Door 01 · NIF
Your Portuguese NIF, filed for you
A fiscal representative in Portugal, the filing in Lisbon and the NIF by email. No flight, no queue.
BOCEAN IMMIGRATION PORTUGAL, LDA · NIPC 519043731 · Payments by Stripe · 5 to 14 business days
- A lawyer registered with the Portuguese Bar (OA) is on your file, named with their bar number in your engagement letter.
- An immigration consultancy with in-house lawyers, at Av. da Liberdade 67B, Lisbon. NIPC 519043731.
- A clear refund grid before you pay. See the refund policy.
- Blue Ocean, the group behind Reside, has handled 1,852 cases. Read the reviews on Trustpilot.
- Reside is not a government agency. Documents are issued by the Portuguese authorities.
01 · What it is
A Portuguese tax number, with a representative
The NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is the 9-digit Portuguese taxpayer number. You need it to open a bank account, sign a lease, buy property, register a company or apply for any Portuguese visa.
The tax authority (Autoridade Tributária) issues the NIF free of charge. For people who live outside the EU and EEA, Portuguese law requires a fiscal representative resident in Portugal to be named first (Article 130 of the CIRS). Reside acts as that representative for 12 months, files the application in person at the Lisbon tax office under a power of attorney, and delivers the NIF by email. You do not travel.
The NIF itself costs nothing. The fee pays for the representation, the paperwork and the filing. Reside is not a government agency and is not affiliated with the tax authority.
02 · What you need
Requirements
Two documents, nothing else.
- A clear scan or photo of your passport data page.
- Proof of address from your country (utility bill or bank statement) dated within the last 3 months.
Applicants resident in the EU or EEA, or already living in Portugal, can request a NIF at any tax office for free and do not need a representative. This service is for non-residents who want to do it remotely.
03 · The steps
From sign-up to NIF, 5 to 14 business days
An indicative range. The whole process is remote.
- 01
Sign and send documents
Day 0. You pay, sign the power of attorney electronically in the portal, and upload your passport and proof of address.
Your turn - 02
We file at the tax office
Days 1 to 5. We file in person at the Lisbon Serviço de Finanças. Processing time at the authority varies by case.
- 03
NIF delivered by email
Days 5 to 14. You receive the official PDF issued by the tax authority and can use the number at once.
04 · The fee
What €49.99 includes
Included in €49.99
- Power of attorney, signed electronically
- In-person filing at the Lisbon tax office
- 12 months of fiscal representation by BOCEAN IMMIGRATION PORTUGAL, LDA
- Forwarding of tax correspondence to you in English
- Monitoring of notices and deadlines
- Delivery of the official NIF PDF to your inbox
Not included
- Renewal after year one: $59 per year, cancellable at any time
- Any fee a bank or landlord may charge for using the NIF
- Courier costs if you ask for paper originals
Once you are a Portuguese tax resident (D7, D8 and Golden Visa holders usually are within the first year) you no longer need a fiscal representative and can cancel.
Questions
Common questions
Is Reside in Portugal a government agency?
No. Reside in Portugal is the online service of BOCEAN IMMIGRATION PORTUGAL, LDA (NIPC 519043731). We are not affiliated with the Portuguese government, the tax authority or any consulate. The tax authority issues the NIF; we act as your nominated fiscal representative under power of attorney.
Can I get a NIF for free?
Yes. The tax authority does not charge to issue a NIF. If you can travel to Portugal and have a Portuguese-resident representative willing to be named, you can request one yourself at any tax office. The NIF Express fee of €49.99 covers 12 months of representation, the power of attorney, the filing and forwarding of tax mail in English.
What is a Portuguese NIF?
A 9-digit taxpayer number issued by the Autoridade Tributária. It is the starting point for bank accounts, leases, property, utilities, visas, company registration and tax filings.
How long does it take?
5 to 14 business days from the moment you sign the power of attorney and send your passport. The NIF arrives by email as an official PDF. There is no plastic card for non-residents.
Do I need to be in Portugal?
No. You sign electronically, we file in person at the Lisbon tax office on your behalf, and you receive the NIF by email.
Why do I need fiscal representation?
Portuguese tax law requires non-EU and non-EEA residents to name a representative in Portugal who receives official mail from the tax authority. Year one is included. Renewal is $59 per year and you can cancel at any time.
What documents do I need?
A scan of your passport data page and proof of address from your country dated within the last 3 months.
Is the NIF the same as the Cartão de Cidadão?
No. The NIF is a tax number. The Cartão de Cidadão is the national ID card, issued to citizens and permanent residents. Non-residents only get the NIF.
Can I use my NIF before I move?
Yes. You can open a bank account remotely, sign a lease, buy property and apply for any Portuguese visa. Many people get the NIF months or years before relocating.
What if I already live in Portugal?
If you already live in Portugal or in the EU or EEA, you can request the NIF in person at any tax office for free. Our service is for non-residents who want to do it remotely.
What if the application is rejected?
Open door 01
Ready to appoint your representative
Sign online, we file in Lisbon, the NIF arrives by email in 5 to 14 business days.