How to Get a NIF in Portugal (2026)
By Claire Lawrence, who moved to Portugal and now helps others do the same. Last updated June 2026. Figures are indicative and sourced; always confirm current rules before you rely on them.
A NIF is your Portuguese tax number, and you need it for almost everything: renting, opening a bank account, signing utility contracts and your visa application. You can get one for free in person at a Financas tax office, or remotely through a fiscal representative, usually within a few days to a few weeks.
What is a NIF?
A NIF (Numero de Identificacao Fiscal) is your Portuguese tax identification number. It is the single most useful piece of paper in the whole move, because almost nothing else works without it.
Why do you need a NIF?
You will be asked for your NIF constantly. You need it to:
- Open a Portuguese bank account
- Sign a rental contract or buy property
- Set up electricity, water and internet
- Support your visa and residence application
- Get a phone contract, and even some larger shop purchases
How do you get a NIF?
There are two routes. Both are legitimate.
| Route | What is involved | Indicative cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| In person at Financas | Visit a tax office with your passport and proof of address. If you are non-EU and not resident, bring a fiscal representative. | Free | People already in Portugal |
| Remotely, through a representative or service | A company or person in Portugal applies for you and acts as your fiscal representative. Done before you arrive. | From around 64 to 150 euros | People applying from abroad |
If you are outside the EU and not yet resident, you generally need a fiscal representative until you have residency. Services such as Bordr and routes via Portugalist are commonly used for the remote option.
Do you need a NIF before a bank account?
Usually yes. Most banks ask for your NIF to open an account, so the normal order is NIF first, then bank, then everything else. Getting your NIF early, even before you fly out, smooths the whole arrival.
How long does it take?
In person it can be same day if the office is not busy. Remote services typically take a few days to a few weeks, so apply early rather than at the last minute.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a NIF before moving to Portugal?
Yes. You do not need to be in Portugal. You can apply remotely through a fiscal representative or a NIF service before you arrive, which many people do so their bank account and rental are ready on arrival.
Do I need a fiscal representative to get a NIF?
If you live outside the EU or EEA and are not yet resident, you generally need a fiscal representative (a person or company in Portugal who receives tax correspondence for you). Once you are resident, the requirement falls away.
Is a NIF the same as residency?
No. A NIF is only a tax number. It does not give you the right to live in Portugal. You still need the correct visa and residence permit for that.
How much does a NIF cost?
The NIF itself is free at a Financas tax office. You pay only if you use a service or fiscal representative for the convenience of doing it remotely, typically from around 64 to 150 euros.
Can I get a NIF online?
Not directly from the tax authority as a newcomer. In practice people get one either in person at Financas or remotely through a representative or service that handles it for them.
Getting your NIF is one step of many, and the order matters. The Discovery Plan maps the whole move, in sequence.
See the Discovery PlanSources
- Portuguese tax authority (Financas): portaldasfinancas.gov.pt
- idealista, How to get a NIF in Portugal (2026)
- Bordr and Portugalist, for the remote NIF and fiscal representation option and indicative costs