I got my NIF today in Portugal. I’m a US citizen living in Thailand for 8 years on a long-stay visa. I went to the local Finanças office with a Portuguese citizen who had offered to be my Financial Representative. For proof of residence in Thailand I showed a notarized translation of my Thai motorcycle license, which has my address. FWIW I noticed the agent flipped though my passport from back to front until he found the most recent yearly extension of my Thai visa. The NIF cost 10.2 Euros
Wondering how I found a local to be my Financial Rep? It was pure luck. I saw the hotel owner as I was walking down the stairs. At the same time a woman came in from the street. They’re obviously old friends. I waited. When owner saw I was waiting to him, he asked why. I asked him if he later could give me the names of any law offices / attorneys who spoke English because I need a Financial Rep to get a NIF. His friend said ‘I know someone who can help you’. She introduced me to the friend. The rest is history. I offered to pay the friend, but she wouldn’t accept, saying if you need help finding an apartment or doing anything else one you’re here, then we can discuss fees.