# NIF, NISS and SNS in Portugal (2026)

> Get your Portuguese tax number (NIF), social security number (NISS) and public health user number (SNS utente) in the right order.

By Jules de Bruin · URL: https://www.how-to-portugal.com/moving/tax-number-social-security-health-card

Start with the **NIF** (free at Finanças or via a fiscal representative). Once you have residence or a work contract, get your **NISS** from Segurança Social and your **SNS utente number** from a local health centre. The NIF unlocks everything else, from bank accounts to rental contracts.

## What Is a NIF and Why Do You Need It?

The NIF is your Portuguese tax identification number. Landlords, banks, mobile operators, utility companies and employers all ask for it. Without a NIF you cannot open most bank accounts or sign a long-term lease.

## How Do You Get a NIF?

- EU citizens can request a NIF at a Finanças office with a passport or national ID and proof of address.
- Non-EU non-residents usually need a fiscal representative to request the NIF on their behalf.
- Bring proof of address; a foreign address is normally accepted.
- The NIF is issued the same day in most cases and is free of charge.

## What Is a NISS and Who Needs It?

The NISS is your social security number. Employees need it so their employer can make contributions. Self-employed workers also need it to issue recibos verdes and pay social security.

## How Do You Get a NISS?

- If you are employed, your employer normally registers you with Segurança Social.
- If you are self-employed, register as a trabalhador independente on the Segurança Social website.
- Since mid-2026 AIMA appointments often issue the NISS automatically for new residents.

## What Is an SNS Utente Number?

The SNS utente number is your user number for Portugal's public health service. It lets you book appointments, get prescriptions and access subsidised care.

## How Do You Get an SNS Utente Number?

- Go to a Centro de Saúde in your area of residence.
- Bring your passport or ID, NIF, residence permit or CRUE, and proof of address.
- Fill in the registration form and receive your utente number.

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## What Order Should You Get Them In?

- **NIF** before anything else.
- **Residence** (CRUE for EU, AIMA permit for non-EU).
- **NISS** once you start working or self-employment.
- **SNS utente number** once you have residence and proof of address.

## Related Guides

[### Address Registration Get the proof of address you need for SNS.](/moving/address-registration)[### Work Permit Routes Your work route determines how you get a NISS.](/moving/work-permit-routes)[### Open a Bank Account You need a NIF to open a Portuguese account.](/finance/open-bank-account)

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is a NIF in Portugal?

The NIF is the tax identification number. You need it for almost every contract, bank account and government service.

### Is the NIF free?

Yes, obtaining a NIF at a Finanças office is free. If you use a fiscal representative as a non-EU non-resident, the representative may charge a fee.

### What is a NISS?

The NISS is the social security identification number. It is used for employment and social benefits.

### What is an SNS utente number?

It is your user number for the Portuguese National Health Service, needed to access public healthcare.

### In what order should you get them?

Get the NIF first, then register for residence or work, then request the NISS and SNS utente number.

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