How to Get a NIF in Portugal (EU and Non-EU Applicants)

• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens apply directly with their own ID — no one else involved.
• Non-EU citizens not yet resident need a fiscal representative to apply on their behalf.
• Getting a NIF is completely free, whichever route you take.
• You can request it before you even move to Portugal, via a representative.

Your NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is the 9-digit tax number issued by the Autoridade Tributária (AT). Any foreign national who works or pays tax in Portugal needs one — and it's also needed for children and dependants, since it's how their parents claim health and education expenses on their own IRS return.

Documents you need

• Resident in Portugal: a civil ID document from your home country or passport, plus your residence permit (título de residência).
• Not resident in Portugal: an ID document or passport, plus a fiscal representative — an individual or company resident in Portugal — to apply on your behalf.
• Child without a passport: a document proving their birth.
• If you present a passport rather than a national ID card, you also need to show your entry visa into Portugal or the Schengen Area.

How to request it

1. 1
   In person, at a Serviço de Finanças

   Book an appointment through the AT's phone line (217 206 707, weekdays 9am–7pm), then attend with your documents.

2. 2
   Through a representative, via the e-balcão

   If you live outside the EU, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, your fiscal representative can request the NIF on your behalf through the Portal das Finanças e-balcão — you don't need to be in Portugal for this step.

Requesting a NIF is free either way — there's no fee for the number itself.

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens vs. third-country citizens

The document requirement is the real fork in the road. EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens generally apply with their own national ID or passport and don't need anyone else involved. Citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA who aren't yet resident in Portugal need a fiscal representative — someone Portugal-resident who receives your tax correspondence and represents you administratively. This is not the same as a tax advisor and doesn't make them liable for your tax bill.

NISS: the Social Security equivalent

Your NIF and your NISS (Número de Identificação da Segurança Social) are two different numbers from two different institutions — the NIF from the AT (tax), the NISS from the Instituto da Segurança Social. You'll need a NISS to work legally, whether employed or self-employed. Foreign nationals with a Portuguese address can request the NIF, the NISS, and an SNS (public healthcare) user number all in a single combined request.

To request a NISS, foreign nationals submit an online form with three kinds of supporting documents: identification, proof of your work situation (a work contract, or evidence you've opened activity as self-employed), and proof of your residence-authorisation request. There's no published processing deadline — track your request through Segurança Social Direta once submitted.

Once you have your NIF

Register at the Portal das Finanças — your access credentials arrive by post at your registered fiscal address, or you can get instant access with Chave Móvel Digital if you're eligible for it. Quote your NIF on every invoice or receipt you want to count toward a tax deduction later — an invoice issued without it doesn't count.