One of the most important steps when obtaining residency in Portugal is applying for a social security number. Officially known as the Número de Identificação da Segurança Social (NISS), this unique 11-digit identifier allows you to access social security benefits in Portugal (and throughout the European Economic Area) through social security contributions.
Both residents and expats need a NISS to pay social security contributions and qualify for pensions, healthcare, and unemployment benefits.
In this article, we'll outline how to get a Social Security Identification Number in Portugal and provide some essential information about the country's social security system.
Here's what we'll cover:
Who needs a NISS number in Portugal?
In Portugal, anyone who works, pays taxes, or contributes to social security needs a NISS. Even foreign nationals with visas for job search, study, or temporary work may need a NISS. This includes:
- Employees, to register for social security contributions by employers.
- Self-employed individuals (freelancers, entrepreneurs, independent service providers) must pay social security contributions on their own.
- Foreign residents applying for residency permits, such as those on the D2 Entrepreneur Visa or Digital Nomad Visa, to access public healthcare, pension rights, and comply with Portuguese residency requirements.
For example, non-EU citizens applying for the D2 Visa are explicitly required to secure a NIF (Taxpayer ID) and open a Portuguese bank account. However, after residency is granted, obtaining a NISS number becomes essential to contribute to social security and access public services.
On the other hand, if you are retired or don’t plan on working, you may not need a Portugal NISS number. So, whether or not you need a NISS in Portugal depends on your employment status.
How to Get a Social Security Identification Number (NISS) in Portugal
You can request a Social Security Identification Number if you have paid at least six months of tax contributions to the state and have a valid residence and work permit.
You can visit your nearest social security office, known in Portugal as a “Segurança Social”, fill out one of the two social security applications based on your employment status, and present the necessary documents specified below.
- If you are employed, you must fill out this application form and give it to your employer. Form RV1009/2009 (Download Form RV1009/2015 for employees in Portugal, PDF only in Portuguese).
- If you are a self-employed freelancer, you must complete Form RV1000/2007 – DGSS (Download Form RV1000/2007 – DGSS for self-employed/freelancers in Portugal, PDF only in Portuguese).
Required documents
You will have to provide all the following documents for your NISS, along with a Social Security application form:
- ID document or other civil identification document (a valid passport or citizen card original document)
- Your NIF (Portugal tax identification number)
- A valid work and residence permit (i.e., a Schengen Visa)
- Documents that provide more information about your work and earnings, such as an employment contract or a company formation document
Suppose a legal representative or an employer is making the request. In that case, you must authorize the legal representative to apply for the allocation of a Social Security Identification Number (NISS) and act on your behalf within the European Union.
The legal representative will have to show their identification document (Passport, residence permit, or other civil identification document of the country of origin) and an authenticated copy of the civil identification document of the person for whom they are requesting the NISS.
Applying for a Social Security Identification Number Online
If you prefer to apply online, you can do so on the Social Security website. Click on "Citizen" and then "Registration" to start the process. You'll need to provide the following information in a single PDF file, which you'll upload:
- A document attesting to your employment status, such as an employment contract or copy of the document attesting the self-employment activity beginning, and a copy of the receipts/invoices, or
- company registration certificate issued by the Institute of Registries and Notary (IRN)
Foreign citizens from a third country must attach a document attesting that they have applied for:
- Residence Permit/Authorisation (Temporary or Permanent);
- Residence visa for citizens of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP)
- Residence Permit Certificate for citizens of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP).
Once you have obtained your NISS, you will be able to access social security services through the social security system, make social security payments, and receive various benefits. After the Portuguese social security department approves your application, there can be a long waiting time before you receive a formal letter stating your social security number.
How much do social security contributions cost in Portugal?
While your social security contribution is generally around 11 percent if you are employed, it is paid according to your registered type of employment in Portugal. Your employers are responsible for paying the remaining 34.75 percent. Employers are required to apply for their employees' social security numbers and submit payments to the Portuguese government based on their primary income.
Legal persons, including employees, business owners, and self-employed individuals, are required to pay taxes to the government depending on their monthly income. Company owners only get their social security number after they register a company in Portugal on the tax authority's website, known as the Finanças. Self-employed individuals are required to pay 21 percent of their quarterly revenue to the Portuguese social security system.
Every time an employer issues a work contract and onboards a new employee, the employer is responsible for applying for the new employee’s social security number. The employer must also begin making payments to the Portuguese government based on the employee’s income.
Social Security Number Portugal: Benefits Explained
The social security system is designed to provide financial support for the benefit of individuals and families who find themselves in need due to old age, disability, illness, unemployment, work-related accidents, or other situations. To be eligible for benefits, parties need to have paid contributions in the country for a certain period.
According to Portuguese law, social security benefits in Portugal are available to Portuguese nationals, legal residents of Portugal, and qualifying European Union nationals, as well as spouses and dependents. For those who do not meet the minimum income standards, a non-contributory program is also available.
Public healthcare in Portugal
Once you have a legal European Union residence permit and your security identification number (NISS) and start paying social security contributions, you will have access to the Portuguese public healthcare system, Serviço Nacional de Saúde, or SNS for short.
Healthcare in Portugal is free of charge for children under 18 and people over 65. For other patients, basic medical expenses are covered or generously subsidized. Portugal's healthcare quality is very good, ranking 25th in the 2023 Health Care Index by Numbeo.
Maternity and paternity leave in Portugal
Expectant parents in Portugal are entitled to both maternity and paternity leave. Mothers can take up to 120 days off work before and after the birth date of their child, with the option to extend it to 150 days if they choose to breastfeed.
During this period, they will receive 100 percent of their salary from social security. Fathers are entitled to 20 days of paternity leave, which can be taken within the first five months after the birth date of their child. During this period, they will also receive 100 percent of their salary from social security.
Unemployment benefits in Portugal
The Portuguese system offers unemployment benefits to those who have lost their jobs involuntarily. The number of benefits you will receive will depend on your previous income and your length of service.
You will need to have paid contributions for at least 12 months in the 24 months before losing your job to qualify for unemployment benefits. The duration of the benefits will also depend on your length of service.
Who we are and how we can help you
To request your NISS and get set up on the country's social security system, you need a NIF (a Portuguese taxpayer identification number). You need a NIF to sign a work contract in Portugal and to get set up on the Portuguese tax system. It’s the most important document you’ll need during your time in Portugal.
We can help you with the creation of your NIF with speed and ease. Simply fill out an online form and submit a civil identification document to have a NIF straight to your inbox within two to three weeks. Once you have submitted your required documentation and signed your power of attorney, we liaise with the Portuguese tax and customs authority on your behalf and act as your legal representative. If you're a non-EU/EEA national, it is mandatory for foreign citizens to have an attorney acting as a tax or legal representative to get a NIF.
Furthermore, if you’re working in Portugal, you’ll need a Portuguese bank account. We can also help you set up a Portuguese bank account with ease. Simply get in touch and we can get you set up with one of Portugal’s leading banks.
Once you have your NIF, bank account, and job - you’re in an excellent position to get a security identification number (NISS).
Frequently Asked Questions about the Social Security Number in Portugal
Does Portugal have a Social Security Number?
Yes, Portugal has a Social Security Number, officially known as the Número de Identificação de Segurança Social. It's essential for anyone working in Portugal, including those in self-employment.
What is the format of a Portuguese Social Security Number?
The Social Security Number format is a unique number assigned to individuals for tracking their paid social security contributions and ensuring they are part of the social security systems in Portugal.
How do you get a Social Security Number in Portugal?
To get a Social Security Number in Portugal, visit a local social security administration office (Instituto da Segurança Social) with the necessary documents, such as a citizen card or passport. You can also apply for a Social Security Number online.
How can I check my Social Security status in Portugal?
You can check your social security status in Portugal by using the Social Security Number login portal or calling the Segurança Social contact numbers for inquiries about unemployment benefits, family benefits, or your contribution status. You can make an appointment by calling 210 548 888 or 300 088 888.
How can I get a Portuguese NISS number?
If you are working in Portugal, your employer will usually handle the process to provide you with a Social Security Identification Number. For self-employed individuals, you must apply personally at a social security administration office.
Can I apply for a NISS online through the Social Security portal?
Yes, you can apply for a NISS online through the Social Security portal, especially beneficial for foreign nationals and those from the European Union.
Who is eligible to apply for a Social Security Identification Number (NISS) in Portugal?
Eligibility to apply for a NISS in Portugal includes foreign citizens with residence authorization, Portuguese citizens, legal persons, and employers. The NISS is also automatically assigned to individuals with a citizen card or a Portuguese taxpayer number.
Can foreign nationals get a NISS in Portugal?
Yes, foreign citizens working in Portugal, including those from the Federative Republic of Brazil, can obtain an NISS number. For those in self-employment, an appointment with Segurança Social is necessary to get a Social Security Identification Number, where they will provide an identification document and possibly an expiry date for their work permit.
Do companies need to apply for a social security number in Portugal?
Companies don't need to ask for the Social Security Number in Portugal. When companies register in the commercial register, the Tax and Customs Authority (AT) communicates it automatically to the Social Security authority, and a NISS is assigned to the company.
What is the National Insurance Number in Portugal?
The NIF is the equivalent of a National Insurance number in Portugal. Or, in the US – your Social Security Number. However, your Portuguese NIF has a much broader application than the American social security number.
What is the price to apply for a Social Security Identification Number (NISS)?
Applying for a NISS is free, whether in person or online.
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