Portugal · NISS · Social security
Apply for Portugal Social Security Number (NISS)
The NISS (Número de Identificação de Segurança Social) is the official Portuguese Social Security Number. It is required for all individuals who plan to work, reside, or run a business in Portugal.
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Our legal team assists expats, employees, and self-employed professionals to apply for NISS online in Portugal without unnecessary delays or language barriers. We handle the process directly with the Portuguese Social Security authorities, ensuring your registration is secure, fast, and fully compliant.
By obtaining your Portugal Social Security Identification Number (NISS), you are officially registered in the Portuguese social security system and can benefit from the country’s welfare programmes and legal protections.
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You will receive your NISS in PDF format on email and WhatsApp
How to apply for NISS
- Submit your application
- Verify your identity
- Make a signature in the application to e-sign it in your form
- Receive your NISS
Please note: The issuance of a NISS in Portugal typically takes 3–4 weeks and is fully dependent on the processing time of the Segurança Social. Once the Social Security authorities confirm that your NISS has been issued, our team guarantees to collect and deliver it to you within a few days. We ensure that no delays occur on our side — the timeframe depends solely on the validation process by Segurança Social.
Required documents
1. Passport scan
Only allowed format is scanned copies, photos are not accepted.
2. Portuguese NIF
NIF is a Portuguese tax identification number that is emitted by the Tax Department. It’s required for most of financial activities in Portugal. If you don’t have it yet, you can get it online in 3 days with our services.
3. Proof of residence in Portugal
- For NON-EU: Portuguese residence permit (both sides) or receipt of residence application (Recibo de comporativo de pedido de Concessão de autorização de residência)
- For EU – CRUE (Certificado do Registo de Cidadão da UE)
4. Proof of work
Employed
- Work contract with Portuguese company
Freelance
- registration of activity (Início de Atividade)
Who needs a NISS in Portugal
All employees, self-employed individuals, and residents in Portugal who wish to access social security benefits are required to have a NISS (Número de Identificação de Segurança Social). It is also mandatory for those seeking legal employment, ensuring compliance with Portuguese labour laws.
A valid NISS is required for:
- Access to social security benefits and healthcare;
- Employment or self-employment registration;
- Unemployment benefits, pensions, and maternity leave;
- Compliance with Portuguese labour and tax laws.
Having a NISS is essential for anyone intending to work or receive social benefits in Portugal, making it a fundamental step in integrating into the country’s social security system.
Benefits of having a NISS in Portugal
These advantages make the NISS crucial for anyone planning to live and work in Portugal.
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FAQ
Who can applying for a social security identification number (NISS)?
Foreign nationals who are in Portugal to work:
- as employees;
- as self-employed workers;
- as domestic workers.
How to get NISS in Portugal online?
To get your NISS online, you can use services like e-residence.com, which help you through the process of applying for the Número de Identificação de Segurança Social (NISS) by submitting the necessary documents online, such as your passport or residence permit, proof of work or education, to the Portuguese Social Security authorities. Once your application is processed, you'll receive your NISS number, allowing you to work and access social security benefits in Portugal.
How long does it take to acquire a NISS?
The issuance of a NISS in Portugal typically takes 3–4 weeks and is fully dependent on the processing time of the Segurança Social. Once the Social Security authorities confirm that your NISS has been issued, our team guarantees to collect and deliver it to you within a few days. We ensure that no delays occur on our side — the timeframe depends solely on the validation process by Segurança Social.
Do I need to have a Portuguese address?
You should enter address in Portugal, it can be your address, address of your friend, hotel, hostel other.
There are not required to show any proof for it.
What documents are required to make a NISS?
- For NON-EU: Portuguese residence permit (both sides) or Recibo de comporativo de pedido de Concessão de autorização de residência,
- For EU - CRUE (Certificado do Registo de Cidadão da UE)
Proof of work from Portugal:
- Contract if you are employed; Atividade if you are self-employed / Certidão Permanente if you are company owner.
Is the NISS the same as a tax number (NIF)?
No, the NISS is for social security purposes, while the NIF is for tax identification in Portugal.
Can I work in Portugal without a NISS?
No, a NISS is required for legal employment in Portugal to ensure social security contributions are made.
Do students need a NISS?
If a student is working or doing an internship in Portugal, they will need a NISS.
Does the NISS expire?
No, once issued, the NISS does not expire and is valid for life.