Who can apply
The Tax Identification Number (NIF) can be requested by Portuguese and foreigners, whether resident or not in Portugal.
Is it necessary to have the NIF?
The document is indispensable in various day-to-day demands such as signing contracts, contracting basic services, setting up a company, opening a bank account, among others.
What is the NIF for?
The NIF is used to identify the citizen before the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority (AT).
I don’t live in Portugal. How should I proceed?
For those who do not live in Portugal and wish to apply for the NIF, there will be a need for a Tax Representative with permanent residence in Portuguese territory.
Holders of temporary residence, even being in Portugal, cannot be tax representatives. Only permanent residents.
Upon requesting the document, the person is registered in the Portuguese Tax Administration database.
Can I request the NIF remotely?
It is always possible to request the NIF from a distance, through your representative, who will be able to handle the entire process for you.
If you are in Portugal, you may go to the Tax Authority with your representative to request the NIF.
Even residents, if they cannot go themselves to the Tax Authority, it’s possible to nominate someone to request the NIF on their behalf without assuming the tax representation.
How much does it cost to ask for the NIF?
The application is exempt from fees to be paid to the Tax Authority.
Should I be careful when appointing a representative?
Be very careful when choosing your representative as he will be the person you indicate as your official contact with the Tax and Customs Authority.
The recommendation is to hire a consultancy that carries out this type of information and that is able to serve with the receipt of your information and the provision of information without time.
The Tax Representative must have the necessary structure to assume this responsibility in a serious and prudent way, so that you do not have problems of not having been communicated, for example, of the need to pay some tax and, therefore, having to bear penalties.
After all, the decision of appointing someone as your tax representative and the communication of this decision to the Government was yours.
What documents do I need to issue the NIF (TIN)?
NIF as a resident in Portugal:
- Identity card, citizen card or valid passport (in the case of people with European citizenship);
- Valid passport (foreigners from outside the European Union);
- Birth certificate (citizen without ID and under 10 years old);
- House Rent contract in Portugal or address proof issued by the Junta de Freguesia (City Council) or Employment contract in Portugal;
- Power of attorney (if it is not possible to make a comparison in person).
NIF as a non-resident:
- Identity card, citizen card or valid passport (in the case of people with European citizenship);
- Valid passport (foreigners from outside the European Union);
- Birth certificate (Portuguese citizen without ID and under 10 years old);
- Proof of residency abroad
- Power of Attorney/Declaration of acceptance of the position Tax Representative
Conclusion
The NIF is one of the first steps for anyone thinking about Portugal, whether to reside or not.
If you want to request your NIF, we can handle all the process for you. Get in touch with us.
