How to register your NISS and change your address with AIMA Portugal
Two official AIMA news items
This article is based on official AIMA news: Saiba como registar o seu NISS (How to register your NISS) and Alteração da sua morada (Change of address).
Quick answer: AIMA now assigns NISS automatically during in-person attendance or a regularisation process. When starting an eligible renewal, the Renewals Portal also offers a NISS request option. Other channels remain relevant when you already hold a permit and are outside the renewal period.
1. How to Register NISS in Portugal
For AIMA attendance and regularisation procedures, NISS is now assigned automatically. The following alternatives remain relevant in other situations, including where the person already has a residence permit and is not in the renewal period.
Documents Required for NISS Application
- Identity document: ID card (EU citizens) or passport (third-country nationals), legible and valid
- NIF: Copy of NIF document (both pages)
- Additional documents: Depending on the reason for the request, Social Security may ask for documents supporting the applicant's situation. Check the current Social Security form and instructions.
- Proof of residence regularization: CRUE (EU citizens), AIMA appointment confirmation, residence permit or visa application proof
Applications can be submitted online through the Social Security portal or in person at a Citizen Shop or Social Security office. The process is free.
NISS during renewal
When starting an eligible renewal request, check the Renewals Portal for the NISS-request option. If you already hold a permit and are outside the renewal period, use the available Social Security or AIMA data-update channel appropriate to the case.
2. How to Update NISS with AIMA
If you have obtained NISS from Social Security but it does not appear in AIMA records, you must notify the update through the Contact Form:
contactenos.aima.gov.pt/contact-form
Indicate the subject «Alteração de Dados» (Data Change) and attach a copy of the document proving your NISS (Social Security statement or NISS card). Also include copies of your passport and residence permit for identification.
3. How to Change Your Address with AIMA
Address changes with AIMA follow different procedures depending on the document type:
Residence Authorization (AR)
Address change requests for Residence Authorization must be submitted through the Contact Form at contactenos.aima.gov.pt/contact-form, indicating the subject «Alteração de Dados» (Data Change).
Residence Permit
To change data on the Residence Permit (including address), you must schedule via the AIMA Contact Center: phone (+351) 217 115 000 (weekdays, 8am–8pm) or email geral@aima.gov.pt.
Documents for Address Change
- Copy of passport
- Copy of residence permit
- Updated Tax Domicile Certificate issued by the Tax Authority (Finanças), in digital format
Official AIMA Links
- Contact Form (data/NISS/address change): contactenos.aima.gov.pt/contact-form
- AIMA Contact Center: (+351) 217 115 000 — weekdays 8am–8pm
- AIMA Email: geral@aima.gov.pt
- AIMA News – NISS registration: aima.gov.pt/pt/noticias/saiba-como-registar-o-seu-niss
- AIMA News – Address change: aima.gov.pt/pt/noticias/alteracao-da-sua-morada
- Apply for NISS (ePortugal): eportugal.gov.pt
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I apply for NISS in Portugal?
AIMA now assigns NISS automatically during in-person attendance or a regularisation process. If you already have a residence permit and are outside the renewal period, use the relevant Social Security or AIMA channel for the individual case.
How do I change my address with AIMA?
For Residence Authorization (AR), use the Contact Form at contactenos.aima.gov.pt/contact-form, indicating the subject «Data Change» and attaching passport, residence permit and the updated Tax Domicile Certificate from Finanças. For changes to the Residence Permit, schedule via AIMA Contact Center (+351) 217 115 000 or geral@aima.gov.pt.
What if my NISS is not in AIMA records?
You must update your data through the AIMA Contact Form (contactenos.aima.gov.pt/contact-form), indicating the subject «Data Change» and attaching proof of NISS (Social Security statement or NISS card), passport and residence permit.
Can I request an address change at any time?
Use the appropriate AIMA channel and provide the updated Tax Domicile Certificate from Finanças. Confirm the current form fields before submitting because administrative procedures can change.