Example of a NIF Document in Portugal: Where to Find the Number
Quick answer
A Portuguese NIF document is the proof from Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira (AT) that shows your 9-digit tax number. In the example below, the NIF sits in the first box, “Número de Identificação Fiscal e Nome Completo”, beside your name. It is not the longer document number printed at the top of the page.
What a NIF document looks like
Below is a sample of the document that Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira (AT) issues to show your Portuguese NIF. The layout changes over time and depends on how the document was issued, but the NIF is always a 9-digit number tied to your name. The NIF, name and addresses on the sample are hidden.
The example in words. Reading the sample from top to bottom:
- Header. The AT logo (“autoridade tributária e aduaneira”) sits on the left. On the right are the title “Registo Central de Contribuinte — Documento Provisório de Identificação”, a “Número de Documento” and a note that the document replaces the tax identification card until a stated date (2023-06-27 on this sample).
- First box: NIF and name. The box headed “Número de Identificação Fiscal e Nome Completo” holds the 9-digit NIF on the left and the holder’s full name beside it. This is the number you give to banks, landlords and employers.
- Domicílio Fiscal and Residência. Whether the holder lives abroad (“Res. Estrangeiro: Sim”), the country of residence and the home address abroad.
- Serv. Finanças. The tax office assigned to the file, shown as a four-digit code and its name.
- Personal details. Place of birth, nationality, date of birth, sex and the identity document used to register (a passport on this sample).
- Representante. The fiscal representative’s own “Número Fiscal”, name and address. It is a different number from yours.
Some older guides call this paper “Modelo 30”. That is a different thing: Modelo 30 is AT’s declaration form for income paid to non-residents, not the NIF document.
Where the NIF appears on each document
| Document | Where the NIF appears | Who issues it |
|---|---|---|
| NIF document (proof of NIF, PDF) | In the first box, "Número de Identificação Fiscal e Nome Completo", beside the full name | Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira (AT), through the Portal das Finanças or a tax office |
| NIF card (cartão de contribuinte) | Printed on the card as the taxpayer number (número de contribuinte) | AT — replaced by the Citizen Card for Portuguese and Brazilian citizens |
| Citizen Card (Cartão de Cidadão) | Shown on the card as the taxpayer number | IRN (Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado) |
| e-Fatura card (cartão e-Fatura) | Printed on the card, which you generate in the Portal das Finanças; it is not an ID | AT, through the Portal das Finanças |
| IRS tax return and tax notices | In the taxpayer identification section at the top | AT, through the Portal das Finanças |
| Portal das Finanças account | In the personal data area after you log in | AT |
NIF vs NIF card vs certidão de NIF
People use three names for what is really one number and two ways of proving it. Here is how they differ:
- NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal). The 9-digit number itself. AT assigns it once and it identifies you for tax purposes. It is neither a card nor a document.
- NIF card (cartão de contribuinte). A physical card that shows the number. AT’s own page says it was replaced by the Citizen Card for Portuguese and Brazilian citizens; EU and third-country citizens can still ask for a second copy.
- Certidão de NIF (NIF certificate). The everyday name for the document or PDF that proves your NIF. AT’s own wording for this proof is “comprovativo”; in AT usage a “certidão” is a separate certificate with its own validation code, such as one about your tax situation.
Whichever name a bank or notary uses, it wants one thing: proof that the 9-digit number belongs to you. Ask which format it accepts before you order anything.
How to find your NIF number on the document
Some people receive the AT document and are not sure which number is theirs, because Portuguese tax forms carry several numbers. Follow these steps on the sample:
- Find the first box. Look for the box headed “Número de Identificação Fiscal e Nome Completo” near the top of the form, under the header band.
- Read the number on the left. Your NIF has 9 digits, with no letters or hyphens, and your name is beside it.
- Skip the “Número de Documento”. It sits in the header and identifies the paper, not you; on the sample it is longer than 9 digits.
- Skip the “Número Fiscal” under “Representante”. That is your fiscal representative’s number.
- Check before you share it. Make sure the name matches your passport and that you copied all nine digits.
What to do with your NIF document
Save the PDF in a secure place. You will need it for many Portuguese procedures:
- Open a Portuguese bank account — most banks request a copy of the AT document
- Sign a rental or property purchase agreement — notaries request your NIF certificate
- Connect utilities (electricity, water, internet) — providers ask for proof of NIF
- Apply for a visa — D7, D8 Digital Nomad, or Golden Visa applications request your NIF
- Register a Portuguese company or freelance activity
- Request a Senha de Acesso (Portal das Finanças password)
Related guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a NIF document in Portugal?
A NIF document is the proof issued by Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira (AT) that your Portuguese tax identification number is registered. It shows your 9-digit NIF next to your full name, plus your tax address. Banks, notaries and landlords ask for it as evidence that the number belongs to you.
What does an example of a NIF document look like?
The sample on this page is a one-to-two-page AT form headed "Registo Central de Contribuinte". The first box, "Número de Identificação Fiscal e Nome Completo", holds your NIF and name. Below it come your tax address, the finance office and, if you have one, your fiscal representative. Layouts change over time.
Where is the NIF number on the document?
On the sample, your NIF is the 9-digit number in the first box, "Número de Identificação Fiscal e Nome Completo", beside your name. Do not use the longer "Número de Documento" in the header, and do not use the "Número Fiscal" under "Representante", which belongs to your fiscal representative.
How many digits does a Portuguese NIF have?
A Portuguese NIF always has 9 digits, with no letters or hyphens. For individuals it usually starts with "1", "2" or "3"; for businesses, with "5". If the number you are reading has more or fewer than nine digits, it is probably a document number or another identifier, not the NIF.
What is the difference between a NIF, a NIF card and a certidão de NIF?
The NIF is the 9-digit number itself. The NIF card (cartão de contribuinte) is a physical card that shows it. A "certidão de NIF" is the everyday name for the document or PDF that proves the number is yours. Banks usually just want that proof, so ask which format they accept.
Is there still a NIF card in Portugal?
Not for everyone. AT says the cartão de contribuinte was replaced by the Citizen Card for Portuguese and Brazilian citizens, while EU and third-country citizens can still request a second copy of theirs. To prove the number you can also use the AT document or PDF.
Who issues the NIF document?
Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira (AT), the Portuguese tax authority, assigns the NIF and issues the proof. Foreigners apply in person at a Serviço de Finanças or a Loja do Cidadão, by appointment, or remotely through a legal representative on the Portal das Finanças. Portuguese citizens get theirs with the Citizen Card.
Does my NIF document expire?
No. The NIF number is permanent and does not expire; you keep the same one for life, even if your address or tax residency changes. The paper or PDF that shows it is only a proof, so if you lose it you can ask for a new copy rather than a new number.
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Reviewer and Sources
Reviewed by: E-Residence Team · Licence No. 62802L · Last updated:
The example shown on this page is a redacted illustration for reference only. Your actual NIF document is issued directly by Autoridade Tributária and may differ in layout. Always verify your details (name, NIF, address) when you receive the official document. This page is informational and not legal advice.
Official sources