NIF Portugal - What is it and how do you get one? 

The NIF Number is your main number of identification in Portugal and is used for a lot more than just paying tax.

Among other things, you will need a NIF number to apply for a visa, rent a long term property, get insurance, register a car, get a phone number and to buy a house. 

A Portuguese NIF number is free to obtain, but private companies may charge you up to €300!

When applying for a Portugal visa, you might need a Portuguese NIF number (Numero de Identificacao Fiscal) first, as it is one of the supporting documents for many visa applications. A NIF number is also needed to open a bank account in Portugal. 

The NIF Number for Portugal is your Portuguese tax number and is also referred to as “Fiscal” number. The NIF Number is an essential part of everyday life in Portugal

What you need NIF Number Portugal for: 

• Apply for a visa
• Getting a phone subscription
• Opening a bank account
• Buying property
• Renting property long term
• Making investment in Portugal
• Signing up for utilities
• Paying taxes 
• Buying a car 
• Getting insurance
• And much more…

Documents needed to apply for a NIF number in Portugal

• If you are a citizen of another EU country, all you need to apply for a NIF number is your passport, and proof of adress. 
• For children under the age of 10, that dont have a passport, a birth certificat is needed. 
• If you are a third-country national, you will need your passport and your entry visa for Portugal or the Schengen area
   

You need the NIF Number for all tax purposes once you're in Portugal.

The NIF Number is also used to pay your social security contribution, which is paid based on the nature of the work you will be doing in Portugal. 

If we are working on a work permit, the social security contribution is 11% paid by you, and 23.75% by your employer. If you are self-employed the social security contribution will be 21% of the average income over one quarter.

If you have your own company, the company must pay a 34.75% social security contribution. 

Whenever any employer gives you a work contract they must apply for the social security number to the contract and ensure that you are paying your social security contribution. 

Often asked questions about NIF Portugal: 

What is NIF in Portugal?

The NIF Number is your main number of identification in Portugal and is used for a lot more than just paying tax. You will, among other things, need a NIF number to apply for a visa, rent a long term property, get insurance, register a car, get a phone number and to buy a house. 

Can I apply for NIF Portugal online? 

Yes. If you can not apply in person at your local Camera Municipal, you can apply online using either the government's e-balca website, or via services such as, e-residence.com, nifonline.pt, lisbob.net, bordr.io and nifportugal.com

Do children under 18 years old need a NIF? 

Yes. Anyone residing in Portugal will need a NIF number. That also includes children and those under the age of 18 years. 

How long does it take to get a NIF number in Portugal? 

If you are able to apply for a NIF in person, you will get the NIF number the same day. If you apply online it might take up to 1 month if you apply via the e-Balca website.

There are also private companies such as e-residence.com, nifonline.pt, lisbob.net, bordr.io and nifportugal.com

Is the Portugal NIF number permanent? 

Yes. The NIF number is permanent and personal to you.

Do EU/EEA citizens need a NIF number in Portugal? 

Yes. Anyone residing in Portugal will need to apply for a NIF Number, also that are EU/EEA citizens. 

Why do I need a NIF number in Portugal? 

The NIF Number is your main number of identification in Portugal and is used for a lot more than just paying tax. You will, among other things, need a NIF number to apply for a visa, rent a long term property, get insurance, register a car, get a phone number and to buy a house. 

Why is NIF so important in Portugal? 

The NIF Number is your main number of identification in Portugal and is used for a lot more than just paying tax. You will, among other things, need a NIF number to apply for a visa, rent a long term property, get insurance, register a car, get a phone number and to buy a house. 

Can I cancel my NIF in Portugal? 

No. Once the NIF number is assigned to one person it stays with that person for the rest of their life, even if they leave Portugal. 

How much does a NIF number in Portugal cost?

If you apply for a NIF number in person, or online through the e-Balca website you will not have to pay anything to get your NIF number. If you use a private company such as

• e-residence.com
• Nifonline.pt
• Lisbob.net
• Bordr.io
• Nifportugal.com

The cost is anywhere from €90 to €300 depending on how fast you need the NIF number.

Can I open a bank account in Portugal without NIF?

No. You will need a NIF number before you can open a bank account with a bank that holds a Portuguese banking licence. 

Is NIF and Fiscal Number the same in Portugal?

Yes. NIF (Numero de Identificacao Fiscal) and Fiscal number are the same. It is sometimes also referred to as "Número de contribuinte”.

Why do you need a fiscal number in Portugal?

The Fiscal Number (Numero de Identificacao Fiscal) also known as NIF number, is your main number of identification in Portugal and is used for a lot more than just paying tax.

You will, among other things, need a NIF number to apply for a visa, rent a long term property, get insurance, register a car, get a phone number and to buy a house. 

How to get a NIF number in Portugal

Earlier, getting a social security number in Portugal was a prolonged process, but since Jan 2020, the Government has made it a lot faster.

If you are a EU/scavenge citizen you are free to travel and move to Portugal without a visa, and therefore you can apply for the NIF number in person, at your local Câmara Municipal office.