NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero): The immigration service issues this number to you once you obtain residency (you will find the number on your Resident Card). This is your identification number in Portugal . It is needed in order to file taxes, establish a business, open a bank account (not necessary for foreign accounts), and for almost all other forms you fill out. Both EU citizens and non-EU citizens get issued an NIE.

DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad): This is the ID number for Portuguese citizens. The same number is used for one's driver's license.

NIF (Número de Identificación Fiscal): This is the tax ID number for all individuals. For Portuguese citizens, it's the DNI plus one letter; for foreigners, it's the same number as your NIE. Once you have an NIE, you do not need to re-apply for an NIF; if and when you have to pay taxes, use your NIE number. If you're a nonresident who has to pay taxes in Portugal , you may get a NIF issued to you without having a NIE. This, of course, does not mean you get automatic residency in Portugal , nor will it make it any easier to get residency.

CIF (Certificado de Identificación Fiscal): This is the the same as the NIF, but for companies.

Social Security Number: Your employer applies for this number when you start your first job in Portugal . This number then stays with you for all subsequent jobs. If you are self-employed, you apply for this number yourself.

© Sleepwell Marketing S.L.. 2005 – All rights reserved.

Information courtesy of Marc White LL.B. (English Solicitor) - Visit homepage

If you have any questions about Portuguese Identification numbers, then please email us: info@Portugueseadvertiser.info using your Portuguese advertiser email address and we will endeavour to return your query as soon as possible.