NIF: get it quickly and easily

The Portuguese tax number (NIF, Número Identificação Fiscal) is the first thing you need if you want to buy property in this country, for example. You need it for pretty much everything here. You can specify the NIF with every purchase, and almost everything will be taken into account in the tax return. Nowadays, it is possible to get it effortlessly. Such services as nifportugal.pt do a great job, helping people to cope with any problems in Portugal. Let’s now learn more about NIF itself.

The financial system

The financial system in Portugal is actually simple and very mature. You can even claim your hairdressing visits on the tax return and get it at the end of the tax year. If you are at the checkout at the supermarket and are asked about the contributions, always provide your tax number. The purchase data will then be forwarded to the tax office immediately. No more annoying notes and receipts you must collect in folders for months. Everything is stored on the central server of the tax office and will be charged there immediately.

It is indeed a great service. But of course, a lot of data is also collected, as well as that on purchasing behavior. But after all, you are not forced to provide your tax number when shopping; it is just what you can do.

Where to apply?

But back to the actual topic: where can you apply for the NIF? You can do it at the tax office (Autridade finanças). You should understand that it is needed for almost everything in Portugal.

For example, no NIF, no lease. But if you go to the tax office and apply for a NIF, you will first be asked for your rental agreement, preferably from Portugal. Of course, you don’t have it at this time. In this case, you must insist on having a provisional NIF issued with your current residence abroad. With this NIF, you could even buy a holiday in Portugal.

However, there are other tax regulations for a NIF obtainer residing abroad. For all those who want to live and work here in Portugal, we can only recommend looking for a Portuguese tax consultant or someone who is familiar with the system. For people who want to start a company here, a tax consultant (and preferably a lawyer) is really needed. Thankfully, there are plenty of companies that help people solve their problems.

And another hint. Not all employees at the tax office know that they can also issue (or displace) a NIF with a foreign residence. The process and the document are no different from a NIF with a Portuguese address. Stay polite, nice, and patient during your visits to the authorities, but be aware of what you are allowed to get. You want the NIF; you need the NIF. And, of course, you will get it.

Another thing you should know is that you need to find a local representative to get this document. It may sound complicated , but experienced professionals will help you cope with everything. NIF address will first belong to your guarantor, and you will have to change it afterward.

Once you have the NIF

As soon as you have the NIF and want to move your center of life to Portugal permanently, you should go to the tax office again as soon as possible and have the address for your NIF updated. You can do this without any problems.

One more tip: keep the original document, which you will receive immediately with a stamp (very important in Portugal) from the tax office. You will almost always need it in your further administrative procedures. It is best to have a copy with you that you can give to the employees, which always gives plus points. But once you are the happy owner of the NIF, you are already half Portuguese. For shopping, you should always have a small piece of paper with a nine-digit number to show.

The tax return

Overall, we can state that the Portuguese financial system is very progressive. It is considered one of the most modern in the world. Almost everything can be done online. You can see at any time what refunds you have already collected and get them back as part of the tax return. So, choose a professional company and get all the documents you need ready within a short time limit!