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NIF vs NISS in Portugal: What's the Difference and How to Get a NISS
Newcomers to Portugal quickly collect a series of acronyms: NIF, NISS, NIPC, SNS… The two that matter most are the NIF and the NISS. They are often mixed up, but they belong to different institutions and serve different purposes.
NIF vs NISS at a glance
| NIF | NISS | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Número de Identificação Fiscal | Número de Identificação da Segurança Social |
| What it is | Tax identification number | Social security number |
| Issued by | Tax Authority (Finanças / AT) | Social Security (Segurança Social) |
| Digits | 9 | 11 |
| Who needs it | Almost everyone dealing with Portugal: renting, buying, banking, working | Anyone who works in Portugal (employed or self-employed) or pays social contributions |
| Can non-residents get it? | Yes, from abroad | Mainly relevant once you work or live in Portugal |
| Which comes first? | First | Usually after the NIF |
What is the NIF used for?
The NIF is your identity for everything tax-related and is requested for almost every contract: bank accounts, leases, property and car purchases, utilities, employment and invoices. You can get it before moving, even as a non-resident. See our full guide: What is a NIF in Portugal?
What is the NISS used for?
The NISS identifies you in the Portuguese social security system. You need it to:
- work as an employee — your employer uses it to pay your social contributions;
- work as self-employed (trabalhador independente) and pay your own contributions;
- access social benefits such as sick pay, parental benefits, unemployment benefit or a future pension.
If you are a retiree, a remote worker employed and insured abroad, or you are only buying property, you may not need a NISS at all — but you will need a NIF.
How to get a NISS as a foreigner
You generally need your NIF first. There are three common routes:
- Online request — Social Security offers an online form for foreign citizens on its portal. You attach a copy of your identification document and, depending on your situation, documents about your work situation and your right of residence. If someone applies for you, they also attach the power of attorney or authorisation and their own ID.
- In person ("NISS na Hora") — at Social Security service desks and some citizen shops, where the number can be issued on the spot if your documents are in order.
- Through your employer — when you start a job, your employer can register you with Social Security.
Social Security has been adding identity checks (including biometric verification when collecting the number in person), so expect to confirm your identity at a service desk at some point.
Documents usually requested
- Valid passport or EU identity card
- Your NIF
- Proof of address
- For non-EU citizens: a visa or residence permit, or proof of your right to reside/work
- For employees: employment contract or promise of employment
Other numbers you may need
- Número de utente (SNS) — your national health service number, requested at your local health centre (centro de saúde) once you live in Portugal.
- NIPC — the tax number of a company (starts with 5).
- CRUE / residence permit — EU citizens register their residence at the municipality after three months; non-EU citizens get residence permits from AIMA.
FAQ
Can I get a NISS without a NIF?
In practice you should get the NIF first: employers, banks and Social Security itself will ask for it.
Do digital nomads need a NISS?
It depends on where you are insured and how you work. If you become self-employed in Portugal, yes.
Does a NISS expire?
No, like the NIF it is yours for life.
Step one is the NIF. Get your Portuguese NIF with GetNIF before you move, so you can open a bank account and sign contracts from day one.