How to request NIF and NISS for foreign citizens in Portugal
If you have foreign citizenship and want to live and work in Portugal you will need to register with the Finance Department and Social Security.
The registration with the Finance Department gives you a Tax Identification Number (NIF), which allows you to work, open a bank account or comply with tax obligations in Portugal.
Registering for Social Security gives you a Social Security Identification Number (NISS), which allows you to access rights such as support and subsidies, and to fulfill obligations related to contributions.
On this page you will find the following information:
A foreign person, resident or non-resident in Portugal, who works and pays taxes in Portugal must have a Tax Identification Number (NIF).
In the case of children and young people, the NIF is necessary for health and education expenses, for example, that the parents can include in their Personal Income Tax (IRS) declaration.
Necessary documents
To request the NIF, you need the following documents:
- Resident in Portugal - civil identification document from the country of origin or passport* and the residence permit
- Non-resident in Portugal - identification document or passport* and have a fiscal representative (individual or collective) with residence in national territory
- Child without passport - document proving the birth.
* If you present the passport, you must also present the visa for entry into Portugal or the Schengen Area.
How to request the NIF
By the person himself
- At the Tax Office - make an appointment for personal attendance through the Call Centre (CAT) - 217 206 707, working days, from 9am to 7pm
By representative
- In the e-balcon of the Finance portal - if the person for whom the NIF is requested lives outside the European Union, in Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
How much does it cost to apply for a Tax Identification Number (NIF)?
Applying for a NIF is free of charge.
For more information, please see the page "Apply for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number".
Foreign nationals who do not have a Social Security Identification Number (NISS) can apply for one online. If you start working as an employee, the employer can also apply for an NISS from Social Security on your behalf.
It is also possible to apply for an NISS for children and young people.
Documents required
You can apply for an NISS by filling in the form available on the Social Security website. You must attach valid civil identification documents to the form, as required.
Foreign nationals
Foreign nationals must submit three types of document: ID, work status and proof of residence permit.
- Citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland must submit one of the following documents (valid and scanned):
- national identification document from your country of origin and an uncertified copy thereof
- passport
- residence card.
- Third-country nationals must submit all of the following documents:
- passport
- work visa
- residence permit (temporary or permanent) or other civil identification document from your country of origin.
- Persons covered by international protection (not including temporary protection for persons coming from Ukraine) or without any other identification document may present one of the following documents:provisional residence permit (ARP)
-
- proof of an application for an ARP
- proof of renewal of an ARP
- refugee residence permit – subsidiary protection
- proof of the granting of a refugee or subsidiary protection residence permit
- proof of renewal of a refugee residence permit
- proof of renewal of a residence permit – subsidiary protection
- declaration of international protection.
Documents relating to the reason for being assigned an NISS
Proof of employment status
Foreign nationals must provide one of the following pieces of evidence of their employment situation:
- employment contract
- copy of registration as self-employed and copy of receipts/invoices
- company registration certificate from the Institute of Registries and Notary (IRN)
- permanent trading certificate (MOE)
- for digital nomads: proof of an employment contract with an EEA company
- proof of eligibility for registration for voluntary Social Security contributions (SSV).
Proof of residence permit
Foreign nationals must provide one of the following pieces of evidence of their application for residence:
- proof of application for a residence permit
- proof of application for a residence visa for citizens of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP)
- proof of application for a residence authorisation certificate for CPLP citizens.
Application by the employer or legal representative of the foreign national
The following must be submitted:
- a power of attorney (original document) or Declaration of authorisation for third parties – PA12
- a valid civil identification document of the legal representative (passport, work visa, residence permit or other civil identification document from their country of origin).
The employer acts as the employee’s legal representative. This application is intended solely for the assignation of an NISS. Employers must report their employee’s employment relationship on Social Security Direct (SSD).
Portuguese citizens without a Citizen Card
Copy of their lifetime ID card.
Portuguese citizens with a Citizen Card
The NISS is assigned to Portuguese citizens when the Citizen Card is applied for.
How to apply for an NISS
Online
- Access the NISS application – Foreign national or Portuguese citizen without the obligation to hold a Citizen Card, then fill in and submit the application form.
- NB: foreign nationals with an address in Portugal can apply for a tax identification number (TIN), a Social Security Identification Number (NISS) and a national user number for the National Health Service (SNS) all at the same time.
Receiving an NISS
Once you have submitted your application, you will receive a registered letter at the address you provided on the form, informing you that you can collect your NISS from the Social Security Office.
Collection by the card holder
Card holders can collect the NISS themselves, showing a valid identification document.
Collection by another person (representative)
The NISS can also be collected by a lawyer presenting their professional record book and an original copy of a power of attorney. The NISS may also be collected by another person, provided that that person presents an original power of attorney or a declaration of authorisation for third parties (Form PA-12) and their own identification document.
Scheduling an appointment to pick up an NISS
You can book an appointment via the SIGA platform or on the SigaApp (available on Android and iOS), or by telephone on 210 548 888 or 300 088 888 (Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 18:00).
Checking the status of an application
You can check the status of an NISS application on Social Security Direct.
How much does it cost to apply for a Social Security Identification Number (NISS)?
Applying for the NISS is free of charge.