Newcomers to Portugal hear about several numbers at once. This guide sorts them out: what each one identifies and who needs which.
Which identification numbers exist?
- NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal): the tax number of an individual, nine digits. See what a NIF is.
- NIPC (Número de Identificação de Pessoa Coletiva): the number of a company or other legal entity. See NIF vs NIPC.
- NISS (Número de Identificação de Segurança Social): not a tax number. See NIF vs NISS.
- VAT number: PT plus the NIF or NIPC, only for those registered for VAT. See the Portuguese VAT number.
Who needs a NIF?
Anyone, Portuguese or foreign, resident or not, who has to deal with tax matters in Portugal: opening a bank account, renting or buying a home, signing contracts, applying for a visa or working. Anyone with a Citizen Card already has a NIF.
What about foreigners?
They can get a NIF without going to Portugal. Anyone living outside the European Union, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein has to appoint a fiscal representative when they establish a tax relationship in Portugal, for example by buying property. See who needs a fiscal representative.
How do you get a NIF from abroad?
You can do it remotely, with a power of attorney. See how to get a NIF without travelling or the NIF online service. If you already have a NIF and need to see it, see how to look up your NIF.
Frequently asked questions
What is the tax identification number in Portugal?
A nine-digit number issued by the Tax Authority: the NIF for individuals and the NIPC for companies.
Is the NIF the same as the NISS?
No. The NIF is a tax number. The NISS is the Social Security number and is not a tax number.
Is the VAT number the same as the NIF?
The digits are the same, with the PT prefix, but you only have a VAT number if you are registered for VAT.
Can a foreigner have a NIF without living in Portugal?
Yes, remotely. Outside the EU, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, a tax relationship in Portugal means appointing a fiscal representative.
Keep reading
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