Applying for a taxpayer identification number (NIF) for a natural person

The taxpayer identification number, in Portuguese Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF), is a form of personal identification that is essential for purchasing goods or services, entering into contracts, opening bank accounts, etc. 

Portuguese nationals with a valid Citizen’s Card already have a NIF allocated to them. 

If you are not in the aforementioned category, find out how to apply for a NIF.

See also the ‘How to request the NIF and the NISS for foreign citizens in Portugal’ page in the following languages: Portuguese, English, Arabic, Hindi and Mandarin.

Table of Contents

• Service channels
• Who can applying for a taxpayer identification number (NIF) for a natural person?
• When can you applying for a taxpayer identification number (NIF) for a natural person?
• What are the documents and requirements to applying for a taxpayer identification number (NIF) for a natural person?
• What is the price to applying for a taxpayer identification number (NIF) for a natural person?
• How applying for a taxpayer identification number (NIF) for a natural person?
• What is the support legislation?

Who can applying for a taxpayer identification number (NIF) for a natural person?

• All Portuguese nationals or foreign nationals, resident or non-resident in Portugal, who have to comply with tax obligations (payment of taxes) or wish to exercise their rights before the Portuguese tax administration.Note: the Taxpayer’s Card has been replaced by the Citizen’s Card (for nationals and Brazilian citizens covered under the ‘Porto Seguro’ Agreement).
   

When can you applying for a taxpayer identification number (NIF) for a natural person?

You can request the Tax Identification Number (NIF) at any time.

If you already have the NIF assigned and there is a situation of loss, loss, theft, deterioration or need for renewal of the Taxpayer Card, learn how to request a 2nd copy of the card.

What are the documents and requirements to applying for a taxpayer identification number (NIF) for a natural person?

• If you are a Portuguese national
  • For children under the age of 10 without a Citizen’s Card, a birth certificate or equivalent document must be produced.
• If you are a citizen of another EU country
  • To be considered a resident for tax purposes, you will need to produce:
  a civil identity document or a passport or a certificate of registration as a European Union citizen, issued by the municipality of the area of residence.
  • To be considered a non-resident for tax purposes, you will need to produce:
  a civil identity document or a passport.
  • For foreign minors without a passport, the following must be produced:
  proof of birth.
   
• If you are a national of a third country
  • To be considered a resident for tax purposes, you will need to produce:
  an identity document or a passport and residence permit.
  • To be considered a non-resident for tax purposes, you will need to produce:
  an identity document or a passport, and you must appoint a tax representative (natural or legal person) resident in Portugal.
  • For foreign minors without a passport, the following must be produced:
  proof of birth.Note: if you are a third-country national and you are producing your passport, you will also need to produce your entry visa for Portugal or the Schengen area.
   

What is the price to applying for a taxpayer identification number (NIF) for a natural person?

It is free.

How applying for a taxpayer identification number (NIF) for a natural person?

The NIF is allocated to persons with Portuguese nationality when they apply for a Citizen’s Card. 

Other EU citizens and third-country nationals can request a NIF by submitting the requested documents:

• at the Tax Office, by booking a face-to-face appointment.
• at the e-counter of the Tax Office, through the tax representative of the person applying for the NIF, if you have residence in a third country or in the following European Economic Area countries: Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.

Note: The designation of the representative can be made by the citizen himself, with the representative’s acceptance, or by a proxy, also with the representative’s acceptance.