Everything you must know and how to get your NISS Portugal

Why do I need a NISS Portugal?

The need for the NISS really depends on your intentions in Portugal.

• If you plan to work, open a company, or register as a freelancer, you'll need a NISS. ✅
• If you plan to register in the Portuguese Healthcare System (SNS), it's highly recommended to have a NISS as well. ✅
• If you think that at some point you may need some governmental help for income completion or social benefits for families, it's essential to have your NISS. ✅

Where will I use a Portuguese NISS?

For the following subjects, a NISS Portugal is required:

• Working in Portugal for a Portuguese company
• Opening a company in Portugal
• Freelancing with tax and invoicing registered in Portugal
• At Portugal Healthcare System, request a user number
• At Portugal School System, to request subsidies for children

If you truly don't think you will fit in any of the situations listed above, maybe NISS won't be a necessary document for you.

Can NISS affect my legal status in Portugal?

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!

How can I get a Portuguese NISS?

To get a Portuguese NISS, you have two options:

• Directly at Social Security, either online or in person
• With an intermediary company (us!)

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. 😊

What documents do I need to get a NISS Portugal?

UPDATE SUMMER 2024: Since summer 2024, the Portuguese government has added a large number of conditions for obtaining the NISS.

As an EU/EEA/Swiss national ✅

To request a NISS, you'll need to provide as an EU/EEA/Swiss national:

• ID (national ID if EU/EEA/Swiss national or passport for foreigners)
• NIF
• Proof of employment
• Proof of residence regularization request

As a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national ✅

To request a NISS as a foreigner, you'll need just to provide:

• Passport
• NIF
• Proof of residence regularization request
• Proof of employment

What can I use as proof of employment for my NISS request?

An employment contract

• This would be for those who are employed by a Portuguese company.

For self-employed individuals:

• A copy of the document showing the start of self-employed activity in Portugal AND
• Copies of receipts or invoices from your self-employed work

A company registration certificate

• This must be issued by the Institute of Registers and Notaries (IRN)
• This would typically be for those who have registered a company in Portugal

What can I use as Proof of residence regularization request for my NISS request?

As an EU/EEA/Swiss national ✅

• CRUE document;

As a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national ✅

You will need to provide one of these documents:

• Document certifying that you attended the AIMA appointment;
• Portuguese permanent residence permit;
• Proof of residence visa application for citizens of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP);
• Proof of application for the Certificate of Granting Residence Authorization for CPLP citizens;