
NIF
Obtaining a NIF (Tax Identification Number) is simple and quick. However, the process varies depending on whether you are a resident of an EU country, Iceland, Norway, or another country. For countries like Switzerland and Liechtenstein, there is a mixed system. Here’s how it works:
Residents in the EU, Iceland, and Norway
If you are a resident of one of these countries, you only need two things to get a NIF in Portugal:
- Passport or personal identification document;
- Proof of address from your country of origin (such as an electricity, water, or internet bill).
The NIF is issued immediately and at no cost. However, if you plan to reside in Portugal for more than three months, you must apply for the Certificate of Registration as an EU Citizen at the Town Hall in your area of residence in Portugal.
After obtaining this certificate, you must return to a Tax Authority office or a Citizen Shop to submit the certificate. From then on, all notifications will be made by the tax office in your area of residence.
What is required to obtain the Certificate of Registration as an EU Citizen?
For workers:
- Valid identity document;
- Declaration, under oath, that you are engaged in employed or self-employed activity in Portugal; or
- Declaration, under oath, that you have sufficient financial resources for yourself and your family, as well as health insurance. This insurance is only necessary if it is also required in your country of origin for Portuguese citizens.
For pensioners:
- Valid identity document;
- Declaration, under oath, that you have sufficient financial resources for yourself and your family, as well as health insurance. This insurance is only necessary if it is also required in your country of origin for Portuguese citizens.
After five consecutive years holding the Certificate of Registration, you can apply for the Permanent Residence Certificate at the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF). This document confirms your right to live in the country permanently without any restrictions.
Residents Outside the EU, Iceland, and Norway
For residents outside the EU, Iceland, and Norway, the process for obtaining a NIF in Portugal is different. These citizens need:
- Entry stamp into Portugal;
- Valid passport with visa;
- Proof of address from the country of origin;
- Fiscal representative;
- Document proving the acceptance of the fiscal representative to perform the role.
The fiscal representative is the link between the Tax Authority and the foreign citizen. Thus, it must be someone with permanent residence in Portugal, even if they are not Portuguese. The fiscal representative must:
- Present their Citizen Card or Permanent Residence Card;
- Present their NIF;
- Confirm their address in Portugal.
As with EU citizens, the NIF is issued immediately, and the address is associated with that of the representative. If you intend to establish residency in Portugal, you must hold a residence visa that allows you to enter Portuguese territory and apply for a residence permit at the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF).
After completing these formalities, you must again go to the Tax Authority to notify the end of the fiscal representation. The temporary residence permit is valid for one year and renewable for successive two-year periods. After five years, holders may apply for permanent residence permits.
Switzerland and Liechtenstein
Residents of Switzerland and Liechtenstein fall under a mixed system when applying for a NIF in Portugal. As part of the Schengen Area, the documentation required is the same as for EU, Iceland, and Norway residents (passport or civil identification document and proof of address from the country of origin), but they need to appoint a fiscal representative.
After obtaining the NIF, they must apply for the Certificate of Registration as an EU Citizen in the same manner as residents of the EU, Iceland, and Norway.
Once you have the NIF, you can apply for the non-habitual resident status, benefiting from all associated advantages.