NISS Portugal
Health in Portugal
Brenda L.
08 may 2024 • 5 min read
Index
Get Your NISS Now!
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Ever heard of 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.
Make sure you take your time reading this feature, as we fully dive into the NISS universe and 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. 💪
Seguranca Socia - Entite delivering the NISS in Portugal
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The need for the NISS really depends on your intentions in Portugal.
For the following subjects, a NISS Portugal is required:
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.
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!
To get a Portuguese NISS, 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. 😊
UPDATE SUMMER 2024: Since summer 2024, the Portuguese government has added a large number of conditions for obtaining the NISS.
To request a NISS, you'll need to provide as an EU/EEA/Swiss national:
To request a NISS as a foreigner, you'll need just to provide:
An employment contract
For self-employed individuals:
A company registration certificate
You will need to provide one of these documents:
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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 (during COVID), the government relaxed the granting of NISS, and now anyone with the proper documents, as well as a great deal of patience, can request it directly from the office.
Yes, you can!
You can either fill out an online form or visit your local Social Security 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.
Information:
Said form can be found here.
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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 2 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!
Information:
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. 💸
Attention:
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 300€ 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!
Get help with your NISS application with AnchorLess 🇵🇹
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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.
Our service ranges at 129€, you only need to provide your ID 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 a few weeks you'll receive your NISS number and password at your inbox 📨!
Simple, quick, and no stress at all.
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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:
Exemple of a NISS in Portugal
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!
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.
Seguranca Socia Direta Logo
Information:
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:
Information:
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! 🥵
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'.
However, you'll need to present your NISS when requesting a 'Utente' (user) number. 🏥
'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:
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 👋
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