How to Apply NIF Number in Portugal | Guide for U.S. Citizens

INLIS Consulting
Oct 27
3 min read

Applying for a NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal), also known as a Portuguese Tax Identification Number, is the first and most important step for U.S. citizens planning to move, invest, buy property, open a bank account, or start a business in Portugal.

Why Americans Need a NIF Number in Portugal

A NIF number is more than a tax ID; it is essential for legal recognition and financial transactions in Portugal. Americans need a NIF to:

Buy property in Portugal
Open a bank account
Apply for residency or visas (D7, D8 Digital Nomad, Golden Visa)
Sign rental agreements or utility contracts
Start a business or work as a freelancer
Pay taxes legally and access benefits

INLIS Consulting helps U.S. citizens apply for their NIF remotely, ensuring a secure and compliant process.

Step-by-Step Process: How to Apply NIF Number in Portugal as a U.S. Citizen

Americans applying for a NIF without residency in Portugal must use a legal representative. INLIS Consulting acts as your authorized tax representative to ensure compliance with Portuguese law.

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Document	Description
Passport	Valid U.S. passport with a clear photo and personal details
Proof of Address	Official document showing your U.S. residential address (driver’s license, bank statement, utility bill)
Power of Attorney (POA)	Signed document authorizing INLIS Consulting to apply on your behalf

Step 2: Submission by INLIS Consulting

INLIS submits your application to the Portuguese Tax Authority (Finanças) on your behalf, ensuring all documents meet legal requirements.

Step 3: Receive Your NIF Number Remotely

Once approved, your NIF is sent via email along with instructions for the next steps, such as opening a bank account or applying for residency.

Benefits of Applying Through INLIS Consulting

Remote application with no travel required
Fast processing with legal expertise
Compliance with Portuguese tax regulations
Trusted service for U.S. citizens, investors, retirees, and digital nomads

Can You Apply NIF Number in Portugal from the USA?

Yes. With INLIS Consulting as your representative, Americans can apply entirely online, avoiding bureaucratic challenges in Portugal.

Detailed Requirements and Considerations for Americans

Requirement	Description
Valid Passport	Must be current and clearly show personal information
U.S. Address Proof	Bank statement, utility bill, or driver’s license with address
Legal Representation	Power of attorney granting INLIS Consulting authority to apply
Tax Identification Purpose	Required for bank accounts, property purchase, visas, and business registration

Timeline for NIF Application

Process	Duration
Document Preparation	1-2 days
Submission by INLIS	1 day
Approval by Finanças	3-7 business days (may vary)
Delivery of NIF	Within a few days after approval

Next Steps After Receiving NIF

With your Portuguese NIF, you can:

Open a bank account
Apply for residency or visas (D7, Digital Nomad, Golden Visa)
Purchase property or land
Start a business or freelance work
Sign rental agreements and utility contracts

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting incomplete documents
Applying without a legal representative if outside Portugal
Using an outdated passport
Misplacing the power of attorney document

INLIS Consulting: Your Partner for NIF Application

INLIS Consulting assists thousands of U.S. citizens in successfully applying for NIF numbers in Portugal. Our English-speaking legal team ensures a seamless, fast, and compliant application.