The NISS (Número de Identificação da Segurança Social) is the number that identifies you to the Portuguese Social Security system. It is essential for working legally: without it, the employer cannot register your hire or pay in your contributions, and the worker cannot access sick pay, benefits or, later on, a pension.
This guide explains how to obtain a NISS, with particular attention to foreign nationals.
NIF and NISS: do not confuse them
They are two different numbers, issued by different bodies:
| NIF | NISS | |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing body | Autoridade Tributária (the Tax Authority) | Instituto da Segurança Social (the Social Security Institute) |
| What for | Taxes, contracts, banking | Employment, contributions, social benefits |
| Digits | 9 | 11 |
| Order | Applied for first | Applied for afterwards, with the NIF |
The NISS is only issued to people who already have a NIF. If you do not have one yet, start there: see our NIF guide for foreigners.
Who can apply for a NISS
- Employees with an employment contract or a promise of employment contract in Portugal.
- Self-employed workers about to start their activity.
- Managing partners of Portuguese companies.
- Beneficiaries of social benefits, dependent family members and other situations provided for by law.
For foreign nationals, Social Security generally requires proof that the person is authorised to work in Portugal or has an ongoing application that would allow it.
Documents required
For an application by a foreign national, the following are usually requested:
- A valid passport (or citizen card/national ID card, for EU citizens).
- NIF (certificate of allocation).
- Residence permit, visa or proof that a residence permit application is in progress, depending on the situation.
- Employment contract or promise of employment contract, identifying the employer and the company’s NISS.
- NISS application form, completed and signed.
- Power of attorney, if the application is made by a lawyer.
The details on the form must match the passport exactly: full name in the order shown on the document, date of birth, nationality and marital status.
How the application is made
For foreign nationals, the application is made online, through the dedicated form provided by Social Security, with the scanned documents attached. Alternatively, it can be made in person at a Social Security office, by appointment.
Once submitted, the application is reviewed by the services. The timeframe varies considerably depending on the district and the time of year: from a few days to several weeks. When the NISS is issued, it is communicated by email or by letter.
The Segurança Social Direta password
Once the NISS has been issued, you should immediately request your password for Segurança Social Direta (SSD, the Social Security online portal), where you can check your contribution record, declare income as a self-employed worker, apply for benefits and receive notifications.
The password is requested on the Segurança Social Direta website, with your NISS and personal details, and is sent by letter to the registered address. If the address is wrong, the letter will not arrive: check it before applying.
Common mistakes
- Applying for the NISS before having a NIF.
- Name on the form different from the passport (surnames in the wrong order, names left out).
- Employment contract without the employer’s NISS.
- Out-of-date address, which means the letter with the password is lost.
- Using an old NISS, issued in another context, without confirming that it is still active.
How we can help
We handle the NISS application and the Segurança Social Direta password for workers and companies, with a power of attorney and follow-up until the number is issued. See our NISS and Social Security service or contact us.
This article is for general information and is not legal advice on your specific case.