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!
Other services in this area
Wills
Forms, forced share, and applicable law in both countries.
Learn more →
Declaration of heirs
Notary's office or Inheritance Desk, documents, and Stamp Duty.
Learn more →
Assets in Brazil
Selling, inheriting, and managing assets in Brazil while living in Portugal.
Learn more →
Marriage and property regime
Applicable law, prenuptial agreement, and effects on inheritance.
Learn more →
Child custody
Relocation to another country, travel authorization, and the Hague Convention.
Learn more →
International child and spousal support
Setting, collecting, and modifying support between Brazil and Portugal.
Learn more →
STJ recognition
Portuguese judgments given effect in Brazil.
Learn more →
Tax residence
Definitive departure from Brazil, the 183-day rule, and double taxation.
Learn more →
INSS retirees
Brazilian pension received in Portugal: the agreement and taxation.
Learn more →Common questions
Didn't find your question? Talk to our team on WhatsApp.
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.
Talk to our team
Tell us about your case: we will reply by email and, if you prefer, schedule a video call.
Latest articles
Selling property in Brazil while living in Portugal
Power of attorney or videoconference, capital gains tax of 15% to 22.5% without the exemptions available to residents, withholding by the buyer, remittance, and credit for the tax against Portuguese IRS: what changes for those living in Portugal.
I inherited property in Brazil and live in Portugal: step by step
Out-of-court inventory before a notary without traveling, a power of attorney with special powers, documents, ITCMD, and the choice of the property's value in the partition: a step-by-step guide for those who inherited in Brazil and live in Portugal.
INSS retirees in Portugal: income tax at progressive rates in 2026
Since Normative Instruction IN RFB 2,299/2025, pensions paid to people living in Portugal are taxed under the progressive table. See the calculation for 2026, the effect on Portuguese IRS, and how to claim back the 25% withheld in recent years.