About This Service

As of May 8, 2025, foreign residents with a Portuguese address can request three key identification numbers in a single appointment at designated Espaços Cidadão:

• NIF – Número de Identificação Fiscal
• NISS – Número de Identificação da Segurança Social
• NHS User Number – Número Nacional de Utente do SNS

This streamlined service is available at 12 Espaços Cidadão across Portugal (official GOV.PT page).

Who Can Apply?

To apply, you must:

• Be a foreign national with a Portuguese address
• Not hold a Portuguese Citizen Card
• Meet at least one of the following conditions:
• Residence permit (already granted): bring your residence card, title, or other official document. Applicants from CPLP countries must bring the valid residence permit.
• Residence permit applied (pending): bring the receipt (“recibo”) issued following your AIMA (SEF) application.
• EU citizen: bring a municipal residence certificate issued by your local Câmara Municipal.
• International protection applied: bring the receipt of your application for asylum or subsidiary protection filed with AIMA.
• Refugee or international protection status granted: bring the official certificate of residence under the protection regime.

Proof of Portuguese Address

If your identification document does not show your current Portuguese address, you must bring proof of address that matches exactly the address you declare:

• Rental agreement
• Comodato agreement
• Water, electricity, or gas bill
• Property registry certificate or online access code
• Landlord’s declaration confirming residence and status (e.g., rental situation)

Representatives & Minors

Legal Representatives

If a legal representative applies on behalf of someone else, they must present:

• Valid identification document
• Power of attorney—either full (“plenos poderes”) or specifying the purpose: “to request and consult identification numbers for foreigners.”
• If the representative is a lawyer, solicitor, or notary, they must also provide their professional certificate.

Applying for Minors

If applying for a minor or dependent, the child must be present, and the parent or guardian must provide:

• Proof of filiation or guardianship (e.g., birth certificate, legal document)

Where & When

The combined service is available at 12 Espaços Cidadão:

• Braga
• Cascais (2 locations)
• Lisbon (2 locations)
• Olhão
• Lagos
• Setúbal
• Porto (2 locations)
• Loures
• Oeiras

No prior appointment is required. Confirmed update on May 8, 2025.

Authentication with Chave Móvel Digital

You must authenticate with Chave Móvel Digital (CMD) linked to your passport or via eIDAS:

• If you already have CMD linked to passport, only passport is accepted for ID.
• If you don’t have CMD, you can create it during the visit to Espaço Cidadão.

Activate CMD here: Activate Chave Móvel Digital

How to Apply

1. Visit one of the 12 Espaços Cidadão—no prior booking required.
2. Bring all required documents and authenticate using CMD or eIDAS.
3. Submit your application and receive all three numbers—NIF, NISS, and NHS User Number—during the same appointment.

Costs & Timing

The service is free and typically completed immediately after verification of documentation.

Need Assistance?

For personalized support, contact Prismaat here.

FAQ

Q: Can a legal representative apply?

A: Yes—legal representatives need their own ID, valid power of attorney, and professional certificate if applicable.

Q: What if my ID document doesn’t show my current Portuguese address?

A: Bring additional proof of address matching exactly the one you declare (e.g., utility bill or rental contract).

Q: Can CMD be issued during the appointment?

A: Yes—if you don’t already have CMD, staff at Espaços Cidadão can issue one using your passport.