an EU citizen, or non-EU/EEA resident is what determines the exact documentation and requirements needed to receive a NIF. However, generally, the documents needed for everyone are:
• Passport or National ID card if you’re an EU citizen
• Proof of address such as a driver’s license, bank statement, or utility bill
-
Yes, for residency visa applications, school enrollment, and obtaining national medical numbers, etc.
-
NIF numbers are unique to each individual and never expire.
3 Ways to Get a Portugal NIF
-
Apply in Person
COVID restrictions made this impossible at times, but if you plan a scouting trip to Portugal, you may be able to go to a Finanças office with a fiscal rep to obtain a NIF.
-
Hire a Lawyer or Tax Rep
This is the route we chose, as our lawyer will be helping us through the entire visa application process as well as other essential services once we’re in Portugal.
-
Use an Online Service
Several reliable online services have popped up in the last 2 years. These services can help you easily get your Portugal NIF in as little as 2 days and most within a week or so.
NIF Portugal Online Services
FEATURED PROVIDER
Starting a new life in Portugal made easy
By using AnchorLess to help you with your initial administrative procedures in Portugal, you ensure that all your paperwork is in order before you arrive in Portugal.
Start your new adventure stress-free.
………………
from 99€
3-10 days*
★★★★★ 4.8
270+ Trustpilot
Reviews
………………
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
✓ Remote Bank Account
✓ NISS
✓ Utente Number
✓ Immigration Consultations
✓ Translate documents
✓ Notarize documents
✓ Tax consultations
………………
from 99€
3-10 days*
GET 10€ OFF
w/promo code DIGITALNOMAD
★★★★★ 4.8
1400+ Trustpilot Reviews
………………
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
✓ Remote Bank Account
✓ NISS Application
✓ NHR Support
✓ EU Company Setup
………………
150€
up to 7 days*
★★★★★ 4.9
1900+ Trustpilot Reviews
………………
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
✓ Remote Bank Account Opening
✓ Package Pricing
✓ Portuguese Birth Certificates
✓ Portugal Taxes
✓ Portugal NISS
*working days
Which Online Portugal NIF Service Should You Use?
Getting a NIF is the first step you can take to planning your move to Portugal, and all of these services, born out of the COVID-19 pandemic, seek to make your move to Portugal just a little bit easier. So which service should you use when applying for your Portugal NIF online?
Well, it ultimately depends on your timeline, additional needs like a bank account, and your budget. All the above services provide quality service in line with their value and will be able to obtain a NIF for you and/or your family members.
When we were compiling our D7 visa applications and needed a Portugal NIF and bank account, these services were either brand new or non-existent.
We paid 250€ each for our NIFs, and these services provide just as good customer service and quality for a fraction of that price.
The choice is yours, but you can’t go wrong by trusting your gut (and the reviews 😉).
Renovating Life contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Links like this allow us to continue providing top-quality content at no cost to you.
More Resources
Why You Need a Virtual Mailbox
Planning long-term travel or a move abroad? Find out how to maintain a U.S. address and manage your mail.
You need a virtual mailing address or virtual mailbox. Here is everything you need to know plus two great services to consider.
Best VPN for Travel & Living Abroad
If you're looking to stream content or access international websites while you’re away from home, you'll need a VPN.
But which VPN is best for travel and living abroad? Take a look as we compare the 3 VPN giants: Surfshark, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN.
House Hunting in Portugal
Looking for a place to buy or rent in Portugal but don't know where to start?
Here you'll find a comprehensive list of resources for short-term, mid-term, and long-term rentals as well as real estate resources for primary and investment properties.
Move to Portugal
