How to get the Portugal NISS

The Portugal NISS number

The Portugal NISS explained

Applicable for foreign nationals who want to work in Portugal. You can only get your NISS if you are working in Portugal and have a job here, or as a self-employed freelancer.

Your employer will get your number for you if you are working for a company, although you will still need to provide them with the documents that they will need (outlined below). You will need to complete the process yourself if you are self-employed.

With the NISS number your future, social security contributions will be paid to the Portuguese government. This is based on the type of the work that you will be carrying out in Portugal. The rates generally applicable are 23.75% for employers and 11% for employees.  

Persons with a citizen’s card do not need to apply for an NISS because this number already appears on the citizen’s card.

Companies also don't need to ask for the NISS. When companies register in the commercial register, the Tax and Customs Authority (AT) communicates it automatically and free of charge to the Social Security authority, and a NISS is assigned to the company. 

Requirements to get your social security numberYou will need to go to the Segurança Social that is closest to yo or hire a representative to do it for you. Complete one of the two social security applications, depending on your employment type and provide the documents listed below.The request for booking shall be done via telephone on the 210 548 888 or 300 088 888. 

To apply for the NISS, you need the following documents:

Civil ID document from the country of origin / passport / residence permit and its copy*.

Personal data (full name, date of birth, nationality, gender, marital status, residence and NIF - if already assigned)

‍Application Mod RV 1006 - 2022 DGSS - Assignment of Social Security Identification Number - Foreign Citizen* If a legal representative is making the request, the copy of the civil identification document of the person for whom you are requesting the NISS must be authenticated.

The Social security identification number (NISS) is an unique identification  number for the social security system and allows access to rights and obligations. With the NISS number your future, social security contributions will be paid to the Portuguese government. This is based on the type of the work that you will be carrying out in Portugal. The rates generally applicable are 23.75% for employers and 11% for employees.  

Persons with a citizen’s card do not need to apply for an NISS because this number already appears on the citizen’s card.

Companies also don't need to ask for the NISS. When companies register in the commercial register, the Tax and Customs Authority (AT) communicates it automatically and free of charge to the Social Security authority, and a NISS is assigned to the company. 

Requirements to get your social security numberYou will need to go to the Segurança Social that is closest to yo or hire a representative to do it for you. Complete one of the two social security applications, depending on your employment type and provide the documents listed below.The request for booking shall be done via telephone on the 210 548 888 or 300 088 888. 

To apply for the NISS, you need the following documents:

Civil ID document from the country of origin / passport / residence permit and its copy*.

Personal data (full name, date of birth, nationality, gender, marital status, residence and NIF - if already assigned)

‍Application Mod RV 1006 - 2022 DGSS - Assignment of Social Security Identification Number - Foreign Citizen* If a legal representative is making the request, the copy of the civil identification document of the person for whom you are requesting the NISS must be authenticated.

* If a legal representative is making the request, the copy of the civil identification document of the person for whom you are requesting the NISS must be authenticated.

Portugal NISS form

‍

How to request the NISS

Deliver the documentation in personat the district headquarters of the Social Security district centersEmployees must complete Form RV1009/2009 (Download Form RV1009/2015 for employees in Portugal (PDF only in Portuguese). This is the document you will need to give to your employer.Self-employed workers must complete Form RV1000/2007 – DGSS (Download Form RV1000/2007 – DGSS for self-employed/freelancers in Portugal (PDF only in Portuguese).

 Documents required to get your social security number

A residence certificate
A copy of the employment contract certified by the hiring company or a self-employed activity/company formation documents

Passport or identification cardPortuguese tax number (Número de Identificação Fiscal – NIF) or national insurance number from home country

Proof of address in Portugal

Form duly completed as per the nature of workNote that you should have all these documents ready to show.

However, it may be that you will not have to present all of them. 

Frequently asked questions about how to get your social security number in Portugal:

1. How do you get a social security number in Portugal?

To get a social security number in Portugal, you must visit the Segurança Social and provide them with the Social Security Application and the necessary documents.Your employer will likely provide you with your social security number. You will just need to provide them with your Social Security application. If you are working in Portugal, you will need to have a social security number.

2. Is it difficult to get a social security number in Portugal?

In January 2020, the Portuguese government made it considerably easier to obtain your social security number.However, make sure that you have all the required documents ready to give to the Segurança Social and have completed the Social Security application. Working in Portugal there can occasionally be a catch-22. This is where you may need to show your contract to get the social security number, and you need your social security number to get a contract. If this happens, simply have your future employer write a formal letter stating that they intend to hire you. However, this should not be the case in most circumstances. Your employee will ask you to fill in the Social Security application and then complete the process themselves. They will then provide you with your social security number.

3. What other paperwork will I need to move to Portugal?

To move to Portugal, alongside the Social Security number, you will need to have a Residence permit and tax number.You can get your tax number from the Tax Office. You should also ensure that you are signed up with your closest healthcare center (Centro de Saúde). 

4. What is social security in Portugal?

The Portuguese Social Security system protects citizens’ fundamental rights and gives fair access to opportunities by providing them with a range of benefits and assistance in the event of a medical emergency, disability, unemployment, parenthood, and other circumstances. Both Portuguese and foreign nationals who make donations in Portugal are covered by the system.

5. What is a Portuguese social security number?

A Portuguese social security number is called a NISS (Número de Identificação de Segurança Social), and you can only obtain one if you are employed in Portugal. Also, you will require this number if you are a freelancer working for yourself.

6. How can a foreigner get a social security number in Portugal?

You need to present a work contract evidencing your tax and other social security payments in Portugal if you want to apply for a Portuguese social security number as a foreign national. However, employers are unable to fill positions as long as workers do not provide the NISS.

7. How do I get a social code for Portugal?

You need to go to the Segurança Social in Portugal and submit the Social Security Application along with the required paperwork to receive a social security code. Your social security code will probably be given to you by your employer. All you have to do is give them your Social Security application. 

‍