What Is Segurança Social?
The Segurança Social is Portugal's Social Security system. It covers unemployment benefits and pensions, and gives you access to the public healthcare system.
To obtain Segurança Social you need a temporary or permanent residence permit. Students may also apply. European citizens can register by presenting their Certificate of European Resident (CRUE).
Having your NISS (Número de Identificação de Segurança Social) is not mandatory if you already have an employment contract, but it makes life considerably easier. If you have been offered a job, your employer will most likely help you register. If you are a freelancer, registration and contributions are entirely your own responsibility.
How To Get an NISS
To obtain an NISS you need to be employed or self-employed. It is possible but more complex without a job already in place. You can apply either at a physical Segurança Social office or online. Students will also need a work or study permit from the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF).
Required documents:
- A valid passport, with a legal entry stamp in Europe (if you are a non-European citizen), plus you may need a Schengen Area VISA
- Your Portuguese taxpayer's number (NIF)
- Your residence permit
- A copy of your work contract signed by your employer (employed or self-employed)
After completing your paperwork and starting the application, you should receive your NISS number by mail within 5 to 10 days.
How to Benefit from the NISS
Social Security payments cover four main areas: pensions, unemployment benefits, maternity benefits, and access to the public health system.
Pensions
Part of your Social Security contributions are directed to your public pension. As of 2023, the pension age in Portugal is 67, though this can be lower under certain circumstances.
PPR — Private Pension Option
Beyond the public pension, it is also possible to build a private supplementary pension through a PPR (Plano de Poupança e Reforma) — comparable to the American 401K. Your bank can advise you on setting one up.
Unemployment Benefits
There are four types of unemployment benefit in Portugal:
Unemployment benefit
Subsídio de desempregoFor workers who have lost their job, have come to the end of an employment contract, or have ceased work involuntarily.
Social unemployment benefit
Subsídio social de desempregoFor workers who do not meet the conditions for unemployment benefit or whose benefits have run out.
Partial unemployment benefit
Subsídio de desemprego parcialFor workers who were receiving unemployment benefit but have now started part-time or self-employed work.
Cessation allowance
Subsídios por cessação de atividadeFor self-employed workers who have lost their main income source or closed their business (subject to justifiable reasons).
Maternity Benefits
Mothers
- Up to 30 days voluntary leave before birth
- 42 days compulsory leave after birth
- Initial parent benefit for 120–150 days
- +30 day extension for shared leave or multiple births
Fathers
- Up to 20 days total leave
- 5 days immediately after birth
- 15 days within the following six weeks
100% of income is typically paid for the first 120 days, followed by 80% for the next 30 days.
Public Health System
Any resident can use the Portuguese healthcare system regardless of country of origin. The Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS) covers a percentage of costs for doctor visits, hospital treatment, and medical emergencies.
Once registered with the Segurança Social system, visit your local health centre with your social security card to be assigned a doctor. We also recommend updating your vaccine passport, as Portugal may have slightly different vaccination standards.
Questions?
If you have any further questions regarding Segurança Social or how it applies to your situation in Portugal, feel free to reach out.