The tax number is called “NIF” in Portuguese. This number is necessary in case you have tax obligations in Portugal or whenever a public or private organization providing a service to you requires this number.

At the Citizen Shop (Citizen Shop (Loja do Cidadão)) you can request the NIF to the Finance Service (“Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira”), upon presentation of your passport and proof of address.

The NIF is acquired for free and generated immediately at the time of the request. It is necessary to open a bank account, to acquire and pay for goods and services (internet, telephone, etc.).