How can a foreigner get a NISS in one hour?

Getting a NISS: a guide

Access to the social security system in Portugal – Segurança Social for foreigners from January 1, 2020, is simplified. The new law provides for the NISS na hora program, that is, obtaining a social security number in one hour.

What to do when a NISS in Portugal is blocked or denied? Those who are faced with similar problems are advised to contact the CNAI – Immigrant Support Center for information. Professionals will give detailed information on what can be done in each case.

Registration in Segurança Social within an hour. How to do it?

Registration with Segurança Social implies the assignment of a lifetime number (número de identificação de segurança social – NISS) in this social security system.

Newborns and older children receive NISS automatically. This means that a child born in Portugal with Portuguese citizenship by birth is immediately assigned all the important documents.

An adult foreigner has three main options for registering with Segurança Social: as an employee or self-employed, including a housekeeper.

Let’s imagine a foreigner came under the Family Reunification program. In that case, he has the right to receive a number, provided that someone from his family already makes or has made contributions to Segurança Social. You must contact the reception of this organization, fill out the appropriate forms, and provide your documents.

Social insurance for employees and domestic workers

When applying for a job as a hired or domestic worker, a foreigner who does not yet have a NISS must register with Segurança Social and get him a social security number. To do this, he must contact the office of the Segurança Social service and provide the following documents there:

•  Modelos de Requerimento questionnaire RV 1009/2018-DGSS e RV 1006/2018-DGSS (can be taken from the website or at the social insurance office).
• Identification document and its copy.
• Copy of NIF – tax number.

You will also have to provide a work contract and a copy of it, which must indicate:

• The name and place of residence of the employee.
• Company name and address.
• Type of activity of the company.
• Position.
• The payment period and amount.
• Employment date.
• Type of contract.
• Signatures of both parties.

A foreigner who starts working or changes his place of employment must report this to Segurança Social within a maximum of two days from the start of work (ideally at the same time as the employer). It is necessary to provide the Mod.RV1009-DGSS questionnaire.

How much will an employee pay at Segurança Social?

There is a single payout rate in Segurança Social, which is 34.75% of salary. At the same time, the employer pays 23.75%, and 11% is deducted from the worker’s salary.

Speaking about domestic workers, their rate of social insurance payments is 26.7%. The housekeeper herself pays 9%, and an employer – 17.4%.

Social insurance for independent workers

The tax office automatically transmits the data on the beginning of activity as an independent worker to Segurança Social. However, an independent worker must personally apply to a Social Security office to obtain a NISS.

You need to bring the following documents:

• Modelos de requerimento questionnaires RV 1000/2019-DGSS and R and 1006/2018-DGSS.
• Identification document and its copy.
• A copy of the declaração de início de atividade independente.

Understandably, if you have little knowledge about this procedure or any other procedures in the country, it is always better to hire professionals who will quickly help you solve all your problems.