In today's remote world, an increasing number of people can work from anywhere in the world. While this freedom is definitely appealing, it can also be a bit daunting when it comes time to tackle the logistics of setting up and maintaining a remote work lifestyle.
One of the most important things you'll need to take care of if you decide to work from Portugal is getting a tax ID number (known as a NIF). For digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers, getting a Portuguese tax ID number (NIF) is essential for basic activities like opening a bank account, renting apartments, and registering for utilities.
In this article, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about the Portuguese NIF, so you can get it as quickly as possible. Let's get started!
NIF is the acronym for the Portuguese phrase Número de Identificação Fiscal. It is essentially the Portuguese equivalent of a Social Security number in the United States, and it's also known as Número de Contribuinte or personal tax identification number. The Portuguese tax ID or NIF number is used for tax purposes and is required for any financial transaction in Portugal, such as opening a bank account or filing a tax return. No one can do any financial activity or business without this number. Each NIF is unique and consists of nine digits.
If you're an expat living in Portugal, there's no way you can get around without a NIF number. You'll need it for many legal and financial activities, including opening a Portuguese bank account, becoming a taxpayer, or signing up for utility services such as a phone number. It's also required if you want to buy real estate property in Portugal. In short, having a NIF number is essential if you want to live and work in Portugal. Fortunately, the process of applying for a NIF number is relatively straightforward both for non-EU and EU citizens.
If you're looking to get a Portuguese NIF, there are a few things you need to know. First, you must provide proof of your identity (such as a passport or national ID card) and proof of address (which doesn't need to be a Portuguese address), such as a utility bill. Second, you need to be a resident of Portugal. And third, having a Baseflow account will make things 10x easier and faster. Baseflow is the one-stop solution if you're looking to move to Portugal. We help you with everything you need to arrange, like applying for a Portuguese NIF. Once you create an account, you'll just need to fill out a simple application form and submit it for review. After your application is approved, you'll sign a power of attorney so our partner lawyers can exercise fiscal representation at the Portuguese tax authority. You'll receive your Portuguese NIF in just a couple of business days. So if you're looking to get a Portuguese NIF, make sure to create a Baseflow account today.
If you want to get it on your own, you'll need to fill out an application form and submit it to a Portuguese tax office (Finanças Office) along with other documents, such as a validated copy of your passport and proof of residence and appoint a tax representative or fiscal representative.
Yes, it is possible for non-EU citizens and non-Portuguese citizens to obtain a NIF (Portuguese Tax Identification Number) as a non-resident. Although the NIF is typically used by businesses and individuals who are legal and tax residents in Portugal, there are no residency requirements to obtain one, and therefore you don't need to be a permanent resident.
Actually, in most cases, a NIF is necessary to open a Portuguese bank account, which will be used to prove funds to the Portuguese government when applying for a visa and later getting a residence permit to become a Portuguese resident.
Yes, you can apply for a Portuguese fiscal number online at Baseflow. You won't need to talk with a person at any time, as the process is fully asynchronous. If you start now, you'll have your NIF ready in a few days.
If you're looking for your Portuguese NIF number, there are a few places to look. The first place to check is your NIF card. This card is issued by the Portuguese government and contains your taxpayer number. If you don't have your NIF card, you can also find your NIF number on your Portuguese citizen card (Cartão de Cidadão).
Another place to look for your NIF number is on any official documents that you may have from the Portuguese government. This could include things like tax returns, social security documents, or other official correspondence. If you get your NIF with Baseflow, you'll be able to find it on your dashboard easily:
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The actual cost of obtaining a NIF is very reasonable – only 8€. That is what you'll pay if you apply for a NIF directly at any Citizen's Office (Loja do Cidadão). However, as the process is quite bureaucratic and unpleasant, most law firms will charge you around €200. Also, once the NIF is obtained, you'll have to sort out other things, such as registering as a tax resident on the Portuguese Tax Authorities website.
If you decide to use Baseflow, the cost of the NIF is included in our flat fee, like EVERYTHING you'll need to arrange when moving to Portugal.
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