When I first moved to Portugal, I paid twice to get my NIF. The first time to go get the NIF since I needed someone Portuguese to vouch for me (and I paid a company that did just that). However, it was not attached to the NHR regime, so I ended up paying a second lawyer to fix it.
The Tax Authority (TA) is making some changes to the way that immigrants (expats) can request a taxpayer number. These updates are designed to prevent abuses by professional tax representatives and ensure that we all have fair access to scheduling appointments. Let’s take a look at what is changing.
What Is The Problem With The Current NIF Appointment Scheduling Rules?
Right now, if you try to make an appointment with the AT (Tax Authority), you probably won’t be able to get one. Why?
Professional tax representatives (sometimes lawyers, but not always) have been making appointments online and bogarting most open spots.
This makes it close to impossible to schedule appointments or receive same-day service.
The problem is aggravated by the high number of immigrants. When they can’t get appointments, they find themselves pretty much forced to hire professional help to assist them with the process of getting an appointment to get a NIF.
Changes to NIF Appointment Scheduling Rules in 2023
Here is a breakdown of the changes the Tax Authority is making to NIF Appointments in Portugal:
- The Tax Authority (TA) will require identification from foreign citizens when scheduling appointments.
- Appointments cannot be made for individuals who are not the intended recipient.
- Changes are to take effect as of January 1, 2023.
What Is A Portuguese NIF
If you made it this far and you don’t know what a NIF is don’t worry. Let me break it down:
The Portuguese NIF (aka – Número de Identificação Fiscal – Fiscal Identity Number) is an ID number used in Portugal for taxes. Each NIF is unique.
It works like a social security number would in the United States or a national insurance number would in the United Kingdom.
The NIF is used by the Portuguese government to keep track of taxpayers and their tax payments.
You need a NIF for pretty much all financial and legal transactions in Portugal. This includes opening a bank account, renting or buying property, working, and starting a business.
If you are planning on moving to Portugal, you will need a NIF to work, get paid, and pay taxes.
If you are planning on getting a NIF by yourself, check out this article on how to get your NIF.