Obtain NIF in Portugal

Updated on Wednesday 13th March 2024

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Interested in NIF in Portugal? Our local representatives can help you obtain the Portuguese fiscal number or the taxpayer identification number in Portugal by managing the formalities imposed. Our lawyers in Portugal can also represent EU and third-country nationals when applying for NIF in Portugal. Below you can discover information about the relevant procedures.

What is NIF and who needs this number?

Foreign citizens who want to relocate to Portugal, as well as those who want to open a business, must register with the local tax system. Thus, it applies to NIF in Portugal or more precisely Portuguese fiscal number. Here's what you need to know about the NIF in Portugal:

NIF is Número de Identificação Fiscal and consists of 9 digits. It is also known as Taxpayer Identification Number or TIN.
Both Portuguese citizens and foreigners must have this number. In the case of the latter, the application is made after relocation to Portugal.
With this number, tax obligations can be identified more easily and it also helps in various procedures in Portugal.
Among the fiscal obligations for which a NIF number is necessary for Portugal are income tax returns, income tax notices, corporate tax returns, property tax, etc.

How can you apply for a NIF number in Portugal?

It is necessary to make an appointment with the tax office in the city chosen for residency in Portugal. In the case of those with residence in a third-world country or EEA state, a tax representative is required. As for the documents, those for identification, such as ID or passport, of the company, are required if the applicant wants to open a business in Portugal. All formalities can be completed and managed by our attorneys in Portugal. We have experience in the field and can help those interested in obtaining an NIF number in Portugal.

In which cases are you asked for a Portuguese fiscal number?

All your tax information can be verified with the NIF in Portugal. Also, there are situations in which the NIF in Portugal is necessary. Without it, certain tasks cannot be performed or recorded. Here are some examples:

For tax obligations – The Portuguese fiscal number is required for varied administrative tasks and is the identification document from a tax point of view. With this, you can respect your tax obligations according to your status.
Residency in Portugal – Applying for residency in Portugal requires the issuance of this Portuguese fiscal number.
Opening a bank account - It is necessary to present the NIF number in Portugal when opening a bank account. Without this identification document, you cannot have a bank account in Portugal.
For real estate purposes - Selling, buying, or renting a property in Portugal requires the use of the NIF in Portugal as an identification method and not only that. Our Portuguese lawyers can help you sell or buy a property in Portugal.
For utility bills - Registration for paying utilities requires the presentation of the NIF in Portugal as a main document.
For employment - an NIF number in Portugal is also required at the time of employment in this country. Thus, future employees are registered for social security, pension funds, income tax payments, etc.
Car registration - You need a Portuguese fiscal number to buy and register a car in Portugal. The formalities can be explained to you by one of our lawyers in Portugal.
Business formation - Those who want to start a business in Portugal must have an NIF. With this document, the company is identified as a taxpayer in Portugal.

Here are some details about taxes in Portugal:

Income tax ranging from 13.25% to 48%, depending on the taxable income;
Additional solidarity rate ranging between 2.5% and 5% applicabble to incomes between EUR 80,000 and EUR 250,000;
Income tax at a flat rate of 35% for non-residents and their taxable income.

Do you want more information about NIF in Portugal? We invite you to contact our law firm in Portugal for all the details and legal aspects.