Social Security “No Debt” Certificate in Portugal: How to Get It Online

Last updated: 28 September 2026 · By Link in Portugal

The declaração de situação contributiva is Social Security’s official statement saying whether you have any debts. People usually call it the “no debt certificate”. It is often requested for residence permit renewals, public tenders, subsidies and some contracts.

Quick facts

Cost: free
Valid for 4 months
Available online in minutes, if your situation is regular

How to get it online

Log in to Segurança Social Direta with your NISS and password (see how to get your password).
Go to Conta-corrente → Situação contributiva.
Choose Obter declaração de situação contributiva.
Download the PDF, or receive it by email.

Or give permission instead of paper

In the same area you can authorise public entities to consult your situation directly, so you don’t need to deliver the document. The entity only sees whether your situation is regular or not.

The Finanças certificate is different

Some processes also ask for the Finanças certificate (certidão de dívida e não dívida). You get that one on Portal das Finanças under Certidões. It is also free and quick.

If it says you have debts

Check the debt details in Conta-corrente. Often it’s a missing quarterly declaration or an unpaid month as self-employed.
Pay the debt, or ask for a payment plan (plano prestacional). With an approved and fulfilled plan, your situation can be considered regular.
If the debt is wrong, submit a complaint through Segurança Social Direta or at a service desk.

Self-employed workers: missing even one quarterly declaration can create debts and block this certificate. See recibos verdes and Social Security.

Want a professional to check your case?

For advice on your own situation, speak to a certified accountant (contabilista certificado), a lawyer, or the official service. Questions or corrections about this guide? Contact Link in Portugal.

Official sources

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.