You meet the word NIF on every form in Portugal, usually with no explanation. This guide gives the meaning, the English translation, how it compares with tax numbers in other countries, and where to find yours or get one.
In short
- NIF stands for Número de Identificação Fiscal, in English the Portuguese tax identification number, often called the tax number or fiscal number.
- It has nine digits, is issued by the Portuguese Tax Authority (Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira) and stays with you for life.
- You can get one remotely: NIF Express costs €49.99 for an adult (€74.99 for a minor), with the first year of fiscal representation included.
The words behind the acronym
Número is “number”, Identificação is “identification” and Fiscal is “tax”. Put together: tax identification number. In English, people say “Portuguese NIF”, “Portuguese tax number” or “fiscal number”. If a form asks for your “TIN” (taxpayer identification number), the NIF is the Portuguese answer. See the full explanation in What Is a Portuguese NIF?
What is the NIF equivalent to in other countries?
The numbers are not identical, but they play a similar role: a single number that identifies you to the tax authority and to banks, landlords and employers.
- United States: broadly comparable to a taxpayer identification number such as the SSN or ITIN for tax purposes. See NIF for Americans.
- Brazil: broadly comparable to the CPF in everyday use. See NIF for Brazilians.
- United Kingdom: comparable in role to a tax reference such as the UTR. See NIF for UK citizens.
- Spain: Spain also uses the letters NIF (and NIE for foreigners), but that is a different number issued by a different authority. A Portuguese NIF is not valid in Spain, and the reverse.
NIF, NIPC and NISS: three numbers, three roles
The NIF identifies an individual for tax purposes, the NIPC identifies a company, and the NISS is the social security number. They are easy to confuse, so see NIPC vs NIF and NIF vs NISS.
Where to find your NIF
The NIF never changes or expires. If you have lost it, see How to Find or Recover Your Portuguese NIF.
What it is used for
Renting or buying property, opening a bank account, mobile and utility contracts, visa and residence applications, working or invoicing. See the guides for buying property and bank accounts.
Getting a NIF if you do not have one
If you live outside the EU and EEA, you can request a NIF without a fiscal representative, but the Tax Authority can require one once you establish a tax relationship in Portugal; NIF Express includes the first year. Typically the NIF is issued in 5–14 business days after your signed documents are received. The Tax Authority itself charges nothing for issuing a NIF; the price covers preparation, the power of attorney, filing support and fiscal representation. After the first year, representation renews every twelve months at the same amount as the period that has just ended, with an email at least 30 days before each charge. See How Much Does a Portuguese NIF Cost? and our terms.
NIF Express is a private consultancy, not a government service: we help you prepare and file, and the Portuguese Tax Authority issues the NIF. See the NIF online service — adult €49.99, minor €74.99.
Frequently asked questions
What does NIF stand for in Portugal?
Número de Identificação Fiscal, which means tax identification number. It is the nine-digit tax number issued by the Portuguese Tax Authority.
What is the NIF in English?
The Portuguese tax identification number, also called the Portuguese tax number or fiscal number. On international forms it is the number you give as your Portuguese TIN.
Is the Portuguese NIF the same as the Spanish NIF?
No. Both countries use the letters NIF, but they are different numbers issued by different tax authorities and are not interchangeable.
Does the NIF expire?
No. The NIF is permanent and never changes.
How do I get a NIF from abroad?
You can apply remotely with a power of attorney and document upload. NIF Express costs €49.99 for an adult and €74.99 for a minor, with the first year of fiscal representation included.
Is NIF Express a government service?
No. It is a private consultancy and the online service of Blue Ocean Immigration. We prepare and file the application; the Portuguese Tax Authority issues the NIF.
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