Considering the Portugal Golden Visa? While it opens doors to residency and citizenship, you’ll first need a Portuguese Taxpayer Number (NIF).

In this article, we’ll unravel the process of How to get a NIF number, explaining the role of a fiscal representative and the necessary documentation.

 

What is NIF?

NIF stands for Número de Identificação Fiscal, which is the Portuguese term for Taxpayer Identification Number. It’s a unique nine-digit number assigned to individuals and legal entities in Portugal for tax purposes.

A NIF is essential for various financial transactions in Portugal, including:

– Opening a bank account

– Buying property

– Paying taxes

– Conducting business activities

 

NIF and Golden Visa

To apply to Portugal Golden Visa, you must first register as a Portuguese taxpayer first, also known as the individual tax identification number. Unlike most countries, where tax residency is established after staying in the country for over 183 days annually, Portugal issues tax identification numbers to visitors staying for fewer than 183 days.

The only requirement was that non-EU/EEA residents appoint a fiscal representative in Portugal.The fiscal representative can be any Portuguese resident.

Applicants are advised to choose a professional well-versed in tax matters to be their fiscal representative in Portugal, as this representative interacts with the Portuguese tax office on behalf of the applicant, accepting notices and letters and ensuring timely payment of taxes.

 

How to get the NIF?

A NIF number is issued and registered at the Portuguese tax office, and the application can be submitted personally by the applicant or their tax representative through a power of attorney.

 

Required documents

The following are required documents for the tax identification number application:

– Valid passport

– Proof of address in Portugal or your home country

Once the application is approved, the Portuguese tax authority includes the applicant’s name in the list of taxpayers and issues a certificate with a unique nine-digit NIF number. The applicant can then access their tax account on the Portuguese tax service’s website.

 

 

Investment Options

Portugal Golden Visa program offers different investment options.

 

Fund Subscription

A minimum of €500,000 subscription in a qualifying Portuguese fund. The qualifying funds include Private Equity and Venture Capital funds in Portugal and exclude any fund that has direct or indirect real estate ties.

 

Company:

– Creation of a minimum of 10 new full-time jobs in a Portuguese business that is owned by yourself as the main applicant.

– Create a minimum of eight new full-time jobs in a Portuguese business formed in a low-density area in Portugal, owned by the main applicant.

– Invest a minimum of €500,000 in an existing Portuguese business, where the incorporated business must create a minimum of five new full-time jobs for at least three years.

 

Donation:

Invest a minimum of €250,000 in preserving national heritage in Portugal.

Invest a minimum of €500,000 in a research and development activity in Portugal.

 

Discontinued Investment Options for the Portugal Golden Visa

Property Investment

Real estate was traditionally the most popular route for applicants of the Portugal Golden Visa program. However, in 2024, real estate investment was removed as an eligible investment option for the Portugal Golden Visaز

Capital Transfer

Capital transfer no longer qualifies you for a Golden Visa in Portugal as of October 2023.