NIF, NISS and the NHS/SNS user number are different identifiers. This page explains what each one is for and where to start.
Used for tax matters and many everyday contracts and transactions.
Portuguese or foreign individuals, whether resident or non-resident in Portugal, can request a NIF.
Use the official gov.pt / Tax Authority information before submitting your request.
NIF — official service ↗The number identifies a person within the Portuguese Social Security system.
The official NISS request for foreign nationals is available online and is free.
A private adviser may charge professional fees, but the official NISS application itself is free. Verify any payment request.
NISS — official service ↗For foreign nationals, the national user number may be assigned when they first access a public health unit.
Having an NHS/SNS user number does not, by itself, mean every healthcare cost is automatically covered. Coverage and exemptions depend on the applicable situation.
Register at a health centre ↗Eligible foreign residents can request the three identifiers together at participating Citizen Shops.
gov.pt currently lists 12 participating locations. The service is for foreign nationals with an address in Portugal, without a Portuguese Citizen Card, who meet at least one of the official eligibility conditions, such as having applied for or obtained residence, being an EU citizen, or being in certain international-protection situations.
You do not need to upload these documents to Guia Migrante PT.
Passport, visa, residence card/certificate and relevant AIMA evidence.
Housing evidence, contracts and documents that may be needed to prove your address.
Keep e-mails, receipts, reference numbers and confirmation messages from official submissions.
