NISS: how to get your social security number in Portugal
The NISS is your Portuguese social security number. Without it, you can't work on a contract, register as self-employed or apply for social support. We apply, organise and explain every step.
The work is yours. Leave Social Security to us.
You're about to start a job
You've got a job and your employer asked for your NISS. We apply for it, or guide the company on how to apply for you.
You'll be self-employed
Registering as self-employed and issuing recibos verdes? You need a NISS and to understand your contributions from the very first month.
You need residence
In several residence processes, having a NISS and contributions up to date counts in your favour. We handle it together with everything else.
You have a NISS, but you're lost
Segurança Social Direta password, outdated address, quarterly declaration, an old debt. There's a solution, and we sort it out.
One number. Everything that comes with it.
NISS application
We apply for a NISS for foreign nationals with the right documents, and with a power of attorney when you can't do it in person.
Access to Segurança Social Direta
We help you create or recover your portal access, so you can see contributions, declarations and requests on your phone.
Details and address up to date
We update your address and personal details. It sounds minor, but a Social Security letter sent to the wrong address becomes a problem.
Quarterly declaration
If you're self-employed, we prepare and submit the quarterly income declaration, which sets how much you contribute.
Social support
We advise on and apply for support such as child benefit, prenatal benefit and unemployment benefit, when you're entitled to it.
Certificates and payment plans
We issue your contribution status certificate and, if there's a debt, apply to pay it in instalments.
How we sort out your NISS
- 01
Understand your situation
You tell us whether you'll work on a contract, be self-employed or need the NISS for residence. Each case has its own path.
- 02
Gather the documents
Passport, visa or residence permit, NIF and a power of attorney, when relevant. We check everything before sending.
- 03
Submit the application
We send the application through the Social Security portal. Now we wait for the answer, and we follow it up for you.
- 04
NISS active and explained
You receive proof of your NISS, access to Segurança Social Direta and a summary of what to keep an eye on from then on.
You can now get your NISS online
Since August 2025, foreign nationals can apply for and obtain their NISS through the Social Security portal, with biometric identity verification. Before, you had to collect it in person. We advise on which channel works best for your case.
What people ask before they start.
What is a NISS and what is it for?
The NISS is the Número de Identificação da Segurança Social, your Portuguese social security number. You use it to work on a contract, register as self-employed, contribute towards your pension and apply for support such as unemployment and child benefit.
How do I apply for a NISS as a foreigner?
You apply using the specific form for foreign nationals on the Social Security portal, with scanned documents. If someone else applies for you, add the power of attorney and their ID. We do this for you and follow up on the answer.
Can I get a NISS online?
Yes. Since August 2025, foreigners can apply for and obtain a NISS online, with identity verification by facial recognition or fingerprint. Before, the number was only issued at the counter.
What documents do I need to apply for a NISS?
If you're not an EU citizen, as a rule your passport and visa or residence permit, plus your NIF. The exact list depends on how you'll work, and we confirm it before sending.
Can my employer apply for a NISS for me?
Yes. The company can apply for a NISS for the employee and must then register the contract on Segurança Social Direta. It's worth checking that this was done, so your contributions count.
If I register as self-employed, do I pay Social Security from the first month?
As a rule, no. People registering as self-employed for the first time usually have 12 months without contributions, but that period doesn't count towards your pension or give access to some benefits. We confirm whether you qualify and whether it's worth starting earlier.
Do my contributions in Portugal count towards a pension in my home country?
It depends on the country. Within the EU, EEA and Switzerland, coordination rules allow periods of contributions to be combined, and Portugal also has social security agreements with a number of other countries. The rules depend on your work history, and we explain how they apply to you.
I forgot my Segurança Social Direta password. What now?
You can recover it through the portal itself, as long as your contact details are correct. If your address or email is out of date, the record has to be corrected first, and we sort that out with you.
I owe Social Security money. Can I pay in instalments?
In most cases, yes, with an instalment payment plan. Being up to date also counts in your favour in several processes, such as residence. We review the debt and make the application.
We're with you the whole way.
NIF in Portugal
Get your NIF, the Portuguese tax number, here or from abroad, with people who know the way at Finanças.
Learn moreResidence permit
Your AIMA application, documents, appointments and follow-up until your residence card arrives.
Learn moreIRS tax return
File your IRS, the Portuguese income tax return, and register or close self-employed activity with clear guidance.
Learn moreAccounting
Accounting for companies and the self-employed, with a certified accountant and plain-language explanations.
Learn moreThere's always a way.
There's always a way. And it goes through your NISS.
From your first job to a business of your own, we're with you at every stage of life in Portugal. Talk to SEVEN and get your NISS sorted, the right way.