NIF: Portugal Tax Identification Number

What is a NIF?

The Número de Identificação Fiscal, usually called NIF, is Portugal’s tax identification number. It is used when dealing with the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority and is required for many ordinary activities, including contracts, employment-related matters and opening bank accounts.

Who can request one?

Portuguese official guidance states that both residents and non-residents can request a NIF. This means many people obtain a NIF before becoming tax residents in Portugal and later update their registration when their residence status or address changes.

NIF and tax residence are not the same thing

Having a NIF does not by itself make someone a Portuguese tax resident. Tax residence depends on the applicable legal conditions, such as time spent in Portugal and the existence of a habitual home. When a person becomes tax resident, the tax registration should be updated accordingly.

Documents

Foreign applicants generally need valid identification and address evidence. Third-country nationals registering as residents may also need evidence of their residence status or a pending AIMA process, depending on the circumstances.

After arrival

If you obtained your NIF as a non-resident before moving, review whether your address and tax-residence status need to be updated. The Tax Authority publishes separate guidance on changing tax address and registering as a resident.

Combined identification-number service

As of September 2026, eligible foreign residents with a Portuguese address can request NIF, NISS and the national SNS user number together at selected Espaços Cidadão. Availability and locations can change, so check the current gov.pt service page before relying on this option.