Written by
Brenda.L
reviews noted 4.9/5
Table of contents
When getting ready to move to Portugal, besides the NIF, another acronym will pop up a lot (especially if you are navigating Facebook groups for expats in Portugal): the NISS.
NISS stands for 'Número de Identificação da Segurança Social,' or Social Security ID Number. Anyone willing to work or start a company in Portugal, including freelancers, must have this primary ID. Not only that, but recently, the NISS Portugal has been a constant requirement with Portuguese residence permit granting and renewal with AIMA.
Take your time reading this feature, as we fully dive into the NISS Portugal universe and how to obtain it along with everything you must know about it.
In Portugal, NISS is the primary ID for any worker or entrepreneur. The Social Security Office (known as 'Segurança Social') grants this 11-digit number.
It's personal and valid for your lifetime. A person can only have one NISS in Portugal for the rest of their life.
Through NISS, the Portuguese government will collect work-related taxes, fund pensions, subsidies, and even healthcare.
NISS is your guarantee that Portugal will grant and protect your worker's rights.
The Portuguese Social Security number is essential for foreign citizens in Portugal and Portuguese residents. Mainly if:
For the following situations, a NISS Portugal is required:
If you plan to use governmental subsidies, you'll still need to provide a work contract from a company in Portugal or, own a company in Portugal or issue receipts in Portugal.
Immigrants with a legal residence status (visa, residence permit or AIMA's residence permit request) and preferably with work bond in Portugal (Working for a Portuguese company or, owning a company in Portugal or, issuing receipts through Autoridade Tributária, aka 'Finanças').
There is no easy way to answer that; we don't know for sure. 😔
Some clerks at an AIMA Residence Permit appointment in your Portuguese visa process may request that you present a NISS; some may not even consider it. Ensure you are prepared should they request it!
Right now, a NISS number in Portugal is essential to automatically renew residence permits online. For an in-person appointment, reports of NISS as a requirement are growing.
When you work for a company in Portugal, own a company in Portugal or is a freelancer housing taxes and invoices in Portugal.
However, lately, AIMA has been requesting a NISS for almost all applications for residence (especially those trying an automatic renewal).
To get your NISS Portugal application, you have two options:
Make sure as you read this article that you understand your urgency and need for this document, as it may be essential to understand which option is the best for you.
For a NISS application in Portugal, those are the required documents as an EU/EEA/Swiss national:
To apply for a NISS as a foreigner, you'll need just to provide:
An employment contract
This would be for those who are employed by a Portuguese company.
For self-employed individuals:
A company registration certificate
You will need to provide one of these documents:
As a foreign resident in Portugal, companies should ideally request NISS Portugal when you secure your first subordinate position.
However, companies tend to either avoid workers without NISS or relegate responsibility to the worker.
Besides that, not all of us come here to work for a Portuguese company and still feel the need for a NISS. Therefore, taking care of yourself seems to be the ideal solution.
Yes, you can! 😊
Recently, the government tightenend the granting of NISS, and now only those with the proper documents, as well as a great deal of patience, can request it directly from the office.
But you can do your NISS applicaiton in Portugal online or directly at a Social Security office or in a Loja da Cidade.
Yes, you can!
You can either fill out an online form or visit your local Social Security or Loja da Cidade office to request your NISS.
However, keep in mind that if you choose to do it in person, Social Security offices, like any other governmental office, can be quite busy and may ask you to schedule an appointment or direct you to the online form.
You must complete an online form with all the necessary information to request a NISS online.
This form can be found here.
Take a look at the following steps to understand a bit more about how to do it.
After completing it, you just need to wait and check your email. Social Security will get in touch through there.
Did they answer? Check what must be done!
There is no time span.
Usually, you hear it back within four to six weeks, but if it takes longer, it's still under procedure because there is no time limit to process it.
You will receive an email confirming the grant of your NISS. Now it's time to run to Social Security and request your NISS. Yes, really!
Even if you request your NISS online, you still need to go to a Social Security office to pick it up. And only you can do that; nobody else can, unless you provide the right documentation allowing them to do it.
You must visit your local Social Security office and request your NISS number using the ID you provided when registering for a NISS.
If you want to send someone else, you must sign a power of attorney granting them access to your NISS number. But this is pricey. 💸
Be extra careful with scams or high prices when trying to find someone to grab your NISS. At this moment, some individuals will charge up to 600€ to head there for you. Values like this are abusive.
Unfortunately, this is common for foreign nationals, especially if foreign names or addresses are not recognised.
But fear not, you haven't ruined your chances 💪; you can either try again, head to your local social security office, or look for an alternative solution.
Even though it looks super simple, the result was not pleasant! After a few weeks, I received a notification that the system couldn't recognise my name, leading to the denial of my NISS. That's why we've added the NISS service to AnchorLess!
Turn relocation stress into success with AnchorLess. Relocating to Portugal made simple.
Get your Portuguese NISS now
No, you don't need a lawyer.
However, if you are not available or in the country to head to your local Social Security office, a lawyer may be a solution to pick up your NISS Portugal. Just be careful with the prices!
AnchorLess makes it easy, quick, safe, and reliable to ask for your NISS in Portugal. 👋
Our automated process breaks down your application into three easy steps and keeps your info safe.
Depending on your legal and employment status, you only need to provide your ID, proof of employment, proof of legal status and a Portuguese NIF, also signing a 'Power of Attorney' specifically for your NISS issuance.
Besides receiving your NISS, AnchorLess also requests your access to the Social Security online platform ('Segurança Social Direta'), and, along with your NISS, you'll receive a personal password to manage your obligations.
You can do it from anywhere, with any device, and in 4-6 weeks you'll receive your NISS number and password at your inbox!
Simple, quick, and no stress at all.
Still in doubt?
If you are not sure if you fit the NISS criteria, get in touch with us and talk with our team of experts!
Your NISS will come in a simple white paper letter stating your NISS and your personal information.
Please always confirm that the information is correct!
You can find an example below:
You'll find either at the top left of your NISS letter or at the right hand of your date of birth. 🧐
It depends on what you intend to do in Portugal.
We will cover that for you! 😊
Register at 'Segurança Social Direta' (Direct Social Security) to prepare to manage your responsibilities.
Just keep your NISS number easily accessible and inform it when requested!
But, remember: You'll need proof of employment to request the NISS! Even if it's just to register at SNS.
Register at 'Segurança Social Direta' to be ready to submit your requests when needed.
Segurança Social Direta (Direct Social Security) is a government platform to streamline the management of your rights, responsibilities, benefits, and subsidies as a Portuguese resident. 💪
The platform covers a wide range of subjects related to the Social Security office, and it's extremely useful to avoid heading to a local office to solve any pendencies.
AnchorLess has got you covered with your 'Segurança Social Direta' access! So, if you choose to do your NISS with us, you can ignore this section. As part of our service, we will provide NISS access to your personal area. Our team will automatically request access and a password to 'Segurança Social Direta', which will arrive in your inbox along with your NISS.
Registering at 'Segurança Social Direta' is a straight-forward and simple process, whose only challenge is the fact that it's all in Portuguese. 😬
So, while you visit 'Segurança Social Direta', keep your favourite translator open and follow the next steps:
Foreign phone numbers can receive the code via SMS. But it must have been registered when you requested your NISS.
Code received? Return to 'Segurança Social Direta' home page and, below 'Efetuar Registo', at the lower left hand corner, click on 'Ativar a minha conta' (Activate my account)
At 'Ativar a minha conta' fill the necessary information:
A new page will show where you'll set your 'Segurança Social Direta' password.
After that, you can once again head to 'Segurança Social Direta' home page and login into your Social Security account using the login area at the left.
Just remember: all content here will be in Portuguese! 🥵
The NISS (Número de Identificação da Segurança Social) and Utente (User) number are both important identifiers in Portugal, but they serve different purposes.
The NISS is primarily for social security and work-related matters. It's essential for anyone working, freelancing, or opening a company in Portugal, as well as for contributing to and benefiting from the social security system.
The Utente number, on the other hand, is specifically for accessing the public healthcare system (SNS). While you might need a NISS to obtain an Utente (on very rare occasions, depending solely on the healthcare facility for which you are requesting your Utente number), they are not interchangeable. One is for social security, and the other is for healthcare access.
Local hospitals and clinics do not require your NISS. They require 'Utente'. You mustn't head to a health facility only with your NISS number seeking treatment, you won't be considered a resident, only with 'Utente'.
There are rare reports of healthcare facilities requesting a NISS to issue an Utente. This is not a rule!
'Utente' (User) Number is the ID to use the SNS, 'Serviço Nacional de Saúde', or National Health Service, as a Portuguese resident, either free of charge or with low fees.
Utente Number and NISS are two different IDs with different purposes; however, in several areas, to request an Utente, you must have a NISS.
The service is available at your local public health facility, free of charge. 😊
You'll need to present the following documents:
In the later months of 2025, due to AIMA's sudden requirement for foreigners' NISS for their residence permits in Portugal, the Portuguese government has introduced measures to simplify the NISS application.
Now, in several cities, there are offices called 'Loja da Cidade' available, where you can apply for a NISS and a Utente in Portugal by just presenting the required documents.
The NISS granting has been approved at these locations due to the extreme administrative need for it, mainly the AIMA requirement to approve the residence permit.
Remember, office behavior is not a rule; what some may consider difficult could be easy for you, or vice versa. Do not take reports about others' experiences for granted as an assurance that your application will succeed!
Final words
With any luck, this article will help you get your Portuguese NISS with way less trouble. We at AnchorLess are here to help you with every part of your move to Portugal 👋
Share this article
Share this article
Our readers also viewed
More than a blog, an ecosystem
Start your new life in Europe
Turn relocation stress into success with AnchorLess.
Relocating to Europe made simple.
Start to relocate now
AnchorLess is not a bank, accounting, tax, investment, or legal advisor. We serve as an intermediary, streamlining your access to accredited financial and legal professionals for your relocation in Europe.
🇵🇹 MOVE TO PORTUGAL
Services
Guides
🇪🇸 MOVE TO SPAIN
Services
Guides
Resources
© 2022 - 2025 anchorless.io, all rights reserved.
