Registration in Portugal: NIF, NISS and SNS Number
In Portugal you need a tax number (NIF), a social security number (NISS) and a National Health Service (SNS) user number. After you ask the immigration office (AIMA) for your residence permit, you can get all three at one desk.
Your Official Numbers in Portugal
Portugal has no one city office where students register. Instead you get three numbers, and you tell AIMA when your address changes.
Apply to AIMA within the 4 months of your student visa. You can ask for the three numbers once you have the AIMA receipt and an address.
Tax and Customs Authority (AT)
Gives your tax number (NIF). You need it to buy services, sign contracts or open a bank account.
Social Security (Segurança Social)
Gives your social security number (NISS). It puts you in Portugal's social security system.
National Health Service (SNS)
Gives your SNS user number. You need it to get care in the public health system.
- AIMA: Tell AIMA about a new address within 60 days of moving.
How to Register, Step by Step
Follow these steps in your first weeks.
Get an address
You need a Portuguese address. Keep a rental contract, a bill or a landlord letter as proof.
Apply to AIMA
Ask the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) for your residence permit (the card that lets you stay). Keep the receipt.
Go to an Espaço Cidadão
At one of the 12 desks that offer it, ask for your NIF, NISS and SNS user number together.
Log in with Chave Móvel Digital
You log in with Portugal's digital login linked to your passport. You can create it at the desk.
Tell AIMA if you move
With a residence permit, report a new address to AIMA within 60 days.
| Institution | Deadline | Method | Consequences of Missing |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIMA (residence permit) | Within the 4 months of your student visa | Book with AIMA and go in person | Your visa only covers the first 4 months. |
| AIMA (new address) | Within 60 days of the move | Tell AIMA | The law requires it for people with a residence permit. |
Tip
Papers for Registration
Bring these to the Espaço Cidadão for the NIF, NISS and SNS user number.
- Your passport.
- Your residence card, or
- the receipt of your AIMA residence permit request.
- A rental contract,
- a water, power or gas bill, or
- a signed letter from your landlord or housing provider.
Special Cases
Some situations need extra steps.
With a residence permit, tell AIMA about your new address within 60 days.
Someone you choose can ask for your numbers for you. They need a signed paper from you that gives them this right (a power of attorney).
Health care for everyone
Common Questions About Registration in Portugal
Short answers about your first official numbers and your address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Myth: Your address only matters when you renew your permit.
Reality: You must tell AIMA about a new address within 60 days of moving.
Myth: SEF still handles foreign residents.
Reality: AIMA replaced SEF. Residence permits and address changes go to AIMA.
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