What is a NIF in Portugal?
The NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is Portugal's tax identification number. Anyone buying property in Portugal, resident or not, needs one before signing the purchase contract.
Last updated · Buying & ownership glossary
About NIF (Portugal)
The NIF is issued by Portugal's tax authority and is used for the purchase taxes, the annual property tax and utility contracts. Non-residents have often needed a fiscal representative in Portugal to obtain one.
- Also called
- Número de Identificação Fiscal, Portuguese tax number
- Where it applies
- Portugal
This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm with a licensed local attorney before you buy.
Related terms
- CPCV (promissory contract)
- A CPCV (contrato-promessa de compra e venda) is the promissory contract signed in Portugal before the final deed, fixing the price and completion date. The buyer pays a deposit (sinal) when signing it.
- Golden Visa (Portugal)
- Portugal's Golden Visa is a residence permit granted in return for a qualifying investment. Since October 2023, buying real estate no longer qualifies; the remaining routes include investment funds, research or cultural contributions and job-creating businesses.
- Escritura pública
- An escritura pública is a public deed: the formal document, drawn up and certified by a notary, that transfers ownership of real estate in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries. It is then recorded in the public property registry.