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).
The NISS (Social Security Identification Number) and an up-to-date address are essential to complete AIMA procedures, especially residence permit renewals. AIMA requires that your NISS appears in its records and that your address is correct for sending the residence permit. Knowing how to register your NISS and change your address helps avoid delays.
1. How to Register NISS in Portugal
NISS is issued by the Social Security Institute (Instituto da Segurança Social) or at Citizen Shops (Lojas do Cidadão). Foreign residents in Portugal can apply by submitting the required documents.
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)
- Proof of employment status: Employment contract, self-employment documents, student proof or, for those over 65, may not be required
- 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 Required for AIMA Renewals
As of 2025, AIMA requires NISS for all residence permit applications and it is mandatory for online renewals on the Renewals Portal. If you already have NISS but it is not in AIMA records, you must update it through the Contact Form.
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
- Proof of new address (rent receipt, utility bill in your name, landlord declaration, etc.) in digital format
Deadline for Address Change Requests
Address change can be requested up to 90 days before the residence permit expiry date. Form access requires an email address for security.
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?
NISS is applied for at the Social Security Institute or Citizen Shops. Required documents: passport or ID card, NIF, proof of employment status and proof of residence regularization (CRUE, residence permit or visa). Applications can be made online (Social Security portal) or in person.
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 proof of new address. 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?
Address change can be requested up to 90 days before the residence permit expiry date. To receive the Residence Authorization document at your current address, your details must be up to date.