Getting a NIF in Portugal as a foreign property buyer

What a NIF is and why you need it to buy

The NIF (número de identificação fiscal), also called número de contribuinte, is a nine-digit number issued by the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority (AT). It identifies you in every tax matter. When you buy a home, it appears in the CPCV, in the IMT and Stamp Duty returns, in the deed and in the land registry. You will also need it to open a Portuguese bank account, sign utility contracts and pay the annual property tax (IMI).

Requesting a NIF is free. Be cautious with services that charge for "fast-track" NIFs: they charge for the representation, not for the number itself.

Resident or non-resident: which one are you?

When you apply from abroad, the NIF is issued with your foreign address — you are registered as non-resident. If you later become tax resident in Portugal, you must update your address with the AT.

Residence status matters a lot when you buy: since Decree-Law 97/2026, a non-resident buyer of an urban property intended exclusively for housing pays IMT at a flat 7.5%, unless an exception applies (see our guide How to buy a home in Portugal as a foreign buyer).

Three ways to apply

1. In person, by appointment

You can apply yourself at any Tax Office (Serviço de Finanças) or Loja do Cidadão. An appointment is required. You can book it on the Portal das Finanças under Contactos > Atendimento por Marcação, choosing the option for NIF requests by people without a Portuguese Citizen Card (subject: Identificação, sub-subject: Pedido de NIF), or through the AT's telephone service (CAT).

2. Online, through a legal representative (e-balcão)

If you cannot travel, a legal representative — someone holding your power of attorney, for example a lawyer or solicitor — can request the NIF for you through the AT's online service e-balcão, choosing Registo Contribuinte > Identific > Atrib/Alter NIF-Singulares. A legal representative here is not the same as a fiscal representative, although the same person can take on both roles if the power of attorney says so.

3. What a power of attorney must include

The power of attorney must expressly give powers to request the NIF. According to the AT, the signature must be certified, except for powers of attorney granted to a lawyer or solicitor identified as such. If your representative will also be your fiscal representative, the power of attorney should say so.

Documents you need

According to the AT leaflet for non-resident foreign citizens:

• Identity document, normally your passport. If you are a non-EU national applying in person, the passport should show your entry visa for Portugal (or another EU country), unless you are from a country exempt from Schengen visas.
• Proof of your foreign address, unless it already appears on your ID document.
• If applying through a representative: the representative's ID and the power of attorney.

Documents must be originals or certified copies (simple copies are accepted together with the originals). Documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by a certified translation.

Fiscal representative: when it is required in 2026

A fiscal representative may not be mandatory for non-residents. Confirm the requirements with the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority (AT) or a qualified professional.

After you get your NIF

1. Create your Portal das Finanças password. You will need it to follow your tax affairs, see your IMI bills and sign up for electronic notifications.
2. Electronic notifications and fiscal representation. A fiscal representative may not be mandatory for non-residents. Confirm the requirements with the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority (AT) or a qualified professional.
3. Keep your address up to date. If you move to Portugal, change your status to resident. This may matter for the IMT refund available to buyers who become resident within two years of purchase.
4. Tell your lawyer and your bank your NIF as early as possible, so the CPCV and the loan process are not delayed.

Buying on the Silver Coast?

Franetic is a licensed real estate mediator (AMI 26878) based in Alcobaça. We do not issue NIFs or act as fiscal representatives, but we can tell you, by email, what documents the seller and the notary will ask for, so you can prepare in time. See our current properties.