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What do I need to obtain a NISS?

Steps you need to follow to obtain your NISS. 

What do I need to do to obtain a NISS?

What is a NISS? It is a social security number and is now required for all foreigners applying for residency and renewal.

Processes and requirements may evolve, so please visit the government website for the latest updates or news concerning the process. Portugal The Place cannot be held accountable for any changes in procedures or information related to the NISS.

Who can request social security numbers for foreigners?

Foreign individuals with a Portuguese address who do not have a Portuguese Citizen Card and who meet one of the following conditions may request identification numbers:

  • have applied for or already obtained a residence permit

  • have nationality of a country of the European Union (EU)

  • have applied for International Protection (includes asylum seekers and subsidiary protection)

  • have refugee status or are beneficiaries of international protection.

The request can be made by the individual themselves or by a legal representative. In the case of minors, the request can be made by their father, mother, guardian, or legal representative.

A legal representative is a person who represents another person in fulfilling their legal responsibilities and obligations to other individuals or public or private entities. The representative must present a valid power of attorney.

Exceptional Circumstances for Foreign Nationals

Unique Circumstances Where Certain Documents May Not Be Submitted:

  • When AIMA mandates that an individual must possess a NISS assigned by Social Security before granting work residence authorization.

  • For individuals covered by EU regulations as spouses, partners, or dependents.

  • For “cross-border” workers residing in another EU country who commute to work in Portugal.

How and where can the service be performed?

 

A passport or EU country ID card must be presented to prove the identity of the person for whom the ID numbers are issued, whether the request is made by the person themselves or by a representative.

To request ID numbers, you'll need to authenticate with a Mobile Digital Key (CMD) associated with your passport or with European authentication (eiDAS) . If you don't have a CMD, you can create one with your passport when requesting ID numbers.

If the application is made with the CMD associated with a passport, only the passport can be presented as identification document (the EU ID card cannot be presented).

You must have a Portuguese address and meet one of the following requirements:

  • Have a residence permit - you must bring your residence card, title, or other document. If you are from a CPLP country, you must bring your residence permit.

  • If you have applied for a residence permit (but have not yet received it) - you must bring the receipt proving your application for a residence permit made to AIMA.

  • Be a national of a European Union country - you must bring a certificate of residence issued by the City Council.

  • Have applied for International Protection (includes asylum seekers and subsidiary protection) - you need to bring the receipt proving the application for International Protection made to AIMA.

  • Have refugee status or are beneficiaries of international protection - you must bring with you the Certificate of Granting of Residence Permit under the International Protection Regime.

Proof of address

If the document you present to prove your citizenship status does not include your address, or if your current address no longer matches the address stated in that document, you will have to provide proof of address.

Proof of address must be the same address as the one indicated on the application. This proof can be one of the following documents:

  • Lease agreement

  • Loan agreement

  • Water, electricity or gas bill

  • Land registry certificate or access code to view the certificate online.

  • Declaration from the landlord or whoever is responsible for the place of residence, indicating that they reside at that address and in what situation, for example, if they have a rental agreement.

Additional documents for applications on behalf of other persons

For requests made as someone's legal representative, or mother, father, or guardian, you will need to submit more documents than those listed in the previous section.

If the request is made by a legal representative , the representative must present:

  • A document proving your identity

  • A valid power of attorney (must be full powers or must have identified the purpose of the power of attorney, in this case “request and consult identification numbers for foreigners”).

If the legal representative is a lawyer, solicitor or notary, he/she must also present the respective professional certificate.

If the request is made for a minor , the child or young person must be present at the time of the request. The mother, father, or guardian will need to bring proof of parental affiliation/guardianship.

Where to apply in Person:

Available at the following Citizen Service Counters

  • Braga - Municipality

  • Lagos

  • Cascais Citizen Shop

  • Saldanha Citizen Shop

  • Laranjeiras Citizen Shop Lisbon

  • Setúbal Citizen Shop

  • Loures - LoureShopping

  • Oeiras Parque

  • Olhão

  • União das Freguesias de Cedofeita, Santo IIdefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau e Vitória

How to apply:

Authentication requires a digital Mobile Key (CMD) or European eIDAS system. If you lack CMD, you can activate it during application using your passport.