Each country has its own tax identification system required for property purchases:
By Country
Portugal - NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal)
**Cost**: Free**Get It**: Tax office or online with fiscal representative**Time**: Same day (in person) or 1-2 weeks (online)**Required For**: All transactions, bank accounts, utilitiesSpain - NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero)
**Cost**: ~€10**Get It**: Spanish consulate or police station in Spain**Time**: 1-6 weeks depending on location**Required For**: All legal/financial transactionsItaly - Codice Fiscale
**Cost**: Free**Get It**: Italian consulate or Agenzia delle Entrate**Time**: Same day (in person)**Required For**: All contracts and transactionsGreece - AFM (Αριθμός Φορολογικού Μητρώου)
**Cost**: Free**Get It**: Tax office (DOY) in Greece**Time**: Same day**Required For**: Property purchase, utilities, bankingDocuments Needed
Generally:
PassportProof of addressPassport photos (sometimes)Completed application formTips
Get your tax number BEFORE property huntingSome can be obtained remotelyUse a fiscal representative if not visiting