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

Last updated: 2 October 2026 · By Link in Portugal

The NISS (Número de Identificação da Segurança Social) is your Social Security number in Portugal. Your employer needs it to register you and pay your contributions. You need it to receive benefits such as sick pay, unemployment and child benefit, and to build up your pension. It is also usually required in residence permit processes.

Asking for a NISS is free, according to gov.pt.

Who can request the NISS

• You, online. In person only through the joint NIF + NISS + SNS request at some Espaços Cidadão (see Option 2)
• Your employer, which is common when you start a job
• A representative with a power of attorney (procuração) or a third-party authorisation declaration

Documents you need

Social Security generally asks foreign citizens for three kinds of document:

1. Identification: a valid passport or ID card
2. Proof of your work situation: for example an employment contract, a promise of contract, or proof that you opened activity as self-employed
3. Proof of your right to stay: residence card, visa, or proof of your pending residence process (this varies with your nationality and status)

Your NIF is asked for if you already have one, and you must give it if you are self-employed. Documents must be clear, valid, scanned copies (PNG, JPG or PDF, up to 3 MB per file).

Option 1: Request online

Social Security’s practical guide says a NISS request on its own is made only online, with the form on the Social Security portal. The path is Ajuda, then Número de Identificação de Segurança Social (NISS), then Atribuição de NISS and Pedido do NISS (direct link to the form).

1. Open the NISS request form for foreign citizens on seg-social.pt.
2. Confirm your email address with the code Social Security sends you. Then choose the reason for the request (for example, work for an employer or self-employed work) and upload proof, such as your work contract.
3. Fill in your personal details exactly as in your passport, upload your identification document, and add your address and mobile number.
4. Submit the request and write down the request ID shown on screen.
5. To follow your request, go to Ajuda, then Número de Identificação de Segurança Social (NISS), then Consulta do pedido de NISS, and enter the request ID, the email you used and your date of birth. To download your NISS proof there, you must pass a biometric check. If that does not work, you can get it through a video appointment, booked by phone or at a Social Security service desk.

Option 2: In person, together with your NIF and SNS number

You cannot ask for a NISS on its own at a Social Security service desk: Social Security’s guide says that request is made only online. The only in-person route is the joint request for the NIF, the NISS and the SNS user number at the same time, at some Espaços Cidadão (gov.pt lists 12 at the moment). You can use it if you have a Portuguese address and no Portuguese Citizen Card, and you have asked for or hold a residence permit, are an EU citizen, or have asked for or hold international protection. You log in with Chave Móvel Digital linked to your passport (you can create it there with your passport) or with the European login (eIDAS). gov.pt says this service is free. See the gov.pt page for the list of places.

After you get your NISS

1. Give it to your employer so they can register you and pay contributions.
2. Request your Segurança Social Direta password on the Social Security portal. It is separate from your Finanças password.
3. Check your record: address, IBAN and whether your employer is paying contributions.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the NISS cost?

Nothing. The NISS is free.

Can my employer request it for me?

Yes. Employers often do this when you start work.

I already had a NISS years ago. Do I need a new one?

No. The NISS is for life. Ask Social Security to recover it instead of requesting a new one.

Do I need a NISS if I’m self-employed?

Yes. Opening activity at Finanças registers you with Social Security, but you still need your NISS to access Segurança Social Direta and submit your declarations. See recibos verdes and Social Security.

Official sources

• Segurança Social – Practical guide 1010 “Pedido de NISS – Cidadãos Estrangeiros” (version 1.18)
• Segurança Social – NISS request form
• gov.pt – How to request NIF and NISS for foreign citizens
• gov.pt – NIF, NISS and SNS number together for foreign citizens (Espaços Cidadão)
• gov.pt – Foreign citizens can now request and obtain the NISS online (13/08/2025)

This guide is general information, checked against official sources on 28 September 2026. Rules and portals in Portugal change often, so confirm the current rules with the official source before you act. It is not legal advice.