NISS in Portugal: How to Register with Social Security

The Social Security Identification Number (NISS) is essential for anyone wishing to reside or work in Portugal. This number is crucial for accessing various social benefits and fulfilling tax obligations in the country. In this article, we will cover what the NISS is, its importance, how to obtain it, and the benefits associated with Social Security in Portugal.

What is NISS in Portugal?

The NISS is a unique and personal number that identifies citizens and residents in the Social Security system in Portugal. Obtaining it is mandatory for those who intend to work in the country, allowing individuals to contribute to the social security system and gain access to social benefits, such as retirement, unemployment benefits, and medical assistance.

The NISS is equivalent to the PIS number of the INSS (National Institute of Social Security) in Brazil or the Social Security Number (SSN) in the United States.

Learn how to obtain a work visa in Portugal.

NISS Portugal: What is it for?

Social Security in Portugal is a system designed to protect citizens in various situations, such as illness, disability, unemployment, and retirement. The main objectives of the system include:

• Ensuring income in times of need.
• Protecting citizens’ health and well-being.
• Promoting social inclusion.

Learn how to get your NIF.

Who can obtain a Social Security number in Portugal?

Any citizen, whether national or foreign, who intends to work or reside in Portugal, either as an employee or self-employed worker, must obtain a NISS. For foreigners, it is necessary to be legally in the country and present the appropriate documentation. Moreover, citizens of countries with bilateral social security agreements with Portugal, such as Brazil, have additional conveniences.

The NISS is also assigned to companies in Portugal. For companies, the NISS is essential for meeting legal obligations related to Social Security, such as the payment of contributions for their workers. Below, I explain more about the NISS for companies.

How to obtain the NISS in Portugal

For companies and Portuguese citizens who have the Citizen Card, the NISS is automatically generated. Therefore, there is no need for a specific request, unlike foreigners who do not yet have Portuguese citizenship. To request the NISS, the following documents are required:

• Identity Document: Passport or Citizen Card.
• Proof of Residence: Utility bill (water, electricity, etc.) or rental contract.
• Tax Identification Number (NIF): Obtained from the Tax Authority.
• Proof of Activity: Employment contract or declaration of activity initiation with the Tax Authorities.

Steps for the Application

The Social Security Identification Number (NISS) in Portugal can be requested in person at one of the service centers (by prior appointment) or online:

1. Access the Social Security Portal.
2. Click on the option “Assignment of Social Security Number (NISS)” and “NISS Request – Foreign Citizen or National Citizen not required to have a Citizen Card.”
3. Fill out the NISS Request Form with your personal data, such as name, nationality, parentage, and other requested information. Additionally, you will need to attach an identification document, such as a passport or residence permit.
4. Submission and Follow-up: The confirmation and the NISS number will be sent by email by Social Security, so it is important to monitor the contact, and later retrieve the NISS in person.

NISS for companies

Every company in Portugal that employs workers must obtain a Social Security Identification Number (NISS) for the employer entity. This number allows the company to register with Social Security and fulfill its contribution obligations concerning its employees.

What is the company NISS for?

The company NISS is used for:

• Company registration with Social Security: Ensuring the company can register and manage its workers in the social security system.
• Payment of contributions: Ensuring the company makes mandatory contributions regarding its workers. This includes the employer’s contributions and deductions made from employees’ salaries.
• Fulfillment of tax obligations: Companies are responsible for withholding and paying social contributions so that their employees can access social benefits such as sickness, unemployment, and retirement benefits.

How to obtain the NISS for a company?

The process for obtaining the NISS for companies is similar to that for individuals but is done in the entity’s name. The steps include:

• Company registration: The company must be formally constituted and registered with the Tax Authority and the Commercial Registry.
• Documentation: The main required documents are:
  • Company incorporation certificate.
  • Company’s Tax Identification Number (NIF).
  • Proof of activity (such as a work contract if registering employees).
  • Identification of the company’s legal representative.
• Application: The NISS application can be made through the Social Security Direct platform or in person at a Social Security office.

Benefits for companies

The company NISS allows the company to comply with Portuguese law, in addition to offering its employees the rights and benefits ensured by the Social Security system. It also helps the company avoid penalties and sanctions for non-compliance with its contribution obligations.

NISS for employees vs. self-employed professionals

The social security system in Portugal has some specificities when it comes to employees with an employment contract and self-employed professionals.

Let’s see how the NISS applies to each situation:

Employees with an employment contract

For employees with a contract, the employer is responsible for registering them with Social Security, assigning the NISS if the worker does not already have one. Additionally, the company is also responsible for paying contributions, which are partially deducted from the employee’s salary and supplemented by the employer. This ensures the worker access to benefits such as sickness and unemployment benefits, as well as contributing to retirement.

Self-employed professionals

In the case of self-employed workers, such as freelancers and independent contractors, the NISS is automatically assigned after the activity is registered with the Tax Authorities. The professional is classified as self-employed, even if they are temporarily exempt from paying contributions. In this case, the worker is responsible for directly paying their contributions to Social Security, calculated based on declared income. Even if the worker is temporarily exempt from paying contributions, the NISS is assigned, and contributions begin when the exemption ends.

Benefits of NISS in Portugal

The NISS grants access to a range of benefits, including:

• Retirement and pensions.
• Unemployment benefits.
• Sickness and maternity benefits.
• Medical and social assistance.

Some practical examples of benefits associated with the NISS (Social Security Identification Number) in Portugal:

->Solidarity Supplement for the Elderly (CSI)

The Solidarity Supplement is a monthly financial support for elderly people with low resources.

Practical example: An elderly person aged 66 or older, residing in Portugal, with low income, can apply for the CSI using their NISS. The supplement can reach up to 488.22 euros per month in 2023.

->Family allowance for children and youth

Family allowance is an additional support for single-parent or large families.

Practical example: A single-parent family with a child under 36 months in the 1st income bracket can receive an additional allowance of 45.02 euros per month.

->Rent Support

Rent support is a new assistance implemented in 2023 to help families struggling with rent payments.

Practical example: A family with income up to the 6th IRS bracket and an effort rate exceeding 35% for rent payment can receive monthly support of up to 200 euros.

Remember that to access any of these benefits, it is necessary to have a valid NISS and be registered with the Portuguese Social Security system. Additionally, each benefit has its own eligibility criteria, which must be individually verified.

How to check the NISS in Portugal?

It is possible to access the Social Security Direct website, enter your login and password, to check the contributions made and even simulate your retirement pension.

If this is your first access to the site:

• Go to the website: https://app.seg-social.pt/sso/login
• On the homepage, look for and click the “Register” button.
• Choose the authentication method. You will have three options:
  • Citizen Card
  • Digital Mobile Key
  • Identification Data
• Follow the instructions according to the chosen method:
  • For the Citizen Card: You will need the card and a card reader.
  • For Digital Mobile Key: Use the mobile number and PIN associated.
  • For Identification Data: Provide NISS, NIF, and date of birth.
• Fill in the requested data (personal information, contacts, and create a password).
• Confirm the registration (You will receive a confirmation code by email or SMS; enter this code to complete the registration).

What is the contribution amount?

The amount of contributions to Social Security varies according to the professional category. Generally, the contribution rate for employees is 34.75% (23.75% paid by the employer and 11% by the employee). For self-employed workers, the rate is 21.4% on declared income, depending on the activity performed.

Retirement rules in Portugal

In Portugal, retirement is based on the pay-as-you-go system, where active workers’ contributions fund the benefits of retirees. Currently, immigrants are essential to maintaining the balance of the social security system in Portugal. In 2023, contributions from foreigners represented a positive balance of 2.194 billion euros, with 38.6% of this amount attributed to Brazilian residents in Portugal, as reported by the newspaper Diário de Notícias.

The main retirement rules in Portugal include:

• Minimum retirement age: 66 years old (in 2024).
• Minimum contribution period: 15 years (consecutive or not), or 12 years for self-employed workers through Voluntary Social Insurance.
• Pension calculation: based on the average of wages and the contribution period.

In summary…

In summary, the NISS is an essential number for anyone who wishes to work and access Social Security benefits in Portugal, ensuring social protection and rights such as unemployment benefits and retirement. Additionally, most companies only hire people who already have a NISS number, so make sure to get yours.

If you are planning to relocate to Portugal, our advisors are ready to assist you in every step of the process, from obtaining visas and citizenship to applying for essential documents, acquiring properties, and supporting you with all the necessary formalities to make your transition as smooth as possible.

Contact Atlantic Bridge!