What steps do I need to take to get a Tax Identification Number as a foreigner?
To secure a Tax Identification Number (NIF) as a foreigner, you can visit Espaços Cidadão, which offers a dedicated service for foreign citizens. The recent government measure aims to reduce wait times and centralise the process, making it an ideal solution for those navigating bureaucratic hurdles in Portugal. Start by gathering your necessary documentation, including proof of residence, identification, and other relevant personal information to facilitate a smooth process when visiting. Espaços Cidadão will enable you to access not only your NIF but also your Health User Number and Social Security Number in one visit, saving you time and effort. These numbers are essential for various daily functions in Portugal, such as opening a bank account, signing contracts, and accessing healthcare services. As you settle into life here, securing your NIF is one of the first steps to ensure you are compliant with local taxes. The spaces make it easy and accessible, designed with foreigners in mind to ensure you can integrate comfortably into Portuguese society. Take advantage of this streamlined approach to avoid the lengthy queues typically associated with government services. Visit Espaços Cidadão today and start your journey towards a hassle-free living experience in Portugal! For more information, reach out to us.
Margarida Balseiro Lopes was speaking at the end of the meeting of the first Council of Ministers dedicated to Digital Transition and Modernization, which took place today at the Faculty of Science and Technology of Universidade Nova (Nova FCT), in Almada.
Among the 15 measures, the minister highlighted the case of identification numbers for foreign citizens.
"We know that the Finance, Social Security and Citizen's Offices have been faced with long queues" and "we have thousands of foreign citizens living in Portugal who cannot access something as basic as a Tax Identification Number [NIF], the Social Security Number or the Health User Number", continued the government official.
And, therefore, "what we are going to do now in 2024 - this is a measure for this year, in the last quarter of 2024 - in a project that is being implemented by AMA [Agency for Administrative Modernization] and AIMA [Agency for Migration and Asylum Integration] is in one place for citizens to have access to the three identification numbers", explained Margarida Balseiro Lopes.
"This is particularly important because we will take pressure off" the people who work in these entities, she said.
"We are going to make this service available in Espaços Cidadão", explained the government official.
