How to Get a NISS (Social Security) Number in Portugal

You’ve probably already dealt with getting your NIF (tax number). Now you’re hearing about the NISS – and wondering why you need yet another number.

Here’s the thing: the NISS used to be straightforward. If you worked for a Portuguese company, you needed one. If you didn’t work, you probably didn’t. But the rules have changed, and now many visa applicants and residents are being asked for a NISS in situations that seem confusing.

Want to get your hands on one? Portugalist has been helping people navigate the labyrinth of Portuguese bureaucracy since 2016. And during that time, we’ve helped plenty of expats get their hands on this NISS number. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the NISS, when you’ll need one, and your options for getting one.

What is a NISS?

N.I.S.S. stands for Número de Identificação da Segurança Social – your Portuguese social security identification number. It’s an 11-digit number issued by the Portuguese Social Security Institute (Segurança Social). Like the NIF number, it does not expire.

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Originally designed for workers making social security contributions, the NISS gives you access to:

• Healthcare services
• Pension benefits
• Unemployment support
• Other social security programs

When Do You Need a NISS?

As mentioned, previously you only needed a NISS if you were working in Portugal. However, it is being asked for in more and more situations.

When starting work:

• Working for a Portuguese employer: When starting work for a Portuguese employer, you will normally need a NISS number for payroll purposes. This applies regardless of whether you moved here as an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen or on a work visa like the D1 or D3. In some cases, your employer will request the NISS for you (which is much easier than you going to a Segurança Social office).
• Freelancing: You will normally need a NISS number when freelancing in Portugal in order to make social security contributions. You will typically need to request the NISS yourself.
• Students: If a student is working or doing an internship, they may be asked to provide a NISS number.

Visa applications:

• Digital Nomad Visa (D8): Increasingly, those applying for a Digital Nomad Visa are asked for this during the visa application.

For renewals:

• Visa Renewals: AIMA (Portuguese Immigration Agency) may request a NISS as part of your renewal documentation, even if you don’t work in Portugal (e.g., you’re a retiree on the D7 visa) and even if it was never originally asked for

For healthcare registration:

• Some people report being asked for a NISS when registering with their local centro de saúde (healthcare center), even if they don’t work

Enrolling children in school:

• You may be asked for a NISS number when enrolling your children into school.

The confusion: Many people who entered on non-working visas (like the D7) weren’t originally required to have a NISS. Now they’re being asked for one at renewal time, despite not making social security contributions. While this seems contradictory and confusing, it’s becoming standard practice.

How to Get Your NISS: Three Options

Option 1: Use a Lawyer or Relocation Service (Easiest)

If you’re applying for a visa from outside Portugal (e.g., a Digital Nomad Visa) or want the simplest path, consider:

Immigration lawyers: If you’re working with a lawyer for your visa application (e.g., Digital Nomad Visa), they can handle your NISS application along with your NIF, bank account, and everything else you need.

Online relocation services: Companies like E-Residence and Visas.pt specialize in helping foreign residents obtain Portuguese documentation remotely. They allow you to purchase services on a one-off basis.

Option 2: Apply in Person at Segurança Social (If You’re Working)

If you have a Portuguese work contract, you can apply directly at a Segurança Social office.

What you’ll need:

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• Valid passport or EU ID card
• NIF (tax number)
• Portuguese work contract or proof of employment. Or if self employed, proof of Registration of activity (Início de Atividade)
• Proof of residence in Portugal
  • EU: CRUE (Certificado do Registo de Cidadão da UE)
  • Non-EU: Portuguese residence permit or receipt of residence application

Employee? Read about this catch-22

Many newcomers find themselves in a tricky situation: Their employer asks for a NISS to provide a work contract, but when they go to the Segurança Social office to get a NISS, they’re asked for a work contract.

Fortunately, many Portuguese companies are familiar with this issue and have developed a workaround. Instead of a full work contract, they can provide a “letter of intention to offer a work contract.” This document often satisfies the Segurança Social office, allowing them to issue your NISS.

Option 3: Apply at Designated Espaço Cidadão Offices (For Non-Workers)

This is the option for people who aren’t working but need a NISS for renewals or other purposes.

Important: Only specific Lojas de Cidadão and Espaço Cidadão locations are authorized to issue NISS numbers to foreign residents without work contracts. These offices have staff trained to handle AIMA-related documentation.

Authorized locations (as of October 2025):

Braga:

• Espaço Cidadão de Braga – Município

Faro:

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• Espaço Cidadão de Lagos
• Espaço Cidadão de Olhão

Lisbon Area:

• Espaço Cidadão da Loja de Cidadão de Cascais
• Espaço Cidadão da Loja de Cidadão do Saldanha
• Espaço Cidadão da Loja de Cidadão das Laranjeiras
• Espaço Cidadão de Loures – LoureShopping
• Espaço Cidadão Nova SBE – Citizen Lab
• Espaço Cidadão de Oeiras Parque

Porto:

• Espaço Cidadão da União das Freguesias de Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau e Vitória (by appointment only – call 226 052 740 between 9am-5pm)
• Espaço Cidadão Pólo Zero – Federação Académica do Porto

Setúbal:

• Espaço Cidadão da Loja de Cidadão de Setúbal

See here for the original page

Documents You’ll Need

Bring the following to your appointment:

• Passport (valid)
• Residence card (or proof of pending residence permit)
• NIF (tax identification number)
• Proof of address (recent utility bill, rental contract, or official correspondence)
• Letter from AIMA (if they’ve specifically requested you obtain a NISS – not always required)

Pro tip: Bring copies of everything in addition to originals.

Practical Tips for In-Person Applications

Getting a NISS in person can be challenging. Here’s how to improve your chances:

• Arrive very early: These offices have limited daily capacity. Many people report lining up 30-90 minutes before opening.
• Be patient: Processing can take time, and offices get crowded. Bring water and something to read.
• Be prepared for different answers: Unfortunately, different staff members sometimes give different information. If you’re told no at one office, you might get a yes at another authorized location.
• Language: Having some Portuguese language skills helps, but many offices have staff who speak English. Consider bringing a Portuguese-speaking friend if you’re not confident.
• Have all documents ready: Missing documents mean another trip. Double-check the list above.

Common Questions

Do I need to make social security contributions if I get a NISS? Not necessarily. Having a NISS doesn’t automatically mean you must make contributions. Your contribution requirements depend on your visa type and whether you’re employed in Portugal.

Can I apply for a NISS before arriving in Portugal? Not through official channels, but some relocation services can facilitate this process (both relocation lawyers and the relocation services mentioned above).

Is the NISS the same as my tax number (NIF)? No. The NIF is for tax purposes, while the NISS is for social security. They’re different numbers used for different systems.

Final Thoughts

The NISS requirements are evolving, and what worked for someone a year ago might not apply now. While this can be frustrating, understanding your options helps you plan accordingly.

Portuguese bureaucracy can be daunting, but thousands of people successfully navigate it every year. You’ve got this (and we’re here to help)!