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Chapter 9 of 21

Social Security & Pension

NISS, contributions & rights

Social Security & Pension

NISS, contributions & rights

This chapter is for informational purposes only. Always consult a professional.

Sources: seg-social.pt | svb.nl | gov.pt

NISS — Social Security Number

The NISS (Número de Identificação de Segurança Social) is required for work, benefits, and healthcare registration. Apply at Segurança Social with NIF + passport.

Contributions

TypeEmployeeEmployer
Employment11%23.75%
Freelance (after 1st year)21.4% on 70%N/A
Director-ownerVariableVariable

Rights & Benefits

  • Sickness benefit: after 6 months contributions. 55-75% of reference salary
  • Unemployment: after 12 months contributions. 65% salary, max 26 months
  • Maternity leave: 120-150 days paid (80-100%)
  • Paternity leave: 28 days paid (7 mandatory)
  • Child allowance: income-dependent, €50-€150/child/month
  • Pension: after 15 years contributions (min. age 66 years + months)

A1-Form (Secondment)

Are you temporarily working in Portugal for a foreign employer? The A1 form determines in which country you pay social security contributions. Maximum 24 months.

EU Coordination of Social Security

The EU coordination regulations (883/2004 and 987/2009) protect your rights when moving between EU countries:

PrincipleMeaning
Equal treatmentSame rights as Portuguese citizens
AggregationYears worked in NL count towards PT rights
Export of benefitsAOW/pension paid throughout the EU
One country at a timeSocial contributions in only one country

Common Mistakes

  • Not applying for NISS — Required for work, benefits, and some healthcare registrations.

  • Not informing SVB — Report relocation for correct AOW payment.

  • Forgetting A1 form — During secondment: contributions in wrong country = double payment.

  • Underestimating freelance contributions — After 1st year exemption: 21.4% on 70% income.

AOW & Dutch Pension

  • AOW continues within the EU. Report relocation to SVB
  • ABP and company pensions continue. Inform funds
  • S1 form via CAK for healthcare rights
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Glossary
  • NISS (Social Security Number)

    The Portuguese social security number. You need your NISS if you plan to work in Portugal or start as a freelancer. It is also required for access to certain social benefits and allowances.

  • SEF/AIMA (Immigration Service)

    The former Portuguese immigration service SEF was replaced by AIMA in 2023 (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum). AIMA handles residence permits, visa applications and all immigration matters. Wait times can be long, so start your application early.

  • IRS (Personal Income Tax)

    Portuguese personal income tax. The IRS return is filed annually between April and June. Rates range from 14.5% to 48% depending on income. Tax residents must declare their worldwide income.

  • ISV (Vehicle Registration Tax)

    Tax when registering or importing a vehicle in Portugal. The ISV amount can be substantial, especially for older or polluting vehicles. EU citizens who relocate may be eligible for exemption under certain conditions.

  • CPCV (Promissory Purchase Agreement)

    The preliminary purchase contract when buying property in Portugal. Upon signing you typically pay a 10-20% deposit (sinal). If the buyer withdraws, they lose the deposit; if the seller withdraws, they must repay double the amount.

  • Certidão de Teor (Property Registry Extract)

    An extract from the Portuguese property registry at the Conservatória. The Certidão de Teor shows who owns a property and whether there are mortgages or liens on it. Always check before purchasing a property.

  • Junta de Freguesia (Parish Council)

    The local administrative body at neighborhood level, comparable to a Dutch district council. At the Junta de Freguesia you can request an Atestado de Residência (proof of residence) among other things. It is often your first point of contact for local matters.

  • Conservatória (Registry Office)

    The Portuguese registry office for property and civil status. At the Conservatória, property transfers, marriages and births are registered. For property purchases, registration at the Conservatória do Registo Predial is mandatory.

  • Título de Residência (Residence Permit)

    The Portuguese residence permit card, comparable to a Dutch residence permit. After approval of your visa application, you receive a Título de Residência allowing you to legally live and work in Portugal.

  • Multibanco

    The Portuguese payment network and ATM system. Multibanco is not only used for cash withdrawals, but also for paying bills, taxes and even concert tickets. It is an essential part of daily life in Portugal.

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