Whether you’ve just moved to Portugal, or are looking to, it’s useful to understand what the three most important numbers can help with. These numbers being: NIF, NISS and SNS.
Since moving to a new place can be pretty stressful, our team are on hand to make things simpler. With access to a team of expert accountants, lawyers, insurance brokers, realtors, financial advisors, and many more; we should be able to help with all your questions and requests.
The following sections will explain to you what each number is, how to get one (if you don’t already have it) and when to use it – because some provide good benefits!
NIF
What is it?
A Portuguese NIF, known as the Número de Identificação Fiscal, is a unique tax identification number assigned to individuals and entities in Portugal. This number is important for many fiscal activities, such as submitting your tax return – 30 June is always the deadline, so if you need help reach out to us.
How to get it?
There are two ways to obtain a NIF number: visiting your local tax office, or requesting it online. Either option requires you to speak/know Portuguese in some way, so that the representative assisting with your request knows how to help, or so that you know what boxes to tick online.
By working with our team, we can simply request the NIF for you online so that you don’t have to worry about following the right steps. Plus, we can then explain more about your obligations as a tax resident of Portugal, or should you wish to remain a non-resident with a NIF then we can become your fiscal representative.
Fiscal representation involves assigning an individual or company (RHJ Accountants in this case) to represent you in fiscal matters, before the Portuguese tax authorities. The fiscal representative will then be responsible for forwarding any tax notices from the tax authorities, to you. Anyone who lives outside of Portugal, an EU/EEA country, as a non-resident and has tax obligations is required to maintain a fiscal representative. Of course once you move to Portugal, this representation can be removed – because all post will be sent to your local address.
When to use it?
No matter your situation in Portugal, you might need a NIF to:
- Buy or rent a property;
- Open a bank account;
- Sign-up for utilities like electricity;
- Work in Portugal;
- File taxes, and receive tax benefits.
One of the most common things expats mention to us is, “When I went to pay at the store, the shop assistant said: ‘Quer fatura com contribuinte?’.
In translation this means ‘Would you like the invoice to include your NIF?’ and they’re simply asking you that because applying your NIF to certain spending categories helps to provide deductions. So when it comes around to paying tax in Portugal, some of these deductions will be applied to help lower your overall tax payment. Keep in mind, you should classify all expenses (associated to your NIF) using the e-Fatura system by the end of February; ahead of the respective tax filing window.
NISS
What is it?
NISS stands for ‘Número de Identificação da Segurança Social’, which is a social security number in Portugal. Anyone wishing to work, including freelancers, or start a company in Portugal should have/request a NISS number. Plus we’ve seen lately that individuals should have a NISS for their Portuguese residency permit granting and renewal, with AIMA.
It’s an 11-digit number issued by the Social Security office ‘Segurança Social’ which is valid for a persons lifetime.
How to get it?
Similarly to obtaining a NIF, to get a NISS you can either: visit a Social Security office, or apply online – with us.
The authorities will require different pieces of documentation, depending on your nationality status:
EU/EEA national
- ID
- NIF
- Proof of employment (or Recibos Verdes activity, as a freelancer)
- Proof of residence in Portugal (CRUE)
Non-EU/EEA national
- Passport
- NIF
- Proof of employment (or Recibos Verdes activity, as a freelancer)
- Visa or residence permit document
Whatever you need a NISS number for, our team can help you to apply.
When to use it?
A Portuguese Social Security number is essential for residents in Portugal, so that you can:
- Successfully apply for work, or open a company;
- Request governmental help, for example to benefit you and your family;
- Renew your residency card;
- Apply for an SNS number (review the next section, about this number).
As a freelancer your NISS number is used to submit certain quarterly declarations, and when you start to pay social security these declarations help the Social Security office to determine the amount payable. Keep in mind though, during your first 12-months of being a freelancer in Portugal you’re exempt from paying social security.
SNS
What is it?
Serviço Nacional de Saúde is the national health service in Portugal, and with this number you’ll be able to access the Portuguese health system.
How to get it?
Sometimes lawyers will help you to obtain an SNS number, during your residency application. However, the simplest way to request an SNS number is to visit your local centro de saúde (doctors). The receptionists should be able to support you in obtaining a number, as long as you have valid residency in Portugal.
Although in most cases, when applying for a visa in Portugal you’re required to pay for private health insurance. So at this stage, it’s up to you if the public or private sector is used.
When to use it?
Accessing the SNS allows you to make use of the public healthcare system in Portugal. Whilst you do pay for prescriptions, most other healthcare services are provided for free. This is why some people opt for pay for social security in Portugal, because it feeds back into the system – helping to boost healthcare services (like in other countries).
How RHJ Accountants can help
Our team can help you to obtain a NIF and NISS number. Whilst the SNS number requires you to take a more hands-on approach – although monthly clients of RHJ get inside help, since our team all use the healthcare system (and are residents themselves!).
Whether you need help to obtain one of the numbers, wish to understand how the NIF could be used more tax efficiently or you wish to look into social security payments, we can help.
