Understanding Portugal’s Social Security System
Portugal’s social security system, known as Segurança Social, is designed to provide a safety net for its citizens and residents, ensuring basic rights and protections. It’s financed through contributions from workers and the state budget, and covers a wide range of benefits like retirement pensions, parental leave, unemployment benefits, and healthcare.
What is the NISS?
The Número de Identificação de Segurança Social (NISS), or Social Security Identification Number, is your unique identifier within Portugal’s social security system. It’s similar to the Social Security Number in the United States or the National Insurance Number in the UK.
The NISS is essential for anyone working or living in Portugal, as it allows you to:
- Contribute to the social security system.
- Access social security benefits.
- Receive healthcare services.
- Open bank accounts.
- Rent property.
- Sign contracts.
- File taxes.
Who Needs a NISS?
Obtaining a NISS is crucial for:
- Foreigners living and working in Portugal.
- Portuguese citizens.
- Companies operating in Portugal.
If you’re a student working in Portugal, you’ll also need a NISS. It’s important to note that if you hold a student visa and find employment, you need to inform the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) by presenting your employment contract or proof of business registration.
How to Obtain Your NISS
The process of obtaining your NISS has become much easier with the introduction of an online application system. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Access the Segurança Social Portal: Visit the official website of the Portuguese Social Security.
- Select “Sou Cidadão”: Navigate to the “I am a Citizen” section.
- Choose “Atribuição do Número de Segurança Social (NISS)”: Click on the option for “Social Security Number Allocation.”
- Select “Pedido de NISS – Cidadão Estrangeiro ou Cidadão Nacional sem obrigatoriedade de ter cartão de cidadão”: Choose the option for “NISS Application – Foreign Citizen or National Citizen without a Citizen Card.”
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out the online application form with your personal details, including your name, nationality, date of birth, and other relevant information.
- Attach Identification Documents: Attach a copy of your passport or residence permit, as required.
- Submit Your Application: Submit your completed application form.
Important Note: This application can also be completed by legal representatives or employers on behalf of another person.
Receiving Your NISS
After submitting your application, the Segurança Social will review your request and send you an email notification when your NISS is ready. You can then collect your NISS in person at one of the Segurança Social service centers.
To avoid long queues, it’s recommended to schedule an appointment beforehand. You can do so by calling 210 548 888 or 300 088 888 from 9 am to 6 pm on weekdays.
When collecting your NISS, you’ll need to bring your identification document, preferably the one you submitted with your application.
Required Documents for NISS Application
The following documents are required for obtaining your NISS:
For Individuals:
- Passport, residence permit, or work visa (with a simple copy).
- Citizen Card, residence permit, or another official document from your country of origin (with a simple copy and work visa or authenticated copy if the application is made by a legal representative) for citizens of the European Union, European Economic Area, or Switzerland.
For Employers or Legal Representatives:
- Valid identification document of the representative.
- Proof of representation (original power of attorney) or PA-12 – Declaration of Authorization to Third Parties with a copy of the valid identification document of the person being represented.
- Personal details of the person being represented, including name, nationality, date of birth, place of birth, type and number of identification document, and other relevant information.
If you’re a company applying for a NISS for an employee, you must also notify the Segurança Social Direta of the employment relationship.
Why is the NISS Important for Foreigners?
Having a NISS in Portugal is crucial because it simplifies many procedures. For example, most companies only hire individuals who already possess a NISS.
Furthermore, the NISS grants you access to essential social security benefits, including:
- Retirement pension.
- Unemployment benefits.
- Parental leave benefits.
- Sick leave benefits.
- Healthcare services.
Contributions to the Social Security System
Workers employed by others:
- Contributions are typically 11% of your salary (unless there are specific exceptions).
- Your employer automatically deducts these contributions from your pay.
Self-employed workers (trabalhadores independentes):
- The contribution rate is generally 21.4%.
- The contribution is calculated based on 70% of your income from the previous three months.
- For those selling or producing goods, the contribution rate is based on 20% of their income.
NISS for Employed vs. Self-Employed Workers
Employed workers:
- Your employer is responsible for registering you with the Segurança Social.
- They must notify the Segurança Social of your employment.
- Your employer pays contributions based on your salary and the applicable contribution rate.
Self-employed workers:
- Until recently, self-employed workers had to apply for their NISS directly through the Segurança Social Direta.
- However, new rules implemented in 2022 now automatically assign a NISS after you register your business with the Finanças (Tax Authority).
- The Tax Authority will then notify the Segurança Social, who will assign a NISS and inform you of your status.
- Even if you’re exempt from paying contributions, you’re still considered self-employed and will need to pay contributions once you’re no longer exempt.
Is Obtaining a NISS Mandatory?
Yes, it is mandatory to have a NISS in Portugal, both for employed and self-employed workers.
- Employed workers must have a NISS to sign their employment contract and contribute to the social security system.
- Self-employed workers must contribute to the social security system to be eligible for benefits, even if they’re exempt from paying contributions initially.
Retirement in Portugal
The retirement age in Portugal is 66 years and 4 months (as of 2023 and 2024) for both men and women, according to Portaria n.º 292/2022.
The minimum contribution period is 15 years with registered earnings and 144 months of registered earnings for those in the voluntary social insurance scheme.
In some cases, it’s possible to receive a retirement pension before the minimum age, including:
- Long-term unemployment.
- Flexible age regime.
- Very long careers.
- Certain professions.
Portugal-Brazil Social Security Agreement
Portugal and Brazil have a Social Security Agreement, which grants equal rights to Brazilians and Portuguese citizens who have contributed to the social security systems in both countries.
This agreement allows you to combine your years of work and contributions in both countries. For example, your time working in Brazil can be added to your time working in Portugal, and vice versa.
Workers from both countries also have access to public healthcare in the other country, through the PB4 program.
Contacting the Segurança Social
If you already have a NISS, you can manage your social security affairs through the Segurança Social Direta in your personal area or seek answers to your questions on the Segurança Social website.
The Segurança Social also offers a video consultation service (with prior appointment through the Siga platform).
For in-person services, you can visit a Segurança Social service center near you. Contact details for service centers are available on the website.
NISS vs. NIF
Many people confuse the NISS with the Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF), or Tax Identification Number, in Portugal.
The NIF is your taxpayer identification number and is equivalent to the CPF in Brazil, the SSN in the US, the NINO in the UK, and the IdNr in Germany. It’s essential for various activities, including:
- Renting property.
- Connecting utilities (electricity, water, etc.).
- Opening a bank account.
The NIF is issued by the Finanças (Tax Authority) and should be obtained as soon as you arrive in Portugal. If you need to obtain your NIF while still in your home country, you can use services like Migrun, Anchorless, e-residence, Bordr, which are secure and legal platforms that can process your application in a few minutes.
📝 Read more: How to Issue Green Receipts (Recibos Verdes) in Portugal for Freelancers
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay for the NISS in Portugal?
The NISS is free to obtain. However, once you become a self-employed or employed worker in Portugal, you must pay contributions according to the applicable regime.
How long does it take to obtain a NISS in Portugal?
There’s no fixed timeframe for obtaining a NISS. After submitting your application, you must wait for the Segurança Social to process your request.
Bottom Line
Navigating Portugal’s social security system, particularly obtaining your NISS, is a crucial step for expats and remote workers. By understanding the process and the benefits it provides, you can ensure a smooth transition and secure your rights and protections while living and working in Portugal.
Footnotes
- Segurança Social. (No specific publication date). Atribuição de Número de Identificação de Segurança Social (NISS).
- Pedro, S. (2022, November 21). NISS: o que é, para que serve e como obter? Simulador líder de Crédito e Telecomunicações | ComparaJá.pt.
- ePortugal. (n.d.). Pedir o Número de Identificação da Segurança Social (NISS). Retrieved from ePortugal.gov.pt.
- Diário da República. (2022, December 9). Portaria n.º 292/2022: Determines the normal age of access to the old-age pension in 2024. Read the Portaria
