The Número de Identificação da Segurança Social (NISS) is the Social Security Identification Number used in Portugal to identify individuals within the national social security system. It is issued by the Instituto da Segurança Social (Social Security Institute) and is required for anyone intending to work legally in the country.
This number enables the Portuguese government to track social security contributions and entitlements, including pensions, public healthcare access, unemployment benefits, and other statutory benefits.
Why Remote People Requires the NISS
As an Employer of Record (EOR), Remote People is required under Portuguese labor and social security law to ensure all employees engaged through our Portugal entity have a valid NISS.
Remote People requires the NISS in order to:
Register the employee with Social Security, ensuring compliance with contribution requirements
Enable payment of statutory benefits, including sick leave, parental leave, and access to the public healthcare system
Complete onboarding, including payroll setup and employment contract registration
Remote People requires the NISS prior to the employee's start date.
Who Needs a NISS?
All individuals who will be employed through Remote People in Portugal must have a valid NISS, including:
Portuguese citizens
EU/EEA nationals
Non-EU nationals with valid work authorization in Portugal
A NISS is mandatory regardless of contract type (permanent or fixed-term) or working hours.
How to Obtain a NISS
The NISS is issued by the Instituto da Segurança Social, and the process must be handled directly by the individual or their authorized legal representative.
To apply, individuals will typically need to submit the following:
Passport or national ID card
Portuguese tax number (NIF)
Proof of legal residence or visa (for non-EU nationals)
Proof of address in Portugal
Employment contract or job offer letter
Applications are typically made in person at a local Social Security office, though some local offices may accept online or third-party submissions. Processing times can vary, so it is important to begin the application process as early as possible.
When to Provide the NISS to Remote People
Employees must provide their NISS to Remote People before onboarding can be completed. Without a valid NISS, Remote People is not legally permitted to employ the individual or process payroll under Portuguese law.