The NIF, or "Número de Identificação Fiscal" in Portuguese, is a unique and sequential number assigned to individuals and entities in Portugal for tax and customs purposes. It is similar to the Social Security Number in the United States or the National Insurance Number in the United Kingdom.
The NIF is a mandatory requirement for the following:
All natural persons, both Portuguese citizens and foreigners, who are subject to tax obligations in Portugal.
Legal Portuguese entities, such as companies, and legally equivalent entities.
Individuals or entities wishing to exercise their rights before the Tax and Customs Administration (AT) in Portugal.
When it comes to obtaining the NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) in Portugal, you can use our services to not only obtain your NIF through tax representation, considering different methods based on your location, but also perform your online registration with the tax authorities and with ViaCTT:
Obtaining your NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) in Portugal:
Tax Representation while in Portugal: If you are in Portugal or planning to visit, you can have your signature on the required Power of Attorney recognized, together with a certified copy of your passport, in person at the Relocate Now office in Lisbon, at no additional cost.
Tax Representation while abroad: The signature on the required Power of Attorney must be recognized at the Portuguese consulate or under the Hague Apostille convention. Along with the POA, a copy of your passport must also be certified accordingly.
Performing your online registration: We perform the online registration on the tax authority's portal, requesting the access password. This password is sent to our office address (if choosing the representation path).
Implementing your ViaCTT registration: Once your online registration is complete, we typically proceed with registering you into ViaCTT, an online platform. ViaCTT ensures that all communications from tax authorities are received electronically in your email, offering a more efficient and timely alternative to regular mail.
The expected timeline for obtaining the NIF would be the following:
NIF request: The typical timeframe to perform the NIF requests is 48 hours after all necessary and certified documentation is received and approved.
NIF issuance: The Tax Authorities’ processing and respective NIF issuance can take between 3 and 7 business days (can vary depending on the Tax Office).
Online registration: This registration is immediate upon the NIF issuance and receipt.
Password request: This request is performed upon the online registration, and the password should take up to 5 business days to arrive at the tax representative’s address (can vary depending on the Tax Office).
The cost associated with obtaining the NIF through Relocate Now is as follows:
Service Fee: €150 (Euros) + VAT.
It's important to note that these fees cover the convenience and support offered by Relocate Now to streamline the process of obtaining your NIF without the complexities often associated with dealing with public services.
What personal information is collected in the NIF assignment process?
Usually, the identifying information stated on your ID and/or passport, which document is also required to get the number at issue, namely full name, tax address, place of birth, nationality, date of birth, gender and finally your email address.
Does requesting the NIF make me a tax resident in Portugal, and does it have tax implications?
Requesting the NIF as a NON-RESIDENT does not make you a tax resident in Portugal. It also does not imply tax responsibilities if you do not have assets in Portugal.
Can I request the NIF without being in Portugal?
Yes, you can request the NIF through a representative, which exempts you from being physically present in Portugal.
Which documents are required to request the NIF?
If requested by the individual: European Union (EU) citizens require a passport (authenticated copy) and proof of address; Whereas Non-European Union Citizens (Non-EU) require a passport (authenticated copy), a proof of address, a Power of Attorney for Tax Representation with a recognized signature at the Portuguese consulate or apostilled, a Declaration of the representative accepting the appointment with a recognized signature, and a copy of the identification document of the tax representative.
If requested by a representative (EU & Non-EU): a passport (copy authenticated by the Portuguese Consulate or apostilled), a proof of address, a Power of Attorney for Tax Representation with a recognized signature at the Portuguese consulate or apostilled, a Declaration of the representative accepting the appointment, and a copy of the identification document of the tax representative.
What is the estimated time for NIF issuance after the request?
The issuance time of the NIF may vary depending on the demand at the Tax Office, but the average time is 10 business days.
Can I request the NIF by myself, without Relocate Now assistance?
Surely, you can apply for your NIF directly at a local Tax and Customs Office (AT office) in Portugal. However, this method demands your physical presence and the time taken may vary, but it typically involves standing by for an appointment or waiting in line at the AT office.
