Last updated: 28 September 2026 · By Haider Shah, accounting technician 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.
Need help with this?
Blocked by a Social Security debt you don’t understand? I can review your account, fix missing declarations and set up a payment plan.
Contact meOfficial sources
- CGD – Declaração de situação contributiva: o que é e como pedir
- Segurança Social – Declaração da situação contributiva
- gov.pt – Pedir declaração da situação contributiva
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.
