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NISS Portugal 2026: How to Get Your Social Security Number
What is the NISS?
The NISS (Número de Identificação da Segurança Social — social security number) is the 11-digit number that identifies each person in the Portuguese social security system (Segurança Social). With it:
- your employer declares your salary and pays the contributions (the “descontos”);
- you can work on recibos verdes (as a self-employed worker — see the recibos verdes guide);
- you can receive benefits such as sick pay (subsídio de doença) (in Portuguese), unemployment benefit or child benefit (abono de família);
- you can log in to Segurança Social Direta, the online portal.
Do not confuse it with the NIF (tax number, from Finanças — see how to get a NIF) or with the utente number of the SNS (national health service). They are three different numbers, and most immigrants need all three.
Who needs to apply for a NISS in Portugal?
| Situation | Do you need to apply? |
|---|---|
| Portuguese citizen with Cartão de Cidadão | No — the NISS is already on the card |
| Foreigner who will work for an employer | Yes (or the employer applies for you) |
| Foreigner who will start self-employed activity (recibos verdes) | Yes |
| Portuguese citizen not required to have a Cartão de Cidadão | Yes, with the same form |
| Foreigner with an address in Portugal who wants NIF + NISS + utente number | Can use the single application on gov.pt |
How to apply for a NISS online
You apply with the form “Pedido de NISS – Cidadão Estrangeiro” (NISS application – foreign citizen) on the Segurança Social website (menu Sou Cidadão). Steps:
- Gather and scan the documents (list in the next section) — they must be valid.
- Go to the Segurança Social website (seg-social.pt) and open the NISS application form for foreign citizens.
- Fill in your personal details and your address in Portugal — this is where the letter will be sent.
- Attach the scanned documents and submit.
- Wait for the registered letter. The letter says the NISS can be collected at a Segurança Social service desk.
- Book an appointment (SIGA platform, SigaApp or the booking line 210 548 888 / 300 088 888, working days from 9am to 6pm) and collect the number with your identity document.
gov.pt does not say whether the form requires login with Chave Móvel Digital or another method; follow the instructions that appear when you open the form on the Segurança Social website.
The number can be collected by you, by a lawyer with a power of attorney, or by another person with an original power of attorney or the PA-12 declaration (Declaração de Autorização a Terceiros — authorisation for third parties).
Single application: NIF, NISS and utente number at once
According to gov.pt, foreigners with an address in Portugal can apply for all three numbers at once, through a dedicated service. The requirements and the login method are described in the official gov.pt guide.
What documents do I need?
1. Identity document (scanned and valid):
- EU, EEA or Switzerland: identity document from your home country, passport or residence card;
- Other countries (e.g. India, Nepal, Brazil): passport, work visa and/or residence permit (temporary or permanent);
- International protection: for example a Provisional Residence Permit (Autorização de Residência Provisória) or its receipt.
2. Proof of your work situation: employment contract, proof of start of self-employed activity, company registration certificate or another accepted document.
3. Proof of residence permit: or the receipt of your residence permit application, or of a CPLP visa.
If a representative applies, also attach their identity document and the original power of attorney or the PA-12.
How to apply in person
gov.pt describes the online application, with in-person collection at a Segurança Social service desk. If you cannot apply online, ask the Segurança Social helpline (210 545 400 / 300 502 502) whether the desk in your area accepts in-person applications, and book through SIGA or the booking line. Bring the original documents.
Can my employer apply for the NISS for me?
Yes. The employer can apply as your legal representative (original power of attorney or PA-12) and must register the employment relationship on Segurança Social Direta. According to AIMA, the NISS does not have to appear in the employment contract, so the contract can be signed before you have the number.
Common problems and how to fix them
“I sent the form and got no answer.” Check that the address on the form was complete (floor, postcode). You can check the status of your application with Segurança Social (helpline 210 545 400 / 300 502 502).
“The letter arrived but I can’t get an appointment to collect the number.” Try the SigaApp at different times or the booking line. If you cannot go, a representative with a PA-12 can collect it for you.
“I have a NISS but can’t log in to Segurança Social Direta.” The verification code is only sent if your contacts (email, mobile phone or address) are up to date in the system. See the Segurança Social Direta guide.
Residence permit renewal blocked (AIMA) There are reports of renewals at AIMA (the immigration agency) that do not move forward when the NISS is not linked to the case, or when the address at Segurança Social does not match the one given to AIMA and Finanças. The exact rules should be confirmed through AIMA’s official channels. To be safe:
- Log in to Segurança Social Direta and check that your address is correct and the same as at Finanças and AIMA.
- If you do not have a NISS yet, apply for it before starting the renewal.
- If you see a message like “situação AT/SS em revisão” (tax/social security situation under review), contact AIMA through the official channels and keep proof.
More details in the guides on residence permit renewal at AIMA and residence permit in Portugal.
Beware of scams: Segurança Social does not ask for bank details or access codes through links in SMS or email. Be suspicious of “services” that promise a NISS in 24 hours for a fee.
Frequently asked questions
Does it cost money to get a NISS?
No. Applying for a NISS at Segurança Social is free. You only pay if you hire a middleman (lawyer, accountant or agency) to apply for you.
Do I need a work contract to apply for a NISS?
As a rule you need proof of your work situation: employment contract, start of self-employed activity, company registration certificate or another accepted document. The employer can sign the contract before the worker has a NISS.
Can my employer apply for the NISS for me?
Yes. The employer can apply as your representative, with an original power of attorney or the PA-12 declaration, and must register the employment relationship on Segurança Social Direta.
How do I find my NISS if I already have one?
The NISS appears on the Cartão de Cidadão (for Portuguese citizens), on the letter you received when you applied, on payslips and on Segurança Social Direta. You can also ask at a Segurança Social desk with your identity document.
How long does it take to get a NISS?
Segurança Social does not publish a fixed deadline. After approval, you receive a registered letter at the address given in the form, with instructions to collect the number.