Short answer: a NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is your Portuguese tax number, and getting one is free. In Lagos you can get it in person at the Serviço de Finanças de Lagos, but you must book an appointment first. Or someone with your power of attorney (a lawyer or a paid service) can request it online for you through the Portal das Finanças e-balcão.
Last checked: 7 Nov 2026
What is a NIF and why do you need one?
The NIF, also called the número de contribuinte, is the 9-digit number the Portuguese tax authority (Autoridade Tributária, or AT) uses to identify you. You need it for most things in Portuguese admin. Landlords, banks, phone and utility companies and car sellers will normally ask for it.
In practice, you’ll be asked for a NIF when you:
- sign a rental contract (see our guide to renting in Lagos)
- open a Portuguese bank account
- get a phone contract, internet or utilities
- buy or register a car, or buy property
- start a job or work as a freelancer in Portugal
Shops will also ask “contribuinte?” at the till. That’s optional, and it puts the receipt under your NIF.
Who needs one?
Anyone, of any nationality, who has to deal with Portuguese admin like the list above. The process depends on two things: whether you live in Portugal or abroad, and whether you’re from the EU/EEA.
Residents
If you already live in Portugal, bring your passport or national ID and your residence document (título de residência).
Non-residents
If you still live abroad, you get a NIF as a non-resident and your foreign address goes on file. The fiscal representative rules (below) mostly apply to non-residents who live outside the EU/EEA.
Option 1: In person at Finanças in Lagos
From 1 July 2025, people without a Portuguese Cartão de Cidadão must book in advance to request a NIF in person. You can’t just turn up and take a ticket for this.
How to book
- Go to the Portal das Finanças: Contactos > Atendimento por Marcação. You don’t need to log in for this option.
- Choose “Para pedido de NIF ou alteração de morada para pessoas sem cartão de cidadão”, then Subassunto: Pedido de NIF.
- Under “Observações”, enter your passport or ID number.
- Pick district Faro, municipality Lagos, then a date and time.
- Or call the AT on (+351) 217 206 707, weekdays 9:00–19:00.
You’ll get a confirmation email. Each booking covers one subject only. If you have other tax questions, book a separate slot for them.
Where
Serviço de Finanças de Lagos, Rua Capitão Salgueiro Maia, Lote 13, R/C, 8600-620 Lagos. Weekday opening hours are usually listed as 9:00–15:30. Your booking confirmation gives the exact time and desk.
You can also book at any other Finanças office or a Loja do Cidadão if one has an earlier slot.
Option 2: Online through a representative
If you can’t get to an office, or you aren’t in Portugal yet, a representative with your power of attorney (procuração) can request the NIF through the e-balcão on the Portal das Finanças. This is what most paid NIF services and lawyers do.
The power of attorney has to give them the power to request a NIF. It also needs a certified signature, unless it’s made out to a lawyer (advogado) or solicitor (solicitador).
The NIF itself is free, so anything you pay a service is for their time. Prices vary, so compare a few and check that the provider is a registered lawyer or solicitor before you hand over your passport details.
Documents you’ll need
- Passport or national ID card. gov.pt says that if you use a passport, you should also bring your entry visa or Schengen entry proof.
- Proof of your foreign address (if you’re a non-resident), unless the address is already on your ID document
- Residence document (if you’re a resident)
- If a representative applies for you: their ID and your power of attorney
Bring originals and copies. If your documents aren’t in Portuguese, ask ahead whether you need certified translations.
Fiscal representative rules
A fiscal representative (representante fiscal) is a person or company resident in Portugal who receives tax letters for you. This is a separate role from the legal representative who applies for the NIF on your behalf.
- The AT’s own NIF leaflet says you don’t have to appoint one when the NIF is issued.
- If you live outside the EU/EEA and start a tax relationship in Portugal, you have 15 days to appoint a fiscal representative or sign up for electronic notifications. Examples: owning a car or property here, signing a work contract, or working self-employed.
- If you’re self-employed, you must appoint the representative before you start the activity.
Some official pages and offices still say non-residents need a representative to request the NIF at all. If you’re a non-EU non-resident, expect to be asked, and check with Finanças when you book.
After you get your NIF
Get your Portal das Finanças password
Request your password (senha) on the Portal das Finanças. It’s sent by post to your address on file, so make sure that address is one you can actually receive mail at. You’ll need the password to check your tax details, update your address and file returns.
Update your address when you become resident
When you move to Portugal for real, change your tax address from foreign to Portuguese. Without a Cartão de Cidadão, you do this online or at an in-person appointment (option “Alteração de morada”). Once your tax address is in Portugal, the fiscal representative rule no longer applies to you.
For the rest of the arrival admin, see getting started in Lagos.
Quick FAQ
How much does a NIF cost?
It’s free at Finanças. Paid services and lawyers charge for doing the paperwork.
Can I just walk in to Finanças in Lagos?
Not for a NIF if you don’t have a Cartão de Cidadão. Book through the Portal das Finanças or call 217 206 707.
Is a NIF the same as residency?
No. A NIF is only a tax number. It doesn’t give you the right to live or work in Portugal.
How fast is it?
In person, you usually leave the appointment with your number. The wait for an appointment slot depends on how busy the office is.
Where can I ask locals about their experience?
Ask in the Lagos WhatsApp groups or Lagos Facebook groups. Someone will have been through it recently.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change, so check the Portal das Finanças before your appointment.