When relocating to Portugal, one of the first acronyms you’ll learn is “NIF”.
NIF means “Número de Identificação Fiscal” (NIF) and it will be your taxpayer number in Portugal.
A NIF takes on a virtually mythological standing in Portugal. It is crucial to virtually every procedure or administrative task and is essentially baked right into day-to-day life. From opening a checking account, signing a lease, getting a job or signing a mobile phone agreement. Without it, most everyday procedures are extremely difficult to complete.
Table of Contents:
- What is a NIF Number?
- Why do I Need a Portuguese NIF?
- What do I Need a NIF For?
- How To Get a NIF
- What Documents do I Need for the NIF Application?
- How Else can I use a NIF?
It enables organizations – from banks and utility companies to employers or proprietors – to validate a person’s identity without having to take extra actions.
What is a Portugal NIF Number?
A NIF, or “Número de Identificação Fiscal”, is a Portuguese taxpayer number. It’s nine figures long and everybody in Portugal has one. The Portuguese Tax Authorities link you with this unique number.
The Portuguese Tax Authority registers a person by using the NIF, which is used for all relevant taxes and all required communications with the Tax Authority. It also serves to notify the authorities if the individual leaves the country, which avoids future taxation problems.
The NIF suggests various things to different individuals but will be your first step to accomplish when starting a business, invest on real estate or moving into Portugal. It is simply a typical action in the procedure to open a bank account, the very first step for opening a business in Portugal, as all managers and shareholders in a Portuguese Company must hold a NIF.
Why do I require a Portugal NIF Number?
To put is simply, anyone who resides in Portugal must have a taxpayer number – NIF – especially if you want to perform any official activities, like opening a bank account or invest in real estate.
Everyone who uses public services, utilities or even wants to get a driver’s license will need to hold a NIF. Not only that, but it is also the very first step toward starting a business.
In either case if you are planning any type of financial transaction in Portugal, you must have a Portuguese NIF number.
What do I Need a Portugal NIF Number For?
There are many situations which you must use the NIF, such as:
- Buying and selling real estate.
- Inheritance, wills and last testaments.
- Opening a bank account.
- Obtaining finance.
- Paying taxes.
- Receiving payments.
- Studying at a University or College.
- Signing up for electricity, internet and other utilities’ services.
- Applying for a driving license.
- Getting a cell phone contract.
- Incorporate a Company, whether you are a Shareholder or a Manager;
- Get a job – execution of employment contract;
- And many other financial or official tasks.
How To Get a NIF
For non-residents: If you are not physically present in the country, you can obtain a NIF by issuing a Power of Attorney to a Portuguese Lawyer to proceed with the request on your behalf.
For residents: Those already in Portugal can visit the local tax office, known as “Serviço de Finanças” and request the issuance of your NIF.
Lexidy Law Boutique can help you by gathering the necessary documentation on your behalf, reviewing the paperwork and translations, tracking the application until the issuance of your NIF.
What documents do I need for the NIF Application?
The documents required for obtaining a NIF are: official identification document of the applicant, proof of the applicant’s tax domicile and power of attorney, in case
- National Identification Document or Passport: It is necessary to provide the Tax Authority with a certified copy of the applicant’s an identification document. Most of non-residents in Portugal rely on a Passport and this needs to be notarized and apostilled. The Hague Apostille is the process that recognizes the veracity of a document.
- Proof of address: Tax Authority requires a proof of the applicant’s address, and this will be the address registered before the Tax Authority, as your Tax Domicile.
- Appointment a of Fiscal Representative and statement by the latter for acceptance of the appointment: the appointment of a representative is merely optional, in relation to non-residents of member states of the European Union or the European Economic Area, in the latter case provided that that member state is bound by administrative cooperation in the area of taxation equivalent to that established within the European Union. Regarding residents in countries not included above the appointment of a Fiscal Representative is mandatory.
- A Declaration of the fiscal representative accepting the appointment is also required.
A NIF and Portuguese Tax Card – What’s the Difference?
There are many uses of a NIF. However, the most lucrative is opening the door to a Golden Visa. This is a visa that non-EU citizens to reside and work in Portugal if they make a financial investment.
It’s one of Europe’s most attractive Golden Visa programs. The holder only needs to visit Portugal seven days per year to qualify and enjoy visa-free travel throughout the EU.
How Else Can I Use a NIF?
There are many uses of a NIF. However, the most lucrative is opening the door to a Golden Visa. This is a visa that non-EU citizens to reside and work in Portugal if they make a financial investment.
In reality it’s one of Europe’s most attractive Golden Visa programs. The holder only needs to visit Portugal seven days per year to qualify and enjoy visa-free travel throughout the EU.
How Can we Assist You?
It’s simple. Here at Lexidy LegalTech Boutique, we concentrate on all solutions when moving or investing in Portugal.
We assess paperwork, clarify procedures, and also can also act on your part via Power of Attorney to speed whatever up and assist you with all the steps and requirements to obtain your NIF and assist you with your projects in Portugal.
We aim to provide our clients with a smooth, effective, and safe experience that sets them up for success. Be that as it may, we value being close to our clients.
Among the most challenging things for immigrants relocating to Portugal is that they don’t have a NIF number.
We suggest that you contact us before you transfer to Portugal. Our team will assist you and ensure that your move, investment or legal matter goes as smoothly as possible.
