NIF – Tax Identification Number
Learn what the NIF is, what it is used for, when a tax representative is needed and which documents to send to apply for the number online. Contact us.
NIF stands for tax identification number (número de identificação fiscal). Similar to the Brazilian CPF, the NIF is the number that identifies an individual before the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority (Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira). The NIF can be obtained even by those who do not reside in Portugal.
This number is essential for virtually everything you may want to do: renting a home, buying property, signing an employment contract, enrolling in school, opening a company, etc.
Those who do not reside in Portugal can obtain the NIF as nonresidents without appointing a tax representative at the time of the application. However, if they come to have a tax-related legal relationship in Portugal (for example, real estate, a vehicle, an employment contract or a business activity), residents outside the European Union and the European Economic Area must, within 15 days, appoint a tax representative domiciled in Portugal or sign up for electronic notifications (Tax Authority portal, electronic mailbox or single digital address). For self-employed activity, a VAT tax representative remains mandatory. For residents of the European Union, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, the appointment is optional.
The application can be made online, through the e-balcão service of the Tax Authority portal (Portal das Finanças), by a legal representative (attorney-in-fact) with access to the Portal, with no need to travel to Portugal, provided the applicant has all the required documents at hand.
The registration application must be accompanied by the following documents:
(i) a power of attorney granting powers for this purpose (and, if the attorney-in-fact is also appointed as tax representative, a statement to that effect in the power of attorney);
(ii) a copy of a valid civil identification document (for example, a passport);
(iii) a document showing the address abroad, if it does not appear on the identification document; and
(iv) a copy of the identification document of the legal representative (attorney-in-fact).
We at Sene & Araújo Advogados are here to answer your questions and help you with this next step!
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Learn more →Common questions
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What is the NIF and what is it used for?
The NIF is the tax identification number, similar to the Brazilian CPF, which identifies a person before the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority (Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira). It is essential for virtually everything you may want to do in the country, such as renting a home, buying property, signing an employment contract, enrolling in school or opening a company.
Can I get a NIF without living in Portugal?
Yes. The NIF can be obtained even by those who do not reside in Portugal. Those who do not live in the country can obtain it as nonresidents, without having to appoint a tax representative at the time of the application. The need for a representative may arise later, if the person comes to have a tax-related legal relationship in Portugal.
When is it necessary to appoint a tax representative?
If a resident outside the European Union and the European Economic Area comes to have a tax-related legal relationship in Portugal (real estate, a vehicle, an employment contract or a business activity), they must, within 15 days, appoint a tax representative domiciled in Portugal or sign up for electronic notifications. For self-employed activity, a VAT tax representative remains mandatory. For residents of the EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, the appointment is optional.
Do I need to go to Portugal to apply for the NIF?
No. The application can be made online, through the e-balcão service of the Tax Authority portal (Portal das Finanças), by a legal representative (attorney-in-fact) with access to the Portal, with no need to travel to Portugal, provided the applicant has all the required documents at hand.
If the attorney-in-fact is also the tax representative, this must be stated in the power of attorney.
What documents are required to apply for the NIF?
To apply for the NIF you need a power of attorney, a copy of a valid identification document, a document showing the address abroad, if necessary, and identification of the attorney-in-fact.
- a power of attorney granting powers for this purpose (stating, where applicable, that the attorney-in-fact is also the tax representative);
- a copy of a valid civil identification document, for example a passport;
- a document showing the address abroad, if it does not appear on the identification document;
- a copy of the attorney-in-fact's identification document.
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