Living in Portugal

Portuguese for paperwork: 12 phrases for the Finanças and other offices

A2–B1By Diogo PortugalOctober 20265 min read

Official offices are where Portuguese matters most. These phrases and words will make your next visit calmer.

Words you'll see

o NIF (número de contribuinte): your tax number · a morada: address · o comprovativo de morada: proof of address · a marcação: appointment · a senha: queue ticket · o balcão: counter · o impresso: form · o prazo: deadline.

Phrases

Bom dia. Tenho marcação às dez.
Good morning. I have an appointment at ten.
Queria pedir o número de contribuinte.
I'd like to apply for a tax number.
Que documentos tenho de trazer?
Which documents do I need to bring?
Tenho aqui o passaporte e o comprovativo de morada.
Here are my passport and proof of address.
Desculpe, pode falar mais devagar?
Sorry, could you speak more slowly?
Não percebi. Pode explicar de outra forma?
I didn't understand. Could you explain it another way?
Onde é que assino?
Where do I sign?
Pode enviar-me isso por email?
Could you send me that by email?
Até quando tenho de entregar?
What's the deadline?
Isto pode fazer-se online?
Can this be done online?
Qual é o próximo passo?
What's the next step?
Muito obrigado/a pela ajuda.
Thank you very much for your help.
Try thisBook first when you can, and bring copies of everything. Staff appreciate it when you try in Portuguese, even if you then switch to English. Not sure how to address them? See Tu, você or o senhor?
Quick check
What is “a senha” in an office?

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