Starting a new life in Portugal is exciting — from sunny beaches to delicious food and vibrant culture. But before you settle in, there’s one thing every expat must tackle: bureaucracy.
One of the very first and most important steps is getting your NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) — the Portuguese tax ID. It’s essential for opening a bank account, renting a house, signing work contracts, and accessing basic services.
Planning ahead and understanding Portugal’s administrative process will save you time, stress, and headaches — whether you’re moving from Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, or any other country.
Portugal’s bureaucracy has a reputation for being… let’s say, relaxed.
👉 You can request your NIF directly at the Portal das Finanças.
Appointments at institutions such as Finanças or AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum) can take weeks or even months , so it's smart to plan ahead .
💡 Pro Tip: Many expats hire a fiscal representative or use online services to secure their NIF even before arriving in Portugal, which saves a lot of time and stress.
📌 Why the NIF matters in Portugal 🇵🇹
The NIF (Tax Identification Number) is your key to starting life in Portugal. You will need:
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Open a bank account 🏦
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Rent a house 🏠
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Sign work contracts 💼
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Access essential services 🛒
Without it, daily life and settling down become almost impossible. Make sure to get yours as one of the first steps when moving!
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Brazilian citizens: Thanks to the Portugal–Brazil Friendship Treaty, the process can sometimes be a bit smoother, with specific residence rights and recognition agreements.
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Angolans, Mozambicans, and other CPLP nationals (Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries): Also benefit from cooperation agreements, which may speed up certain steps like visas, residence permits, and professional recognition.
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Other expats (EU, UK, USA, etc.): Will generally face the “classic” bureaucracy delays and need to prepare for a longer timeline.
👉 In all cases: Start early, bring patience, and never assume it’ll be quick.
Ready for more? Click to see Tip #3 and get another key insight for expats before moving to Portugal. 👉 Finding housing in Portugal
For deeper understanding, watch our video bellowe:
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