PORTUGAL SOCIAL SECURITY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (NISS)

The NISS (Número de Identificação de Segurança Social) is the social security identification number in Portugal. It is essential for accessing social security benefits, including healthcare, unemployment benefits, and pensions. All employees, self-employed individuals, and residents who want to work legally in Portugal or access social security services need to have a NISS. This number ensures that individuals are registered in the Portuguese social security system and can benefit from the country's social welfare programs.

Social security identification numbers (NISS) enable unique, precise and rigorous nationwide identification for the purposes of social security and allow access to rights and obligations. Applicable for foreign nationals who do not have an NISS.

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You will receive your NISS in PDF format on email and WhatsApp

How to apply for NISS

Prepare your documents:
– Passport
– NIF

Submit application form
in 2 minutes

Complete identity verification in 2 minutes

Make a signature in the application to e-sign it in your form

Receive your NISS
online by email

After making the payment and filling the form, be sure you finished it at all. Please, note that the process can be started only after receiving all required documents. The timeframe counts only by working days, excluding weekends, official Portuguese holidays, strikes, as well as other technical errors for which the social service did not work. 

Who needs a NISS in Portugal

All employees, self-employed individuals, and residents in Portugal who wish to access social security benefits need a NISS. This includes access to healthcare, unemployment benefits, pensions, and other social welfare programs. It is also required for those seeking legal employment, ensuring compliance with Portuguese labor laws. Having a NISS is crucial for anyone intending to work or receive social benefits in Portugal, making it an essential part of integrating into the country’s social system.

Benefits of having a NISS in Portugal

Access to Social Security

The NISS allows expats and residents to access Portugal's social security system, including healthcare, unemployment benefits, and pensions.

Legal Employment

It is mandatory for those seeking legal employment, ensuring compliance with Portuguese labor laws.

Tax Benefits

Having a NISS is essential for proper tax registration and to benefit from various social security tax incentives.

Social Integration

It facilitates smoother integration into the Portuguese social and economic systems.

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, 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?

Generally, it takes from a couple of days to a couple of weeks to issue a NISS, however, it should be noted that the time depends first of all on the Social Security office and there have been cases when clients have waited more than a month to get their NISS. Hence, you should always prepare for the longest scenario that may take more than 4 weeks. Please, take a note that the timeframe counts from the day of signing the Power of Attorney.

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?

There are only 2 documents required:

  • Scan of international passport or EU citizen ID card
  • NIF

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.

Can I use my NISS for healthcare services?

Yes, once you have a NISS, you are eligible for public healthcare services in Portugal.

Does the NISS expire?

No, once issued, the NISS does not expire and is valid for life.