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Administrative Setup

Portugal NIF & Bank Account Setup

Remote NIF registration and Portuguese bank account opening, handled by licensed lawyers who act as your fiscal representative. The foundation for every visa, property, and investment process in Portugal.

For non-EU nationals preparing a visa application, purchasing property, opening a business, or establishing a financial presence in Portugal.

2,500+

Successful applications across all programs

3-10 days

Typical NIF registration timeline

Remote

No travel to Portugal required

Fully remote -- NIF issued without travelling to Portugal, via power of attorney

Fiscal representation -- our lawyers act as your legal tax representative with the Portuguese Tax Authority

Bank account coordination -- documentation and process managed for Portuguese bank account opening

Licensed lawyers registered with the Portuguese Bar Association

Why You Need This

The First Step to Everything in Portugal

The NIF (Numero de Identificacao Fiscal) is Portugal's tax identification number. It is required for virtually every financial and legal transaction in the country -- opening a bank account, signing a rental agreement, purchasing property, filing a visa application, registering a company, and setting up utilities.

A Portuguese bank account is then required for most visa applications (D7, D8, D2, Golden Visa) and for transferring savings or income proof to satisfy consulate and AIMA requirements. Together, the NIF and bank account form the administrative foundation of any relocation to Portugal.

Last updated: February 2026

Read our full NIF guide

NIF Registration

A nine-digit tax number issued by Portugal's Tax Authority (Autoridade Tributaria). Required for bank accounts, property transactions, visa applications, employment contracts, and all official financial activity. Once issued, it is permanent and does not expire.

Non-EU nationals must appoint a fiscal representative to obtain a NIF.

Fiscal Representation

Non-EU/EEA nationals who are not Portuguese residents are required by law to appoint a fiscal representative -- a Portugal-based individual or company that receives tax correspondence and ensures compliance on your behalf. Our legal team provides this representation.

Bank Account Opening

A Portuguese bank account is required for visa applications, property purchases, fund investments, and salary deposits. We coordinate the account opening process -- selecting the right institution, preparing documentation, and managing compliance requirements.

Tax Residency Implications

A NIF registered with a non-Portuguese address does not create tax residency. You only become a Portuguese tax resident if you spend 183+ days per year in Portugal or establish habitual residence. A non-resident NIF limits tax obligations to Portuguese-source income only.

Why MovingTo

Licensed Lawyers as Your Fiscal Representative

Your NIF and bank account are handled by lawyers registered with the Portuguese Bar Association -- not offshore agents, not freelance intermediaries, not automated platforms.

Licensed Fiscal Representation

Registered with the Portuguese Bar Association. Your lawyer acts as your official fiscal representative with the Tax Authority -- receiving correspondence, ensuring compliance, and confirming the nomination is properly accepted on Portal das Financas.

Compliance Awareness

The 2025 regulatory updates introduced strict deadlines and penalties for NIF-related non-compliance -- including fines up to €7,500 for missing fiscal representative appointment deadlines. We ensure your registration is correctly structured from day one.

Visa-Ready Setup

We handle NIF and bank accounts as part of a broader immigration engagement or as a standalone service. When bundled with a visa application, everything is structured to meet consulate and AIMA documentation requirements from the outset.

Service Scope

What We Handle, What We Don't

We Handle

  • NIF registration via power of attorney (remote process)
  • Fiscal representative appointment and Portal das Financas confirmation
  • Ongoing fiscal representation for non-residents
  • Portuguese bank account opening coordination and documentation
  • Bank selection guidance based on your visa type and requirements
  • Address updates with the Tax Authority when you become resident
  • Fiscal representative removal once residency is established
  • NIF registration for spouse and family members
  • Portal das Financas access setup and credentials
  • Integration with visa application processes (D7, D8, D2, Golden Visa)

We Don't

  • Provide tax advisory, tax filing, or tax optimisation services
  • Guarantee specific bank account approval -- decisions rest with the bank
  • Manage ongoing banking relationships or transactions
  • Provide accounting, bookkeeping, or VAT registration services
  • Advise on NHR 2.0 / IFICI tax status without separate tax engagement

From Enquiry to NIF & Bank Account

Typical timeline: 2 to 4 weeks

01

Initial Assessment

We review your situation -- nationality, residency status, visa plans, and timeline -- and confirm the right NIF registration route. You receive a document checklist and cost breakdown within 24 hours.

02

NIF Registration

You provide your passport and proof of address. We prepare the power of attorney, submit the application to the Tax Authority as your fiscal representative, and confirm the nomination is accepted on Portal das Financas. NIF typically issued within 3 to 10 business days.

03

Bank Account Opening

With your NIF issued, we coordinate the Portuguese bank account opening -- selecting the right institution, preparing all documentation, and managing the compliance process. Account activation typically takes 1 to 3 weeks depending on the bank.

04

Handover & Next Steps

You receive your NIF number, bank account details, and Portal das Financas access credentials. If proceeding with a visa application, all documentation is structured for seamless integration into the consulate or AIMA process.

Client Results

"Needed NIF and bank account before my D7 visa application. The lawyers had my NIF issued in 5 business days and coordinated the bank account opening remotely. Everything was ready before my consulate appointment."

K. Chen

D7 visa preparation -- NIF + bank account -- From Singapore, 2024

"Purchasing an apartment in Lisbon as a non-resident. MovingTo registered my NIF, acted as fiscal representative, and coordinated the bank account I needed for the property transaction. Clean process, no delays on completion."

T. Bergman

Property purchase -- NIF + fiscal representation -- From Sweden, 2024

"Golden Visa fund investment required a Portuguese bank account. The team handled NIF for me and my wife, opened both accounts, and structured everything so the fund subscription could proceed immediately."

R. & P. Gupta

Golden Visa preparation -- NIF + bank for couple -- From India, 2024

"Freelancer applying for a D8 visa. I had no idea fiscal representation was mandatory or that there were deadlines. MovingTo sorted the NIF, representation, and bank account in under 3 weeks."

A. Morales

D8 visa preparation -- NIF + bank account -- From Mexico, 2024

Common Questions

Working With Us

What is a NIF and why do I need one?

The NIF (Numero de Identificacao Fiscal) is Portugal's nine-digit tax identification number. It is required for virtually every financial and legal transaction -- opening a bank account, signing a rental agreement, purchasing property, filing a visa application, registering a company, and setting up utilities. Without a NIF, you cannot proceed with most immigration or financial processes in Portugal.

Can I get a NIF without travelling to Portugal?

Yes. Non-EU nationals can obtain a NIF remotely through a fiscal representative based in Portugal. Our legal team acts as your fiscal representative and handles the entire application with the Portuguese Tax Authority on your behalf. You provide your passport and proof of address -- we handle the rest.

What is a fiscal representative and do I need one?

A fiscal representative is a Portugal-based individual or company that acts as the legal intermediary between you and the Portuguese Tax Authority. Non-EU/EEA nationals who are not Portuguese residents are required by law to appoint one. Failure to appoint a representative within the required timeframe can result in fines up to €7,500 under current regulations.

Can I open a Portuguese bank account remotely?

It depends on the bank. Some Portuguese institutions allow limited remote steps, but most require at least one in-person verification or a power of attorney arrangement. We coordinate the process -- selecting the right bank, preparing documentation, and managing either remote or in-person activation based on your situation.

How long does the process take?

NIF registration through a fiscal representative typically takes 3 to 10 business days. Bank account opening takes an additional 1 to 3 weeks depending on the institution and compliance checks. The complete NIF + bank account process is usually finished within 2 to 4 weeks.

Does getting a NIF make me a tax resident in Portugal?

No. A NIF registered with a non-Portuguese address does not establish tax residency. You become a Portuguese tax resident only if you spend more than 183 days per year in the country or establish habitual residence there. A non-resident NIF limits your Portuguese tax obligations to Portuguese-source income only.

Get Started

Start Your NIF & Bank Account Setup

Get your NIF registered and Portuguese bank account opened -- remotely, through our licensed legal team.

Your Case Is Handled By

Paulo Moura

Licensed Immigration Lawyer

Portuguese Bar Association -- Registration No. 71517P

Paulo Moura oversees all NIF registrations and bank account coordination, acting as fiscal representative for non-EU clients and ensuring full compliance with Portuguese Tax Authority requirements.

2,500+ successful applications across all programs -- 98% approval rate -- 4 European markets

Get Started

Free initial assessment. Tell us your situation and timeline.

Your information is used only to respond to your request.

After You Submit

  • We confirm the right NIF registration route for your situation
  • You receive a document checklist, timeline, and cost breakdown
  • We begin the NIF and bank account process within 48 hours
Portugal NIF & Bank Account Get Started