What is a NISS in Portugal and Can You Get a NISS Online?

What is a NISS in Portugal and Can You Get a nISS Online?

7/31/2025

In this article you will learn what a NISS is, who needs a NISS, and where to get a NISS online in Portugal.

Tagged: Expats in Portugal • Americans in Portugal

This article is part of the series:
Living in Portugal: Tips for Expats and Anyone Considering Moving to Portugal

What is a Niss?

A NISS is a Portuguese Social Security number.

What does NISS stand for?

Numero de Identificação de Segurança Social

Learn Portuguese!

Numero de Identificação - Identification Number
Segurança Social - Social Security

What Is a Niss For?

As a NISS is a social security number in Portugal, it's purpose is to allow it's holder to access social security benefits.

Having a NISS also allows your Portuguese employer to make necessary Social Security contributions on your behalf.

Do I need a Niss if I am Retired?

In the past, it was generally not necessary and in some cases not even possible for a retired foreigner in Portugal to obtain a NISS.

Some have reported needing a NISS to access state funded Portuguese language courses for foreigners and being able to obtain the number in that context (to attend the language course) without having employment in Portugal.

Currently, for foreigners who are retired and living in Portugal with a residence permit (título de residência), having a NISS is a *new* requirement.

Learn Portuguese!

How to say "retired" in European Portuguese: Reformado.
How to say "I am retired" in European Portuguese: Estou reformado (male) or Estou reformada (female)
You can also say "Sou reformado" or "Sou reformada"

Estou means "I am" and is usually used in the context of a temporary state whereas Sou means "I am" in a more permanent way. As retirement is generally a permanent status, you can correctly say "ou reformado/a" if you wish! :)

Can I get a Niss without a Job?

If you are still looking for a job in Portugal, you may be wondering "Can I get a NISS without a job?" The answer is yes because it is now required to have a NISS before renewing a Portuguese residence permit (título de residência).

Do I need a Niss if I do not work in portugal?

Yes. You will need a NISS. It is a new requirement for foreigners (estrangeiros) holding a Portuguese residence permit (título de residência) to obtain a NISS in order to renew (renovar) their Portuguese residence permit.

Do I need to pay for a NISS?

No. Obtaining a NISS is free and there is no fee for it from the Portuguese government / Social Security (Segurança Social).

Some choose to pay legal representatives to obtain the number in their behalf and in this case, of course, there would be a fee with the understanding that the fee is not for the actual number but for the service of someone else obtaining it for you.

Is a NISS needed to renew temporary residency in Portugal?

Yes. It is currently a new requirement for anyone renewing their Portuguese Residence Permit (título de residência) to have a NISS (Numero de Identificação de Segurança Social).

This will enable those reviewing the permit renewals to verify that the permit holder is in good standing with Social Security in Portugal and does not have any outstanding debts.

What documents do I need to get a Niss?

To get a NISS online you will need:

Portuguese NIF (Numero de Identificação Fiscal)
Identification such as Portuguese Residence Permit (título de residência) or Passport
Address

Can I request a NISS online?

Yes! You can successfully request a NISS online via the Segurança Social website seg-social.pt.

It can be a big challenging to find the correct link to access the form, so please see our tutorial "How To Get a NISS Online: A Step-By-Step Tutorial" for an easy to follow walk through. :)

How to Get A Niss Online: A Step-by-step Tutorial (With Pictures)

Disclaimer

This article was written in good faith, in an effort to assist those who are very confused and possibly distressed trying to understand how they can request a NISS before renewing their temporary residence permit and having their appointment with AIMA. Processes and requirements are dynamic and can change at any time. It is our wish that this resource is helpful to you.

Traveling through food