Is the NISS Now Required for the D7 Retirement Visa?

What kind of expats ?... As far as I know, NISS is required for all employed or self-employed individuals in Portugal. Retirees and those not engaged in professional activities may not need a NISS.

If you're a pensioner, in order to access the Portuguese NHS you'll need to show your S1 social security document issued by your country.

You can't even get NISS without having residency first, anymore. It's not working. Everyone's failing to get NISS right now before the residency permit.

We tried to get a NISS for my relative. We received a letter saying, essentially, that the request was denied until he had either proof of an AIMA appointment date or a residency card. My relative will take that letter to his appointment

@Johnny PT You also need a NISS to enroll in a government-subsidized Portuguese language course. Even if you manage to enroll without the NISS, you can't be issued your certificate of course completion, which satisfies the Portuguese language proficiency requirement for permanent residence.

    @Johnny PT You also need a NISS to enroll in a government-subsidized Portuguese language course. Even if you manage to enroll without the NISS, you can't be issued your certificate of course completion, which satisfies the Portuguese language proficiency requirement for permanent residence.       -@wordsmith555

That's right

https://www.acm.gov.pt/-/como-posso-fre … rangeiros-

The beneficiaries must have a residence permit, in accordance with the national legislation applicable to foreign citizens, or must present one of the following documents:

a) Proof of initiation of the procedure for the extension of stay in the national territory or for granting or renewing the residence permit;

b) Proof of submission of the application for international protection or temporary protection;

c) Proof of Social Security Identification Number (NISS) attribution.

@JohnnyPT I know this is an older post, but my D7 residency permit renewal is coming up in Nov and it seems that I now need a NISS to go through the AIMA online renewal process. I’m retired and don’t work. I don’t mind trying to get it if it is required, but I’ve heard it’s only available online (unless you have an employment contract and then you are allowed to get it in person). Do you know anything different? Maybe a place to walk-in to request? I’m in Santarém, so could easily go to/near Lisbon, if necessary.

Hi @daphnelavern,

Yes, it is true that non-working retirees on a D7 visa are increasingly encountering a requirement for a NISS (Social Security Number) when renewing their residence cards through AIMA.

You can request a NISS directly using the official portal:

1. Go to the official portal: Segurança Social - Formulário Pedido de NISS and look for Pedido de NISS para Cidadãos Estrangeiros.

https://www.seg-social.pt/ptss/id/pedid … oes-gerais

1. Fill out the form in English/Portuguese.

1. When prompted for reason or professional status, select Outras Situações / Não Ativo (Other Situations / Non-Active) or upload your D7 residence permit / visa details.

1. Upload high-resolution PDFs of your: Passport , NIF (Tax document) , Current D7 Residence Card , Proof of Address in Portugal (e.g., utility bill or Atestado de Residência)

Once submitted, Segurança Social processes the request and emails your 11-digit NISS (typically within 1 to 3 weeks).

If you prefer to go in person or need to resolve an issue: Espaço Cidadão (Citizenship Hubs).

Santarém Location:

Rua Pedro de Santarém, n.º 151

Santarém

https://www.gov.pt/locais-de-atendiment … e-santarem

If applying in person, bring printed copies of your passport, NIF, current residence card, proof of address, and a printout or screenshot of the AIMA renewal page showing the NISS field.

Regards

@JohnnyPT Ok, thank you. I have everything (I hope) and will try to upload tonight. Obrigada!

@daphnelavern

NISS applications are now mainly handled online. In practice, it can be quite difficult to obtain a NISS without an employment contract, self-employment activity (recibos verdes), or a registered company.

However, digital nomads with foreign employment contracts and people who qualify for voluntary social insurance may also be eligible.

There is also an option for eligible foreigners with a Portuguese address to apply for NIF, NISS and SNS numbers together at certain Espaço Cidadão offices.

@VivaLuz Global Lda

Thank you! I am retired on a D7, so when I went on AIMA’s website to start my residency renewal, they took care of  it for me and auto-populated if for me in approximately 4 business days.