Having a NIF is the first step. But to do anything useful with it online, from checking your tax position to filing your IRS return, issuing receipts or changing your address, you need your access password for the Portal das Finanças (the Portuguese tax authority’s online portal). This article explains how to request it, how long it takes and what to do when the letter never turns up.
What the Portal das Finanças password is
It is the personal credential which, together with your NIF, lets you log in to portaldasfinancas.gov.pt. With it you can:
- view and update your registration details, including your tax address;
- file your IRS (personal income tax) return and check refunds;
- issue invoices and receipts, if you are self-employed;
- check debts, payments and notifications;
- sign up for electronic notifications, which in certain cases removes the need for a tax representative.
Portuguese citizens with a citizen card can log in with the Chave Móvel Digital (Digital Mobile Key). For most foreign nationals, the password is the only way in.
How to request the password
- Go to the Portal das Finanças and choose “Registar-se” (Register).
- Enter your NIF, email, telephone number and tax address exactly as they appear on the tax office’s records.
- Confirm the request. The system generates a letter containing the password, which is sent by post to the registered tax address.
It is not possible to receive the password by email or SMS on the first request. The letter is how the Autoridade Tributária (the Tax Authority) confirms that the address is genuine.
How long it takes
| Tax address | Usual timeframe |
|---|---|
| In Portugal | 5 to 10 working days |
| Abroad (through a tax representative) | The letter goes to the representative’s address, usually within 5 to 10 working days |
| Abroad (no representative, EU citizens) | Can take several weeks, depending on international post |
If you have a tax representative, they receive the letter and pass the password on to you. That is why it is important to choose a representative who responds quickly.
The letter has not arrived. What now?
This happens often, especially with addresses abroad or with letterboxes that do not show the recipient’s name. The most common causes:
- the address registered with the tax office is incomplete or out of date;
- the name on the letterbox does not match the recipient;
- the request was made recently and the letter is still in transit;
- a second request was made, which cancels the first.
What to do:
- Wait for the full timeframe before repeating the request. Each new request invalidates the previous letter.
- Check your tax address. If it is wrong, it has to be corrected first. See our article on changing your address with the tax office.
- Request a new password using the “Recuperar senha” (Recover password) option on the Portal. A new letter is generated for the same address.
- Alternatively, go to a Serviço de Finanças (local tax office) with your identity document, or do it through a lawyer with a power of attorney, to obtain the password at the counter.
Recovering a lost password
If you have had a password before and have forgotten it, use the “Recuperar senha” (Recover password) option. If your email and telephone number are confirmed on the Portal, you can receive a code through those channels and set a new password straight away. Otherwise, a new letter is sent by post.
After receiving the password
On your first login, the Portal asks you to set a new password and to confirm your email and telephone number. Do it: this is what will allow you, in future, to recover access without waiting for the post. Take the opportunity to check that your address and marital status are correct as well.
How we can help
We request the password on behalf of our clients, receive the letter when we act as tax representatives and handle the address corrections that are so often at the root of the problem. See our Portuguese NIF for foreigners service or contact us.
This article is for general information and is not legal advice on your specific case.