Portugal’s One-stop Identification Numbers Service

Portugal has launched a new system (since March 17, 2025) allowing foreign residents to apply for three key identification numbers—the Tax Identification Number (NIF), Social Security Number (NISS), and National User Number for health services (NNU/SNS)—through a single application, simplifying the process significantly.
The service is available to foreigners with valid residence permits, EU citizens, international protection applicants, and refugees without citizen cards, with application options both in person at select Citizen Spaces and online via the Digital Mobile Key.
While initially the system mostly benefits family members of employees since foreign hires must still secure numbers before their residence permit cards, there are plans to expand it to more immigrants and locations, eventually facilitating smoother payroll onboarding for skilled workers.
This initiative is part of Portugal’s broader efforts to modernize and streamline immigration services, aiming to accelerate the relocation process for international talent and making it easier for employers to manage global mobility and compliance.

Portugal has introduced a new system to simplify the process of obtaining essential identification numbers for foreign residents. Launched on March 17, 2025, this initiative allows eligible individuals to apply for multiple identification numbers through a single application. Here’s what Portuguese employers hiring foreign talent should know about this update.

What is the New Unified Identification System?

The new system lets foreign residents apply for three important identification numbers at once: the Tax Identification Number (NIF), the Social Security Identification Number (NISS), and the National User Number (NNU/SNS) for health services. By combining these applications into one process, it removes the need to visit multiple government offices.

Who Can Use This Service?

The service is available to:

Foreigners with valid residence permits
EU citizens
Applicants for international protection status
Refugees without a citizen card

How Does It Work?

Currently, applicants can submit their requests:

In person at one of the ten Citizen Spaces (located in Braga, Cascais, Lisbon, Olhão, Lagos, Setúbal, Porto, Loures, Oeiras, and Faro), or
Online using the Digital Mobile Key (for those who already have one).

To apply, individuals must have a valid passport. Online applicants also need an active Digital Mobile Key.

The government plans to expand this service to over 930 Citizen Spaces across Portugal in the future.

Why Is This Important for Employers?

At an initial stage, this service won’t have a big impact, as most foreign employees still need to request these identification numbers before receiving their residence permit card. For now, it can be used by family members of employees, who currently face significant challenges in obtaining these numbers.

AIMA has communicated plans to expand this service to more immigrants and locations in the future. Once it becomes available to all skilled workers, employees will be able to request these numbers after they obtain their visa, allowing for a much easier payroll onboarding process. Ultimately, this new system will help employers speed up the relocation process for their international hires.

Relocating international talent to Portugal?

This initiative is part of Portugal’s push to modernize public services. As reforms to the immigration system continue, it will likely become more accessible, further benefiting employers and foreign workers alike.

‍If you’re planning to hire and relocate employees to Portugal, our local expert team can help you stay informed and adapt your global mobility strategy to immigration regulations. Talk to us today.