Social Security in Portugal is a contributory scheme designed to provide financial support to individuals engaged in professional activities. This guide offers information on the purpose of Social Security, conditions for coverage, exemptions, and the process of obtaining a Social Security number (NISS).
What is Social Security?
The Social Security number (NISS), or Número de Identificação de Segurança Social, is a unique identifier assigned to individuals for Social Security purposes. This number is crucial for accessing Social Security benefits and services.
Social Security provides financial support to workers who lose their employment income in various circumstances, including sickness, maternity, paternity, adoption, unemployment, occupational diseases, invalidity, old age, and survivorship. Self-employed individuals have specific conditions for entitlement to financial support.
The NISS is needed by individuals engaged in professional activities in Portugal, including employees and self-employed individuals. It is essential for accessing financial support. Independent contractors can be exempt from Social Security contributions for the first 12 months if it is their first time starting a business activity as a freelancer. However, despite the exemption, obtaining the NISS is crucial to ensure a seamless transition after the exemption period expires.
How can we assist you?
Relocate Now offers assistance in obtaining the NISS. Our services include:
Power of Attorney and Authorization: Providing the power of attorney and the respective authorization form to pick up your NISS number on your behalf.
Form Completion: Filling out the necessary forms with your information.
Request and Pickup: Requesting and picking up the NISS at a Social Security office.
Online Registration: Completing your online registration at Segurança Social Direta, the Social Security website, where all procedures and communications are managed.
What is the estimated time to complete?
Our services typically take 48 hours. However, the time to receive your NISS number is subject to Social Security timings, which usually takes around 1 month to issue the numbers.
It's recommended to request the NISS sooner rather than later to avoid any oversight and to ensure that you are registered into the Social Security system before the 12-month exemption expires.
What are our fees?
Our service fee for assisting you in obtaining the NISS is as follows:
Service Fee: €50 (Euros) + VAT.
This fee covers the convenience and support provided by Relocate Now to ensure a smooth and efficient process of obtaining your Social Security number (NISS) in Portugal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have a Portuguese residency to get the NISS number?
Do I need to have a Portuguese residency to get the NISS number?
No, you do not need to have Portuguese residency to obtain a NISS. The NISS is primarily associated with your contributions and entitlements to social security benefits within Portugal, and it is generally available to both Portuguese residents and non-residents who meet the necessary requirements.
Can I access Social Security benefits in Portugal without exercising a professional activity?
Can I access Social Security benefits in Portugal without exercising a professional activity?
No, Social Security benefits in Portugal are generally tied to exercising a professional activity. Financial support is provided in various circumstances like sickness, maternity, unemployment, and old age for individuals actively contributing through their professional activities.
It’s important to note that eligibility for these benefits often depends on factors such as contribution history, legal residency status, and specific circumstances. Additionally, the procedures for applying for these benefits may vary, so it's advisable to contact the Portuguese Social Security authorities for personalized guidance and information on eligibility and application processes.
Are there specific conditions for entitlement to Social Security benefits for the self-employed?
Are there specific conditions for entitlement to Social Security benefits for the self-employed?
Yes, self-employed individuals are subject to special conditions, providing entitlement only to financial support in specific circumstances such as maternity, paternity, adoption, unemployment, occupational diseases, invalidity, old age, and death (survivorship and supplementary support for dependents).
When should I collect the NISS if I have an exemption period?
When should I collect the NISS if I have an exemption period?
It's recommended to collect the NISS sooner rather than later, despite the exemption period, to ensure timely registration and avoid any issues when the 12-month exemption expires.
If I'm exempt from Social Security contributions, can I still access benefits?
If I'm exempt from Social Security contributions, can I still access benefits?
Exemption from Social Security contributions for the first 12 months for independent contractors does not impact entitlement to benefits. However, actively contributing to Social Security is essential to access most financial support.
Does Social Security allow me to access healthcare?
Does Social Security allow me to access healthcare?
No. Social Security is a separate entity from SNS, which is the public health system in Portugal. To have access to healthcare you need to request the SNS number (número de utente) from your local healthcare center, which enables residents and citizens of Portugal to access free healthcare in public hospitals and health centers.
What is the European Health Insurance Card (Cartão Europeu de Seguro de Doença)?
What is the European Health Insurance Card (Cartão Europeu de Seguro de Doença)?
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is a healthcare document that allows European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) citizens to access necessary healthcare services when they are temporarily traveling or staying in another EU/EEA country. The EHIC serves as proof of entitlement to receive healthcare on the same terms as the residents of the country they are visiting.
Note: These FAQs provide general information and guidance. Specific cases may vary, and individuals are advised to seek personalized advice from relevant authorities.