Home > Blog > Obtaining a NIF In Portugal
Obtaining a NIF In Portugal
If you’re planning to settle down in Portugal. The very first thing you have to do is obtaining a NIF in Portugal (Número de Identificação Fiscal). And it’s a crucial step. The NIF is a 9 digit unique identification number that will be assigned to every individual for tax purposes and is required for various activities, such as opening a bank account, signing a lease, or starting a business. In this article, we will discuss the essential steps on how to get a NIF in Portugal.
Why Do You Need to obtaining a NIF in Portugal?
Legal Obligations
Getting a Portuguese NIF is a legal requirement not just a formality. Anyone who is engaging in financial activities in Portugal, such as working, renting, or purchasing property, is responsible to have a NIF.
Banking Transactions:
If you are planning to open a bank account in Portugal, then you must have your NIF number. Banks need this number to track your financial transactions or records and report them to the tax authorities (Finanças).
Real Estate Transactions:
If you’re renting or buying a property in Portugal, a NIF is essential. To formalize contracts and ensure compliance with tax regulations landlords and real estate agents require this number(Número de Identificação Fiscal) and ensure compliance with tax regulations.
Employment:
If you’re working in Portugal, your employer will need your NIF to process your salary and report your income to the tax authorities. Without your NIF you can not get a job in Portugal. It is a key element of your employment paperwork.
Utilities and Other Services:
If you want to get connection of utilities like water, electricity, and gas these all require a Portuguese NIF. Service providers use this number to link your account to your tax information.
Medical Assistance:
If you are seeking a medical emergency, then you have to show your SNS number. To apply for SNS number you need a NIF number firstly.
How to apply for Portuguese NIF:
Getting a NIF in Portugal is not a big deal now, it involves only a few steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
There are three different ways you can apply for a NIF in Portugal.
Visit the Finanças office:
You can apply in person to the local Finanças office, which is the tax office in Portugal. Take along with you your identification documents such as your passport or ID card. This process will take little time. Because of the epidemic, many people use online services to apply for NIF.
To do online go to the website of the Portuguese government and find the email addresses of the representative offices. You can use any office to apply online. By applying online, you may experience some difficulties. In this situation you need to find an appropriate email address and write there, or just wait a few days and repeat the appeal.
The letter must be in Portuguese, as it is an official document. Using an online service, you should attach your confirmed address and passport data. After applying you need to wait for approval and receipt of your NIF. We cannot affirm how long the wait will take. Due to the pandemic, the waiting time for personal application has increased significantly.
You can hire a legal representative:
You can either appoint a fiscal representative to do all such kinds of formality on behalf of you or apply your NIF. But this process will cost you more because the charges of a fiscal representative are high. The main difference in obtaining NIF for non-EU and EEC residents is that you should be accompanied by an appropriate tax representative person and the payment will be higher than for residents.
We recommend using the services of a lawyer or full support of our company on your behalf to obtaining a NIF in Portugal. The representative will take all your hurdles and fill out and collect all the necessary documents.
Our NIF online service will save your time, money and help to get your Portuguese taxpayer number easily and as soon as possible.
Apply NIF online:
You can apply for NIF through online assistance and get your NIF in no time. It is going to be extremely easy and quick. You will have to provide only two documents.
1-Scan of your passport.
2-Proof of address from your home country (that should be in English).
Until March 2020, the most convenient was the personal receipt of NIF by appeal. But it has changed with the Covid 19 pandemic. It has become one of the most difficult ways to get a taxpayer number.
For now the easiest and fastest way to get NIF IS TO APPLY ONLINE. So that you don’t have to spend hours and wait in line. You’ll get your NIF by email, through this process you can save your time and effort.
In order to get NIF online, simply fill out the application on our website. All related questions you can find there in FAQs and moreover our support team will answer all your related questions regarding NIF number. You will get your NIF in 5 working days.
Our clients note that contacting us is a beneficial and correct decision. Moreover, it is difficult to deal with paperwork without the Portuguese language. Working with NIFNISS.pt , you don’t need to worry about it. Thanks to our partners, this process of obtaining a NIF in Portugal is as fast as possible.
Misconceptions about the Portuguese NIF
Here are some common misconceptions are popular about to obtaining a NIF in Portugal
Residency Requirement
There is a popular belief, you don’t need to be a resident to obtain a NIF. Whether you’re a resident or a non-resident, if you engage in financial activities in Portugal, you should obtain a NIF.
Complex Application Process:
While the bureaucratic process might seem daunting, obtaining a Portuguese NIF is completely simple. With the right documents applied through our website, you can get your NIF without any hassle.
Limited Use:
Some people think that a NIF is only required for tax purposes. However, its requirement goes so far that; it is required for various everyday transactions, making it an essential part of life in Portugal.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Portuguese NIF is an important aspect of life for anyone who is residing or engaging in financial activities in Portugal. From opening a bank account to searching for a job, this unique identification number is playing a key role in various transactions.
Understanding the importance of the NIF in Portugal and the process of getting one can significantly ease your transition into the Portuguese way of life. So, whether you’re a newbie or a long-time resident, just make sure you have your NIF along with you to navigate the legal and financial landscape of this beautiful country smoothly.