NIF — Portuguese Tax Number (Número de Identificação Fiscal)

What Is It?

The NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is Portugal’s tax identification number.
It is your official fiscal identification with the Portuguese authorities and is required to carry out almost any financial or legal activity in the country.

For foreign buyers, obtaining a NIF is effectively the first mandatory step before purchasing property or making any investment in Portugal.

Why Is It Important?

Without a NIF, you cannot proceed with most stages of a property purchase.

It is required to:

• buy property in Portugal

• sign a CPCV (Promissory Purchase Agreement)

• open a Portuguese bank account

• apply for a mortgage

• pay property taxes (IMT, Stamp Duty, IMI)

• set up utilities such as electricity, water, or internet

• register ownership with the Tax Authority

In practical terms:
no real estate transaction in Portugal can happen without a NIF.

Who Needs One?

• Portuguese citizens

• Foreign residents

• Non-residents planning to purchase property or invest in Portugal

You do not need to live in Portugal to obtain a NIF.

How Do You Get It?

In Person

At a local Tax Office (Serviço de Finanças) or Citizen Service Centre (Loja do Cidadão).

Typically required:

• valid passport or ID

• proof of address in your country of residence

Remotely (Most Common for Foreign Buyers)

A lawyer, solicitor, or specialised service provider can obtain a NIF on your behalf through a power of attorney.

Fiscal Representative (Non-Residents)

Non-EU or non-EEA residents may be required to appoint a Fiscal Representative in Portugal.

This representative acts as the official contact point with the Portuguese Tax Authority (Finanças) for tax communications.

Once residency in Portugal is established, this requirement can usually be removed.

Cost

• Direct request through the Tax Authority: Free

• Through an intermediary: typically €50–€150, depending on the service provider.

How Long Does It Take?

• In person: issued immediately

• Remote application: usually 1 to 5 working days

Practical Tip

Many foreign buyers start viewing properties before obtaining a NIF — and later lose opportunities because they are unable to sign reservation or purchase documents in time.

Best practice:
Secure your NIF before actively entering the property market.