Many remote workers and freelancers moving to Portugal face a hidden problem: the NISS. This social security number is critical, but getting it can be confusing. Without it, your AIMA residence permit appointment can be rejected, stalling your legal status. This guide cuts through the noise, giving you clear steps and solutions for 2025.
What is the NISS and why is it important?
The NISS, or Número de Identificação da Segurança Social, is your Portuguese social security identification number. It is an 11 digit number. You need it to access public healthcare, contribute to social security, and receive benefits like pensions.
More importantly, the NISS is now a mandatory document for your AIMA residence permit appointment. Starting April 28, 2025, AIMA only accepts complete applications. If your NISS is missing, your application will be rejected, and you will need to rebook. This means more waiting and more stress.
The NISS is different from your NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal), which is your tax identification number. You need your NIF before you can apply for your NISS.
Who needs a NISS in Portugal?
Anyone planning to live and work in Portugal long term needs a NISS. This includes:
- Trabalhadores empregados: Your employer will often help with the process.
- Freelancers and independent contractors: You need it to register your activity and make social security contributions.
- Digital nomads: Even if your income comes from outside Portugal, you need a NISS for your residence permit and to access local services.
- EU/EEA citizens: While you do not need a visa, you still need a NISS to integrate into the Portuguese social security system.
- Non-EU citizens: It is a critical requirement for your AIMA residence permit.
The NISS application process in 2025: Step by step
The NISS application is free (gratuito) and primarily done online.
- Gather your documents:
- Valid passport or EU identification card.
- Your Portuguese NIF (tax number).
- Proof of address in Portugal (rental contract, utility bill).
- Crucially, proof of employment or activity: This is where many people get stuck.
- For employed individuals: An employment contract (contrato de trabalho).
- For freelancers/self employed: A copy of your Finanças activity registration (início de atividade) and copies of invoices (recibos/faturas).
- For digital nomads: A contract with your foreign employer (contrato de trabalho com EE estrangeira).
- Proof of your residence regularization application (e.g., AIMA appointment confirmation, visa documentation, or proof of residence permit application).
- Access the Segurança Social website: Go to the Social Security portal (seg-social.pt). Look for the section to request a NISS for foreign citizens or national citizens without a Citizen Card (Pedido de NISS – Cidadão Estrangeiro ou Cidadão Nacional sem obrigatoriedade de ter Cartão de Cidadão).
- Fill out the online form: Provide your personal details, NIF, and address. You will need to upload your documents as a single PDF file (maximum 5MB). Ensure the file name does not have special characters.
- Submit your application: After submission, you should receive an email confirmation.
Common NISS application problems and how to fix them
Many applicants, especially non-EU citizens, face rejections or technical issues.
- “Não foi possível completar a sua solicitação, tente novamente” (Unable to complete your request, try again): This is a common system error. Users report needing to try submitting 30 to 50 times. Try disabling ad blockers, using different browsers, or submitting at different times of the day.
- Rejections due to missing or incorrect documents: Double check every document. Ensure your employment or activity proof is clear and matches the requirements. If you are a freelancer, make sure your Finanças activity is already open.
- The “chicken and egg” problem: You need NISS for AIMA, but sometimes you need an employment contract for NISS, which can be hard to get without a residence permit.
- Clarification: As of December 2024, Social Security clarified that companies can hire foreign workers without a NISS. The employment contract is a prerequisite for NISS assignment. This means you can get an employment contract first, then apply for NISS, and then your employer registers you after NISS issuance.
- Para freelancers: You can register your activity with Finanças first, then use that as proof for your NISS application.
- Language barriers at physical offices: If you need to visit a Segurança Social office, prepare your questions and answers translated into Portuguese. Bring all documents in triplicate.
- Multiple rejections: If you keep getting rejected, keep all rejection emails. Some AIMA offices have accepted these emails as proof of your attempt to obtain the NISS, allowing you to proceed with your AIMA appointment while you continue to resolve the NISS issue.
NISS and your AIMA appointment: Critical 2025 update
The NISS is now a mandatory document for your AIMA residence permit application. This is a significant change from previous years.
- Complete application rule: Starting April 28, 2025, AIMA will automatically reject applications that are missing even one required document.
- No partial processing: AIMA will not accept incomplete files. You will have to rebook your appointment and wait again.
- Withholding residence card: Some AIMA offices may allow you to proceed with your appointment but will withhold your physical residence card until you provide proof of your NISS. You may be given a 10 day deadline to submit the NISS.
This means you must prioritize getting your NISS before your AIMA appointment.
Not sure where you stand with your NISS or AIMA documents? Run a free Portugal Setup Check aqui. Demora 2 minutos.
NISS for freelancers: What you need to know
If you are setting up as a freelancer, your NISS is essential for social security contributions.
- 12 month exemption: New freelancers are exempt from social security contributions for the first 12 months after registering their activity. This provides financial relief during your first year.
- Registration sequence: It is generally recommended to get your NIF, then open your Portuguese bank account, then register your freelancer activity with Finanças, and then apply for your NISS. This sequence ensures you have the necessary documents for each step.
- Overstayers and pending visa applicants: While it is technically possible to register freelance income without full legal status, this creates significant legal and immigration risks. It can lead to fines, deportation, and future visa denials. It is always best to secure your legal residence status before engaging in work.
How long does it take to get a NISS?
The processing time for a NISS can vary. You might receive a response (either approval or rejection) within 2 to 14 days. However, due to system issues and high demand, multiple rejections are common, extending the overall process.
Once your NISS is approved, you will receive a formal letter stating that you can collect your NISS at a local Segurança Social office. You can pick it up yourself by presenting a valid ID.
Perguntas frequentes
Q: Is the NISS free?
A: Yes, applying for the NISS is free (gratuito) for all applicants, whether Portuguese or foreign nationals.
Q: Can I apply for NISS without a NIF?
A: No, you generally need to have your NIF (tax identification number) before you can apply for your NISS.
Q: Do I need an employment contract to get a NISS?
A: For most NISS applications in 2025, proof of employment (like a contract) or proof of self employment (like Finanças registration) is mandatory.
Q: What if my NISS application is rejected multiple times?
A: Keep all rejection emails. If you have an AIMA appointment, show these emails as proof of your attempts. Continue trying to submit your application, as persistence often pays off.
Q: Can I get my NISS at my AIMA appointment?
A: No. You must have your NISS before your AIMA appointment. Starting April 28, 2025, AIMA will reject applications missing the NISS.
Q: How long does it take to receive the NISS after approval?
A: After approval, you will receive a letter instructing you to pick up your NISS at a Segurança Social office. The time for this letter to arrive and for you to pick it up can vary.