First week
Time
30–60 min
Cost
Free (DIY) · €70–150 (rep)
Difficulty
Medium
EU vs non-EU
EU/EEA: As an EU/EEA citizen you can do this yourself at any Finanças office. Free, ~30 min, just bring your passport.
Non-EU: From outside the EU you’ll need a fiscal representative (e.g. Bordr, ~€90) to get your NIF. You can do it remotely before you even arrive.
What to bring
Passport
Proof of address (utility bill from home country works)
A printed copy of any lease or hotel booking
Your options
Finanças office (in person)
Free, slow, EU passport only
Free
Best for EU citizens already in Lisbon. Pick a smaller branch (Lapa, Belém) to skip queues. Mornings are calmer.
Bordr
Online fiscal rep, English-first
€90 one-time
Most popular service for non-EU. Fully remote. Turnaround 2–10 business days.
NIFOnline / e-residence
Cheaper but slower
€70
Same idea, slightly cheaper. Slower turnaround (up to 3 weeks). Reviews are mixed.
Prices checked June 2026
Do it
- 1
Choose your route
If you’re EU and already here, do it yourself. If you’re non-EU or still abroad, use a fiscal rep.
- 2
Bring originals
Passport, address proof, lease. They don’t accept photos on your phone.
- 3
Show up at opening
9:00 sharp. Take a ticket from the machine — "Atendimento Geral".
- 4
Save the paper
They give you one A4 sheet. Photograph it before you leave. You’ll be asked for the NIF every day for the next month.
Words you'll hear
NIFneef
Your nine-digit tax number. Needed for leases, banks, contracts, and asked for at every till.
Finançasfee-NAN-sash
The tax office. Where NIFs are issued, contracts registered, and queues perfected.
Contribuinte?kon-tree-boo-EEN-te
What cashiers ask at the till. They're offering to attach your NIF to the receipt for tax deductions.
Common questions
Can I get a NIF before I arrive in Portugal?
Yes — through a fiscal representative service like Bordr, fully remote. Most non-EU movers do it months before flying, since consulates and banks expect it.
Do I need an appointment at Finanças?
No — walk in, take an "Atendimento Geral" ticket, and wait. Smaller branches at 9am are fastest; central ones after 10am are pain.
Does the NIF expire or need renewing?
Never. It's yours for life, even if you leave Portugal and come back a decade later.
Should I give my NIF at the supermarket?
Once you're tax-resident, yes — registered receipts earn small IRS deductions. Until then, "não, obrigado" is the polite pass.
Read more
How to get your NIF in Lisbon
Full guide · 5 min read
Full checklist tracking and task completion live in the Settli app for Lisbon.