Getting your NIF (tax number) and NISS (social security number) in Portugal

Documents you need

• Valid passport or national ID card

  Non-EU nationals applying in person show the entry visa for Portugal or the Schengen area unless they are visa-exempt.

  required

• Proof of your address abroad

  Only if the address is not on your identity document (NIF as non-resident).

  optional

• Residence permit

  For the NISS and for changing your NIF to resident.

  optional

• Employment contract or proof of activity

  For the NISS.

  optional

• EU registration certificate

  EU citizens changing their NIF to resident.

  optional

Step by step

1. 1

   Step 1: NIF option 1: in person at a tax office or Citizen Shop

   Book an appointment first. On the Portal das Finanças go to Contactos > Atendimento por Marcação and choose the option for "NIF request or change of address for people without a Citizen Card" (subject Identificação, sub-subject Pedido de NIF), or call the tax authority's contact centre on (+351) 217 206 707 (working days, 9:00–19:00).

   Bring a valid passport or ID card and, if your foreign address is not on it, a document showing it. Non-EU nationals applying in person need the entry visa for Portugal or the Schengen area in the passport, unless they are nationals of a visa-exempt country. Documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by a certified translation. The NIF is free.

2. 2

   Step 2: NIF option 2: online through a representative

   From abroad, a legal representative (for example a lawyer or a trusted person) can request the NIF on your behalf through the Portal das Finanças e-balcão (Registo Contribuinte > Identific > Atrib/Alter NIF-Singulares), attaching copies of your passport, a document with your foreign address and a power of attorney (signature recognised, unless it is given to a lawyer or solicitor).

   You will be registered as non-resident. Private companies sell this service; it is optional and the tax authority does not charge for the number itself.

3. 3

   Step 3: Understand when you need a tax representative

   The tax authority's July 2025 leaflet states that a tax representative is not compulsory when a NIF is assigned to a non-resident. However, if you then create a tax relationship in Portugal — for example you sign an employment contract, own property or a car, or work self-employed — and your address is in a country outside the EU/EEA, you must within 15 days either appoint a tax representative in Portugal or sign up for electronic notifications (the Portal das Finanças notification system or the ViaCTT electronic mailbox). Non-residents from outside the EU who work self-employed must appoint a VAT representative before starting. The gov.pt guide on NIF and NISS lists a tax representative for non-residents, so check which applies to you.

   Once you become resident in Portugal, this requirement no longer applies.

4. 4

   Step 4: Change your NIF to resident status

   You become tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in Portugal in any 12-month period, or if you have a home here that you intend to keep as your habitual residence. Within 60 days you must update your tax address:

   • online via e-balcão (Registo Contribuinte > Identific > Alteração Morada/Singulares), or
   • in person by appointment at a tax office or Citizen Shop.

   EU/EEA/Swiss citizens show their passport or ID and the EU registration certificate, or another proof of address such as a lease, deed, employment contract or a document from a public body. Non-EU citizens show their passport and a valid residence permit or proof of a pending AIMA application stating the address.

5. 5

   Step 5: Request your NISS online

   Fill in the online form on the Social Security portal for foreign citizens and attach scanned documents:

   • identity: EU/EEA/Swiss citizens a valid ID card, passport or residence document; third-country nationals a passport plus a work visa, residence authorisation or similar document;
   • proof of activity: an employment contract, proof of starting self-employed activity, a company certificate, or a remote-work contract with a foreign company;
   • proof of a residence application, where relevant, such as an AIMA receipt or CPLP application receipt.

   An employer can request the NISS for you as your representative with a power of attorney or form PA-12, but must also declare your employment in Segurança Social Direta. Since August 2025 you can submit, track and obtain the NISS online; issuance includes a biometric identity check. The request is free.

6. 6

   Step 6: Activate your online accounts

   Register on the Portal das Finanças once you have the NIF, so you can use the e-balcão and see your tax records. Create your Segurança Social Direta account once you have the NISS. Foreign residents with a residence permit or EU registration certificate and a NIF can also activate the government digital key (Chave Móvel Digital) in person at a Citizen Space, which simplifies logging into public services.

Watch out

Common mistakes

• Keeping a non-resident NIF with a foreign address after moving; tax letters then go abroad and deadlines are missed.
• Using a representative's address as your tax address long after you have moved in.
• Starting work before the employer has registered you with Social Security.

Tips

• Give your NIF when you pay for health, education and housing costs, so the invoices are linked to your tax record.
• Bring photocopies and originals to every appointment; documents in a foreign language need certified translations.

Frequently asked questions

Editorial answers written by our team, based on the sources below.

Official links

In your plan

• Get your Portuguese tax number (NIF)Add to plan
• Get your social security number (NISS)Add to plan
• Change your NIF to resident statusAdd to plan
• Apply to AIMA for your residence permitAdd to plan
• Register your residence at the Lisbon City Council (CRUE)Add to plan
• Check the remote-work (digital nomad) visa requirementsAdd to plan
• Open a Portuguese bank accountAdd to plan
• Open your self-employed activity with the tax authorityAdd to plan

Sources

Written and checked by HomiStart editorial against the official sources below. Next scheduled check: 5 Feb 2027.