What Is the Portuguese NIF and Why Do You Need It?

If you’re planning to move to Portugal, open a bank account, start a business, buy property, or even just sign a mobile phone contract, there’s one number you need to have: the NIF.

This guide will explain what the Portuguese NIF is, how to get it, how to use the Portal das Finanças, what the NIF password is, and why the NIF is mandatory for expats, digital nomads, investors, and anyone living in or doing business with Portugal.

What Is the Portuguese NIF?

NIF stands for Número de Identificação Fiscal, which translates to Tax Identification Number in English. It is a unique 9-digit number assigned by the Portuguese tax authority (Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira) to individuals and entities for tax purposes.

Whether you’re a resident or non-resident, this number is your identity in Portugal for anything related to taxes, contracts, or official paperwork. 

Pro Tip: You can only ever have one individual NIF number. If you open a company, the company will be assigned its own NIF. Individual NIFs currently start with the numbers 1,2, and 3, while company NIFs always begin with a 5. If a bank offers you a “temporary NIF,” just know that this makes things complicated later, and you should always request a permanent NIF. 

Why Do You Need a NIF in Portugal?

Here are just a few situations where a NIF is required:

  • Opening a Portuguese bank account
  • Signing a rental lease or utility contract
  • Starting a job or registering as self-employed
  • Purchasing real estate
  • Getting a Portuguese phone number
  • Accessing public healthcare
  • Shopping online in Portugal

Basically, if you’re planning to spend more than a few days in Portugal, you’ll probably need a NIF.

How to Get a NIF in Portugal

Option 1: In Person

You can obtain a NIF at any Finanças (tax office) in Portugal. However, currently getting an appointment can take weeks or waiting in the lines for daily “free” tickets can result in hours of waiting with no success. You’ll need:

  • A valid EU passport or EU ID
  • Proof of address (can be international if you’re a non-resident), but be careful, as you need to receive mail at this address. That is why it is safer to have a fiscal representative.
  • A fiscal representative (if you’re not an EU resident)

The process is usually free, although non-residents using a fiscal representative may be charged a service fee.

Option 2: Online (Through a Service Provider)

If you’re not in Portugal yet, many service providers help foreigners get a NIF remotely, like Waypoint does. They handle the paperwork and representation for you, including receiving the important password on your behalf. 

What is a Fiscal Representative?

It is a Portuguese lawyer or citizen who provides a Portuguese address for your password to be mailed to. Until you update your fiscal address to Portugal, all communications from Financas will arrive through the post at the FR’s address on the document. Make sure you have a trustworthy person and a relationship with the FR if you choose not to work with a professional like Waypoint. 

What Is the NIF Password?

Once you have a NIF, you can access your account on the Portal das Finanças – the official Portuguese tax portal.

To log in, you’ll need:

  • Your NIF number
  • A password (senha de acesso)

You can request this password from the portal itself. It’s usually sent by post to your registered address within a few days.

Pro tip: Once you receive your NIF document (2 pages, always give 2 pages for official purposes), go to the Portal homepage and click “Registar-se” and “Registo NIF”. Enter your NIF number and create a security question. Keep a record of the security question answer. Add your email and/or phone and the address of your FR. Then click “Register”. Within 5 business days, the password will arrive at the FR address to be used for logging in. If you lose your password, you need to request it again online here. You need to ensure your fiscal address is an address you can receive mail and that you have your security question answer to complete the request. 

Accessing the Portal das Finanças

The Portal das Finanças is the online gateway for all tax-related matters in Portugal. Here’s how to access it:

  1. Visit: https://www.portaldasfinancas.gov.pt
  2. Click “Iniciar Sessão” (Login)
  3. Enter your NIF and password
  4. Access services like tax declarations, issuing invoices, checking debt, or updating your personal details

The portal is in Portuguese, but browser translation tools can help navigate it easily.

Most Common Ways New Arrivals and Foreigners Utilize the Portal das Finanças:

  1. Updating your fiscal address within Portugal after the initial change of fiscal address from your original international address has been accepted. 
  2. Paying car or property taxes.
  3. Registering for self-employment access and emitting “Green Receipts” (recibos verdes)
  4. Your accountant will file your taxes annually. 
  5. Requesting a certificate of tax domicile. 
  6. Downloading the deed of your property. 
  7. Downloading proof of rental payments. 
  8. Using the “e-counter” for questions and communications. (e-balcao)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I get a NIF without living in Portugal?
Yes. You can get a NIF as a non-resident through a fiscal representative.

Is the NIF only for tax purposes?
No. It’s required for many administrative tasks, like renting property, getting a job, or opening a bank account.

What happens if I lose my NIF password?
You can request a new copy of it via the Portal das Finanças as shown above.