Publication date: 2022\/07\/12<\/p>\n\n\n
Whether you are planning to relocate to Madeira, or have already arrived, there is one number that you will come to realise that you need for everything. A NIF, or N\u00famero de Identifica\u00e7\u00e3o Fiscal.<\/p>\n
Commonly referred to as N\u00famero de Contribuinte, you will be asked for this number for many day-to-day transactions. Some of the more important include:<\/p>\n
Depending on whether you are an EU or Non-EU\/EEA, there are several ways you can register for your fiscal number, either in person or online.<\/p>\n
If you have already arrived in Madeira, visit your local Finan\u00e7as \u2013 Portugal\u2019s Tax Office. This is where you need to go for any of your tax-related appointments or problems. In most cases, it is easier to visit the Finan\u00e7as in person than submit a request through their online portal.<\/p>\n
Finan\u00e7as offices are located in most of the larger towns throughout Madeira and you do not need an appointment. Normally they are open from 9am until 12:30pm, when they close for lunch and re-open at 2pm until 4pm.<\/p>\n
For EU citizens, you will be required to provide proof of address in your home country, or in Madeira if you already have one here. Proof of address can be a bank statement dated within the last three months or a utility bill.<\/p>\n
Along with proof of address, your passport or national identity card will also be required.<\/p>\n
For EU residents, there is no charge for your fiscal registration, and you should receive it on the spot in the form of an A4 document.<\/p>\n
As a non-EU\/EAA citizen, you will be required to bring a Portuguese Resident with you. This person will be required to act as your tax representative. They will need to be someone who the Portuguese tax authority can communicate with, on your behalf. In most cases, your legal representation can act as your Tax Representative, but any permanent resident who is willing to take this responsibility can be there with you. This could be a friend, partner, or family member. Since January 2022, there is no charge for non-EU\/EAA citizens when applying for their NIF.<\/p>\n
It is possible to apply for your NIF online from your home country, however, you will need a fiscal representative in Portugal, who has access to the Portal das Finan\u00e7as website. You will be required to provide a copy of your valid Passport, along with proof of address, such as a bank statement or utility bill.<\/p>\n
We\u2019ve put together a list of common questions about fiscal numbers and representation in Portugal and Madeira:<\/p>\n
Do EU\/EEA residents need a Fiscal Representative?<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 No, if you\u2019re an EU Citizen, you are not required to present a fiscal representative in Portugal or Madeira.<\/p>\n I\u2019m a Swiss Resident. Do I need a Fiscal Representative? \u2013 <\/em><\/strong>Yes, as Switzerland is not a member of the European Union or European Economic Area (EAA), you will be required to nominate a Fiscal Representative to act on your behalf. \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Are all purchases in Madeira required to include my NIF? \u2013 <\/em><\/strong>No. Day-to-day purchases do not legally require you to declare your NIF, but you can if you wish, especially if you wish to make tax deductions on your personal income.<\/p>\n For large purchases, like buying a home or a car, you are legally required to provide your Fiscal Number, as these purchases carry taxation implications.<\/p>\n Will my NIF expire, and do I need to renew annually? \u2013 <\/em><\/strong>Your NIF will not expire, and you are not required to renew it each year. Once you are registered with Portugal\u2019s Tax Authority, you will retain this number for as long as you remain a tax resident in Portugal.<\/p>\n What happens if I lose my NIF? \u2013 <\/em><\/strong>If you forget your NIF, you can visit your local Finan\u00e7as office and ask for a replacement copy of your certificate.<\/p>\n Can family members share a NIF? \u2013 <\/em><\/strong>A Fiscal number is unique to you as an individual, so each family member will be required to register separately. School-age children are required to have their own Fiscal Numbers, and child applications can be made in person at the Finan\u00e7as office.<\/p>\n Madeira Company is a team of qualified, professional Accounts and Tax and Business Advisors. Based in Funchal, we are perfectly positioned to help you relocate to Madeira, register a branch or company, or form a company on your behalf in Madeira\u2019s IBC.<\/p>\n Contact a member of the Madeira Company<\/a> today and find out how we can help you with your relocation to Madeira.<\/p>\n\nWhy work with Madeira Company? <\/strong><\/h5>\n