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What can I use as Proof of Address?

Updated over a month ago

For most services we offer — including NIF issuance, bank account setup, etc — you’ll need to provide a document that confirms your residential address OUTSIDE of Portugal.

There are specific rules around acceptable documents, name matching, and when translations are required.


🌍 Supported Languages & Translation Rules

We accept documents in the following languages:

✅ English
✅ Portuguese
✅ Spanish
✅ French

If your document is in any other language, you must provide a certified English translationunless it meets all of the following:

  • The document uses the Roman alphabet (Latin characters)

  • The document is a driver’s license or residence permit

  • The address is clearly visible and easy to understand

⚠️ If the document is not written in the Roman alphabet, then a certified English translation is always required, even for a driver’s license or residence permit.


✅ Accepted Proof of Address Documents

Submit one of the following, as long as it shows your full name and residential address:


1. Driver’s License

  • Must be valid (not expired)

  • Submit front and back

  • Must show your residential address and expiration date

  • No translation needed, unless it's not in the Roman alphabet

  • ❗If not in the Roman alphabet: Certified English translation required


2. Residence Permit

  • Must show your name and residential address

  • No translation needed, unless not in the Roman alphabet

  • ❗If not in the Roman alphabet: Certified English translation required


3. Bank Statement (First Page Only)

  • Must show your name, residential address, and issue date

  • Must be issued within the past 6 months

  • ❌ Bank letters or certificates are not accepted

  • ⚠️ Certified English translation required if not in English, Portuguese, Spanish, or French


4. Utility Bill

  • Must show your name and address

  • Issued within the past 6 months

  • Accepted: electricity, water, internet, etc.

  • ⚠️ Certified English translation required if not in English, Portuguese, Spanish, or French

If requesting a NIF on behalf of a minor, please include a proof of address of one of the minor’s parents.

The proof of address document should satisfy the following criteria:

Address:

  • Must be a residential address outside of Portugal

  • Must match the “Residential Address” submitted in the intake form

  • P.O. boxes and business addresses are not accepted

Name:

  • If purchasing NIF only:

    • First name and surname on your Proof of Address must match your passport exactly

      • For example, say that the name on your passport is “John Apple Smith”

        • ✅ John Apple Smith

        • ✅ John A Smith

        • ✅ John Smith

        • ❌ J Smith

        • ❌ Johnny Smith

        • ❌ Any other variations

  • If purchasing NIF and Bank:

The bank requirements for Proof of Address are stricter than the NIF requirements.

Because of this, the full name on your Proof of Address must match your passport exactly, otherwise, it will be rejected.

  • For example, say that the name on your passport is “John Apple Smith”

    • ✅ John Apple Smith

    • ❌ John A Smith

    • ❌ John Smith

    • ❌ J Smith

    • ❌ Johnny Smith

    • ❌ Any other variations

Image quality:

  • Text is legible

  • No shadows

  • No light reflections

  • All four corners of the document are visible

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