# NIF for Foreigners: Getting a Portuguese Tax Number to Open a Company

> Why every partner and manager of a Portuguese company needs a NIF, how non-residents get one, and when a fiscal representative is required.

Source: https://getlda.pt/guides/nif-for-foreigners · Updated 2026-09-28

**Quick answer:** Every individual partner and manager of a Portuguese company needs a NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal). Non-residents can get one remotely through a lawyer acting under a power of attorney. Residents of countries outside the EU/EEA must appoint a Portuguese fiscal representative unless they sign up for the Tax Authority's electronic notifications.

The **NIF** (*Número de Identificação Fiscal*) is your Portuguese tax identification number. It is the first thing you need before you can register a company, open a bank account or sign a lease in Portugal.

## Who needs a NIF to open a company?

- Every **individual partner** (shareholder).
- Every **manager (gerente)**, even if they are not a partner.
- Every **foreign company** that becomes a partner needs a Portuguese tax number for non-resident entities.

The company itself receives its own number — the **NIPC** — when it is incorporated.

## How to get a NIF as a non-resident

Our partner lawyers request the NIF for you remotely, acting under a power of attorney, so you don't need to travel to Portugal or visit a tax office. Your NIF is registered with your foreign address as your tax address.

## Do I need a fiscal representative?

It depends on where you live:

- **EU/EEA residents** — no fiscal representative is required.
- **Residents of other countries** — you must either appoint a **fiscal representative** (a person or company resident in Portugal who receives tax notices on your behalf) **or** sign up for electronic notifications through the Portal das Finanças or the viaCTT electronic mailbox.

Electronic notifications are free, but you then have to check them regularly: deadlines run from the date a notice is delivered, whether or not you read it. A fiscal representative can be more practical if you don't speak Portuguese.

## Documents you will need

- Valid passport or national ID card.
- Proof of address in your country of residence, usually less than three months old.
- A power of attorney for the lawyer applying on your behalf.

Foreign companies applying for a Portuguese tax number need their certificate of incorporation and proof of who represents them, apostilled and translated.

## How long does it take?

Through our partner lawyers it typically takes a few working days. Getting NIF numbers early is the simplest way to speed up your [company registration](https://getlda.pt/guides/how-to-register-a-company-in-portugal).

## Next steps

Once every partner and manager has a NIF, you can approve the company name and file the incorporation. If you are based abroad, read [opening a company in Portugal as a non-resident](https://getlda.pt/guides/open-a-company-in-portugal-as-a-non-resident).

## Related guides

- [Opening a Company in Portugal as a Non-Resident or Foreigner](https://getlda.pt/guides/open-a-company-in-portugal-as-a-non-resident.md)
- [How to Register a Company (Lda.) in Portugal: Step-by-Step Guide](https://getlda.pt/guides/how-to-register-a-company-in-portugal.md)
- [Opening a Business Bank Account in Portugal for Your Lda.](https://getlda.pt/guides/opening-a-business-bank-account-in-portugal.md)

Ready to open your Lda.? Licensed Portuguese lawyers handle it 100% online: https://getlda.pt/register