Updated April 2026

How to Get a NIF Number in Portugal

The complete guide for expats · 8 min read

The NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is Portugal's 9-digit tax identification number. It's the single most important number you'll need as an expat — required for opening a bank account, signing a rental contract, getting a phone plan, registering with the health service, starting a business, or buying property.

The good news: getting one is straightforward. Here's everything you need to know in 2026.

What you'll need

EU/EEA citizens

Non-EU citizens

💡 Tip: EU citizens can apply directly without a fiscal representative, even without a Portuguese address. Just bring your home country address.

Step by step: getting your NIF

1
Choose your method — Visit a Finanças office in person (fastest, free), apply online through Portal das Finanças, or use a paid fiscal representative service.
2
Gather your documents — Passport/ID + proof of address. If non-EU without a Portuguese address, arrange a fiscal representative first.
3
Visit or apply — At the Finanças office, take a ticket for "Atribuição de NIF" (NIF assignment). Fill in the form they give you. The whole process takes 15–30 minutes.
4
Receive your NIF — In person, you get it immediately on a printed document. Online, you'll receive it within 1–5 business days by email.

Where to get your NIF

Finanças offices (in person)

Any Serviço de Finanças office across Portugal. The busiest ones are in Lisbon city center — try offices in less central areas for shorter waits. No appointment needed, but arrive early.

Popular offices for expats in Lisbon: Finanças de Lisboa 3 (Praça de Alvalade), Finanças de Lisboa 8 (Campo de Ourique). In Porto: Finanças do Porto 2 (Boavista).

Online

Through the Portal das Finanças (portaldasfinancas.gov.pt). Navigate to "Registar-se" and follow the foreign citizen path. The portal is partially available in English.

Through a fiscal representative

Services like Bordr, Anchorless, or local accountants can handle the entire process for €50–€150. Useful if you're not yet in Portugal or want to avoid the office visit.

Costs

Getting a NIF at the Finanças office is completely free. If you use a fiscal representative or online service, expect to pay:

⚠️ Important: Once you have a Portuguese address, you can (and should) remove your fiscal representative by updating your address at the Finanças office. This removes the ongoing fee.

Fiscal representative — do you need one?

A fiscal representative is a Portuguese tax resident who acts as your tax contact in Portugal. The rules:

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get a NIF?
In person: 15–30 minutes (you leave with it). Online: 1–5 business days. Through a service: 2–7 business days.
Can I get a NIF before moving to Portugal?
Yes. EU citizens can apply online or at any Portuguese consulate. Non-EU citizens can use a fiscal representative service to obtain it remotely.
Do I need a NIF to rent an apartment?
Yes. Landlords need your NIF for the rental contract and to issue receipts (recibos). Some short-term rentals may not require it, but any formal lease will.
Can I use someone else's NIF temporarily?
No. Using someone else's NIF is illegal and can result in fines for both parties. Get your own — it's quick and free.
What if I lose my NIF document?
Your NIF number never changes. You can look it up on Portal das Finanças, or visit any Finanças office with your passport to get a new printout.

Ready to start your Portugal journey?

Use our free document checklist tool to see everything you need for your visa, NIF, and residency.

Open free tools →

Related resources