Do You Need a NIF Before a Bank Account in Portugal? The Right Order
You need your NIF first. A Portuguese NIF (tax number) is required to open a bank account, so the order is NIF, then bank account, then most other admin. You can get a NIF before you arrive, remotely, through a fiscal representative.
Which comes first, the NIF or the bank account?
The NIF, every time. The NIF (número de identificação fiscal) is your Portuguese tax number, and banks ask for it before they will open an account. It also sits behind renting, utilities, a phone contract and your visa, so it is the first practical thing to sort. Get the NIF, then the bank account, then the rest.
Can I get a NIF before I move?
Yes. You do not need to be in Portugal. If your tax address is outside the EU or EEA you must appoint a fiscal representative to request it for you, which is the normal route for Americans, Britons and other non EU applicants. EU and EEA residents can apply without a representative under Decree Law 44/2022.
We can take this off your plate. Sorting the NIF and the fiscal representative is built into the Move Plan and Personalised Fit Plan, using vetted contacts so you are not guessing who to trust.
What does a NIF cost?
The NIF itself is free at a Portuguese tax office (Finanças). If you use a fiscal representative or an online service to get it remotely, expect to pay roughly 50 to 150 euros depending on the provider. There is no government fee for the number. You are paying for the representation and the convenience of doing it from home.
Opening the bank account
Once you have your NIF, you can open a Portuguese account. You will usually need your NIF, passport or ID, proof of address and proof of income or employment. Some banks let non residents open an account remotely or through a representative, while others want you in branch. A local account makes your visa savings, rent and bills far simpler to manage.
The right order, start to finish
| Step | What you do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Get your NIF, remotely if needed, via a fiscal representative |
| 2 | Open a Portuguese bank account |
| 3 | Gather and apostille your documents |
| 4 | Apply for your visa (D7, D8 or other) |
| 5 | Arrive, then complete your AIMA residency appointment |
Doing it in the wrong order costs weeks
The Discovery Plan maps every step in the right sequence, and the Fit Plan adds vetted contacts who can get your NIF and act as your fiscal representative.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need a fiscal representative?
Only if your tax address is outside the EU or EEA. EU and EEA residents have been exempt since Decree Law 44/2022, provided they register an EU address and opt in to digital notifications.
Is the NIF the same as residency?
No. The NIF is only a tax number. It does not give you the right to live in Portugal, so you still need a visa and a residence permit.
How long does a NIF take?
In person at a tax office it can be same day. Remotely through a fiscal representative it usually takes a few days to a couple of weeks.
Can I open a bank account without being in Portugal?
Sometimes, through certain banks or a representative, but the rules vary by bank, so confirm before you rely on it.
How much should I budget?
The NIF is free at the tax office. Remote services and fiscal representatives commonly charge from 50 to 150 euros.
What do I need the NIF for besides banking?
Renting, utilities, a phone contract, buying property, your tax filings and your visa paperwork all rely on it.
Sources: Portuguese Government service portal (gov.pt), Autoridade Tributária (Finanças), Decree Law 44/2022. Current June 2026.
Last updated June 2026. By Claire Lawrence, who moved to Portugal and now helps others do the same.