It is one of the most common questions: “where can I see my NIF?” or “how do I find someone else’s NIF?”. The two have different answers.
How do you look up your own NIF?
- Portal das Finanças. Log in with Chave Móvel Digital, the Citizen Card or your NIF and password, and look for the “Consultar NIF” option. There you can also issue the NIF proof.
- Citizen Card. The number is on the back, on the tax identification line.
- Old invoices and documents. Invoices with your number, contracts, receipts.
- Tax office or Loja do Cidadão. You can ask for help in person with an ID document.
Menu names change from time to time, so check the portal itself. If you cannot log in, see how to find or recover your NIF.
Can you look up someone else’s NIF?
The Tax Authority does not publish individuals’ NIF numbers, and there is no search by name. If you need someone’s number, for example for a contract, ask the person. Companies are different: a company’s number is called the NIPC and appears on its public company documents. See NIF vs NIPC.
How do you know if a NIF number is valid?
You can check the format and the check digit with the NIF format validator. It confirms the number is possible, not who it belongs to.
What if you do not have a NIF yet?
You can apply without travelling to Portugal: see how to get a NIF remotely or the NIF online service.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I see my NIF?
On the Portal das Finanças (“Consultar NIF”), on the back of the Citizen Card, on old invoices or at a tax office.
Can I look up another person’s NIF by name?
No. The Tax Authority does not publish individuals’ NIF numbers. Ask the person for it.
Does the Citizen Card show the NIF?
Yes, on the back, on the tax identification line.
How do I know if a NIF is valid?
The format validator checks the length and the check digit. It does not confirm who the number belongs to.
I lost access to the Portal das Finanças. What can I do?
Recover your access or number as described in the recovery guide, or ask for help at a tax office.
Keep reading
Follow our guides on Google: add NIF Express as a preferred source
