I just moved here — how do I get the national ID / tax / social-security number?
Everything — a job, a bank account, a doctor, a rental — needs the national identification number, so it is the first appointment after arriving. In Portugal you get it from Junta de Freguesia / IRN — Registo Civil / Loja do Cidadão (justica.gov.pt) when you register your address or, for non-residents, from Autoridade Tributária — reclamação graciosa / Portal das Finanças (217 206 707). Bring your passport or ID card, proof of address (a rental contract or a host's declaration) and, for non-EU citizens, the residence permit or visa from AIMA — Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (217 115 000). Appointments fill up: book before you arrive if the portal allows.
🗣️ What to say
"I moved to Portugal on [date] and live at [address]. I would like to register and obtain my [national number / tax number / social-security number]. I have [passport/ID, rental contract / host declaration, permit]. Which documents do you need and can I book an appointment?"
🪜 Step by step
- Book the registrationAt Junta de Freguesia / IRN — Registo Civil / Loja do Cidadão: address registration and the number usually come together. Online booking where it exists; otherwise early morning in person.
- DocumentsPassport or ID, proof of address, birth certificate (sometimes with apostille), marriage certificate if relevant, permit or visa for non-EU citizens.
- Non-resident number: Autoridade Tributária — reclamação graciosa / Portal das FinançasFor work or tax before you have an address — the tax office issues a provisional or non-resident number.
- Non-EU: AIMA — Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo firstThe residence permit or the registration certificate may be a precondition; check the order for your case.
- Then everything elseBank, health insurance, employer, GP — all take the number. Keep the letter with it safe.
📇 All contacts
❓ Frequently asked
I have a job offer but no address yet
Ask the employer for a hosting letter or use the non-resident route at Autoridade Tributária — reclamação graciosa / Portal das Finanças; the number can be converted when you register an address.
How long does it take?
Same day in some countries, weeks in others. The appointment is the bottleneck, not the processing.
EU citizen — do I need to register at all?
Yes, after three months in most countries (sooner in some), and for the number you need it anyway.
📎 Sources
- Junta de Freguesia / IRN — Registo Civil / Loja do Cidadão →
- Autoridade Tributária — reclamação graciosa / Portal das Finanças →
- AIMA — Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo →
- Câmara Municipal / Junta de Freguesia →
🔎 Common searches
Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.
- “national id number new arrival Portugal”
- “register address get number Portugal”
- “tax number foreigner Portugal”
- “social security number apply”
- “moving to Portugal first steps”
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