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What is the NISS and how do I get a Portuguese social security number?

Re-locant.com · Cosmic Vortex · Updated 2026-07-16 ✓ sourced ✓ Current for 2026

The NISS (Número de Identificação de Segurança Social) is your Portuguese social security number. You need it to work legally, pay social contributions and access benefits. It is separate from your NIF (tax number) and your SNS número de utente (health).

Cost: free.
Where: now requestable online through the Segurança Social portal, or in person at a Social Security office.
What you need (foreigners): an identity document, proof of your work situation, and proof of residence / residence authorisation — all valid and in date.
🆕 New (mid-2026): if you are starting your regularisation at AIMA, from late July 2026 your NISS is assigned automatically, in real time during the AIMA appointment — no separate Social Security visit. This comes from a new AIMA ↔ Segurança Social digital link. If you get your NISS this way, the steps below are only needed when you do not go through AIMA.

How to get it

  • Online (the common route now): fill in the NISS request form on the Segurança Social portal and attach your identification, work-situation and residence documents.
  • Through your employer: if the employer requests it, they must first sign your employment contract and report the working relationship in Segurança Social Direta (SSD).
  • After you apply: you receive a registered letter, and the NISS is then collected in person at a Social Security office with valid ID.

The one-application shortcut

If you already have a Portuguese address, you can request the NIF, NISS and SNS user number together in a single application (via gov.pt) — worth doing to save three separate trips.

⚠️ The exact documents and the online flow keep changing as Segurança Social digitalises the process — confirm the current requirements on seg-social.pt or gov.pt before you apply. General information, not official advice.
Put these dates in your checklistWe email you before each deadline — so you stop holding the dates in your head.

Sources

Segurança Social — NISS (seg-social.pt) gov.pt — pedir NIF, NISS e nº de utente para estrangeiros

Keep reading

NISS: why you cannot get one "just in case" Can I work while I wait for my residence card? Documents to move to Portugal: the complete checklist by stage
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Guidance, not legal or tax advice — verify your case with official sources.