How to Get Your Portal das Finanças Password (Senha) – Step by Step

Last updated: 28 September 2026 · By Haider Shah, accounting technician in Portugal

To file your IRS, issue recibos verdes, check your tax situation or download proof of your NIF, you need a password (senha) for the Portal das Finanças. Requesting it takes about ten minutes. The only slow part is that the password arrives by letter.

Before you start

• You need a NIF. If you do not have one yet, read how to get a NIF as a foreigner.
• Your tax address (morada fiscal) must be correct. The letter goes only to that address. If it is old or wrong, update it first.
• Have an email address and a phone number ready.

Step 1: Open the portal and click “Registar-se”

Go to portaldasfinancas.gov.pt and click Registar-se at the top right of the page.

Step 2: Choose how to register

You will see two options:

• Registo Gov.pt: if you have a Portuguese Citizen Card with authentication codes or a Chave Móvel Digital. You can create your password immediately, without waiting for a letter.
• Registo NIF: for everyone else. Most newcomers use this option.

Step 3: Fill in the form

Enter your NIF, name, email, phone number and tax address. Choose a security question and write the answer somewhere safe. You will need it if you ever forget your password. Then click Registar.

Step 4: Wait for the letter

The Tax Authority sends your password by post to your tax address, normally within about 5 working days.

Step 5: First login and a new password

Go to Iniciar Sessão, enter your NIF and the password from the letter. The portal will immediately ask you to choose a new password, because the one in the letter only works once. The new password must be 8 to 16 characters.

Urgent? Ask for a “senha na hora”

If you have a tax deadline and cannot wait for the letter, you can ask for a password on the spot (senha na hora) in person at a Serviço de Finanças. It is handed to you in a sealed envelope.

Forgot your password?

1. Go to Iniciar Sessão and choose Recuperar Senha.
2. If you have Chave Móvel Digital or a Citizen Card, you can choose a new password immediately.
3. Otherwise, answer your security question. A new password is sent by letter, or by SMS if your phone number is confirmed.
4. If you forgot the security answer, send an email from the email address registered with Finanças to portal-senhas@at.gov.pt with the subject “Cancelamento de senha NIF [your NIF]”, and your NIF, full name and tax address in the body. When the cancellation is confirmed, register again.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the password letter take?

Normally around 5 working days to your tax address.

Can the password be sent by email?

No. A new registration is always sent by post, unless you register with Chave Móvel Digital or a Citizen Card.

Is it the same password as Segurança Social Direta?

No. Social Security has its own password. See our NISS and Social Security guide.

Official sources

• Portal das Finanças – Recuperar a senha de acesso
• Portal das Finanças – Acesso ao Portal das Finanças (leaflet)
• AT – Registration page

This guide is general information, checked against official sources on 28 September 2026. Rules and portals in Portugal change often, so confirm the current rules with the official source before you act. It is not legal advice.