Thinking of living or working in Portugal? Understanding the country’s social security system is essential for anyone planning a medium- to long-term stay.
Whether you’re an employee, self-employed, or moving as a retiree, Portugal’s Segurança Social plays a key role in providing access to benefits such as healthcare, pensions, maternity leave, and unemployment support.
In this article, we’ll break down how the system works, who needs to contribute, and what you can expect in terms of coverage and entitlements.
What is Social Security in Portugal?
Social Security in Portugal (Segurança Social) is the public system that provides financial protection and social benefits to individuals and families. It covers a wide range of areas including healthcare, pensions, unemployment benefits, maternity/paternity leave, disability support, and more.
If you’re working or residing in Portugal—whether as an employee, freelancer, or business owner—you are generally required to register and contribute to the system. Contributions are usually deducted automatically from your income or paid through quarterly declarations if you’re self-employed.
Being part of the social security system not only ensures compliance with Portuguese law but also gives you access to essential services and future benefits, such as retirement pensions and social support.
Understanding the Portugal’s Social Security System
Segurança Social Portugal is comprised of numerous components, built to support citizens in various stages of life.
1. General Social Security Regime
This is the mainstay of Portugal’s social security system, available to the majority of employees and self-employed. The system is contributory and includes various benefits combinations. These are old-age pension, disability and survivors’ pension, unemployment benefits, sick pay, maternity/paternity leave, and benefit in case of an employment accident or occupational disease. It is the basis of social protection in the long term in Portugal.
2. Non-Contributory Scheme
The non-contributory regime is intended for those who have not contributed enough to the social security system but still need assistance. It protects vulnerable populations like the elderly, people with disabilities and the poor. Benefits include social security, child allowances, and inclusion support for those not reaching basic living standards.
3. Voluntary Social Insurance
For people who are not required to contribute — such as students, homemakers or expatriates — Portugal provides the possibility of paying into a voluntary social system. This enables people to make contributions on their own terms, whilst retaining eligibility for future benefits such as pensions and minimum social protection. It’s especially helpful for people making a life transition, or for people who want their rights to remain active while living abroad.
4. Supplementary Schemes
Other social security plans exist, apart of the state system. These are typically set up through sponsors, or are purchased individually. They are often occupational pension schemes, private insurance schemes or top-up programs which complement the standard public facilities with higher and/or more regular retirement income and more benefits for certain risk groups.
Overview of the Social Security Benefits
Portugal’s Segurança Social provides a comprehensive system of social protection, offering various benefits to individuals and families who contribute to the system (or qualify through non-contributory means). These benefits support people throughout different stages of life and in times of need.
- Retirement Pension
- Unemployment Benefits
- Sickness Benefits
- Maternity and Paternity Leave
- Work Accident & Occupational Illness Compensation
- Disability Pension
- Family and Child Benefits
- Social Insertion Income (RSI)
- Survivor’s Pension
Social Security Benefits in Portugal
Social Security Benefit: Retirement Pension
After at least 15 years of contributions, individuals in Portugal are eligible for an old-age pension. The standard retirement age is currently 66 years and 4 months, subject to annual changes.
Early retirement is allowed under certain conditions, such as long careers or unemployment later in life, but often comes with permanent reductions to the pension amount. Those with extended contribution histories may benefit from more favorable terms.
Social Security Benefit: Unemployment
In Portugal, unemployment benefits support individuals who lose their job involuntarily and have contributed to social security for at least 360 days in the last 24 months.
The benefit is typically 65% of your reference salary, with minimum and maximum limits. The duration depends on your age and work history, ranging from a few months up to 18 months.
There’s also a social unemployment benefit for those in financial hardship who don’t meet the standard requirements. To receive benefits, you must be registered with the IEFP and actively looking for work.
Social Security Benefit: Sickness
Sickness benefits in Portugal provide income support if you’re temporarily unable to work due to illness. To qualify, you must have contributed to social security for at least 6 consecutive calendar months (with at least 12 days of paid work).
The benefit amount is typically 55% to 75% of your reference salary, depending on the duration of the sick leave. Payments usually begin after a 3-day waiting period, except for hospitalizations or serious illnesses, where coverage starts immediately.
You must present a medical certificate approved by the Portuguese National Health Service (SNS) and keep your situation regularly updated with social security.
Social Security Benefit: Maternity and Paternity Leave
Portugal offers generous parental leave benefits through its social security system. To qualify, parents must have at least 6 months of social security contributions, consecutive or not.
- Maternity Leave: Up to 120 or 150 consecutive days, with 100% of your reference salary paid. Mothers must take at least 6 weeks after birth.
- Paternity Leave: 20 working days are mandatory (10 must be taken within 30 days of birth), plus 5 optional days, all paid at 100%.
- Shared Parental Leave: Parents may share leave for up to 180 days if both take a minimum period, with part of the leave paid at 83%.
All leave must be supported by medical certificates or birth registration, and payments are handled by Segurança Social.
Social Security Benefit: Work Accident & Illness
In Portugal, employees are protected in cases of work-related accidents or occupational diseases through mandatory insurance coverage provided by employers. This includes both physical and psychological injuries that occur during work or as a result of work conditions.
Benefits include:
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Temporary or permanent disability compensation
- Daily allowance during recovery
- Pension for permanent disability
- Compensation for reduced earning capacity
If the injury results in death, surviving family members may also receive death benefits and pensions.
Employers are legally required to have work accident insurance, and all incidents must be reported immediately. The system is managed jointly by insurance companies and Segurança Social, depending on the situation.
Social Security Benefit: Disability Pension
The disability pension in Portugal provides financial support to individuals who are permanently unable to work due to illness or injury. To qualify, you must have made at least 5 years of social security contributions, though exceptions apply for early-onset or severe disabilities.
There are two main types:
- Absolute Disability Pension: For those unable to perform any professional activity.
- Relative Disability Pension: For those unable to perform their usual job but still capable of lighter work.
The amount depends on your contribution history and reference earnings. Applicants must undergo a medical assessment through Social Security to confirm their disability status.
Social Security Benefit: Family and Child
Portugal provides various financial supports to help families with the costs of raising children, especially for low- and middle-income households. These benefits are managed by Segurança Social and are typically means-tested, based on household income and family size.
Key supports include:
- Family Allowance for Children and Young People: A monthly payment for children up to 16 years old (or up to 24 if in education).
- Prenatal Family Allowance: Granted to expectant mothers from the 13th week of pregnancy onward, based on family income.
- Birth Grant (Abono de Nascimento): A one-time payment to support newborn-related costs.
- Special Education Allowance: For children with disabilities who require special schooling or therapies.
- Allowance for Large Families: Additional support for households with three or more dependent children.
These benefits are designed to reduce child poverty, promote equal opportunities, and ease the financial burden on families.
Social Security Benefit: Social Insertion Income (RSI)
The Social Insertion Income (RSI) – Rendimento Social de Inserção – is a financial support program aimed at individuals and families facing severe economic hardship in Portugal. It combines a monthly cash benefit with an insertion plan, which includes social support, training, and employment assistance.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be legally residing in Portugal
- Be over 18 (or emancipated minors with children)
- Have an income below the legally defined threshold
- Commit to an individual integration program to improve their social and professional situation
The amount granted depends on household size, composition, and income. It is designed to guarantee a minimum standard of living and promote long-term reintegration into society and the labor market.
Social Security Benefit: Survivor’s Pension
The Survivor’s Pension in Portugal provides financial support to the spouse, children, or other eligible dependents of a deceased person who contributed to the Portuguese social security system.
This benefit helps replace lost household income and is available to:
- Widows or widowers
- Children under 18, or up to 25 if in full-time education
- Disabled children of any age
- Dependent parents or other relatives, in some cases
The amount of the pension depends on the deceased’s contribution record and the number of eligible beneficiaries. The benefit can be split among multiple dependents if applicable.
To receive the pension, beneficiaries must apply and provide the necessary documentation, including proof of relationship and the contributor’s death certificate.
Social Security Contribution Rates in Portugal
Here’s an overview of the social security contribution rates in Portugal as of 2025, tailored for employees, employers, and self-employed individuals:
Employees
- Employee contribution: 11% of gross salary
- Employer contribution: 23.75% of gross salary
Self-Employed Individuals (Freelancers)
- Standard contribution rate: 21.4% of relevant income
- Contribution base: Calculated as 70% of income from services or 20% from sales, based on the average income over the previous three months
- Additional employer contributions: 10% if over 80% of income comes from a single client and 7% if 50–80% of income comes from a single client
Portugal's Social Security in Numbers
Here’s a structured overview of key figures related to Portugal’s social security system as of 2025:
How to Apply For Social Security Number in Portugal
The NISS (Número de Identificação da Segurança Social) is your Portuguese Social Security Number. It’s required if you’re working in Portugal (as an employee or self-employed) or planning to access social benefits.
Who Needs a NISS
- Employees (must be requested by the employer)
- Self-employed workers (freelancers, business owners)
- Residents applying for social benefits or family allowances
- EU and non-EU nationals living in Portugal
How to Apply
For Employees
- Your employer is responsible for requesting your NISS when you are hired.
- You do not need to apply directly unless you’re changing status (e.g., to self-employed).
For Self-Employed Individuals or Freelancers
- You must apply directly at a Segurança Social office or through an authorized representative.
Required documents
- Valid passport or national ID
- Portuguese NIF (tax number)
- Residency certificate or address proof
- Proof of self-employment (e.g., business registration or activity declaration)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Social Security Benefits in Portugal
Who is eligible for social security benefits in Portugal?
Anyone who contributes to the Portuguese social security system—whether as an employee, self-employed, or through voluntary contributions—may be eligible for benefits.
What types of benefits does social security cover?
Benefits include pensions, unemployment support, sickness benefits, parental leave, work accident compensation, disability pensions, child allowances, and more.
How do I get a Social Security Number (NISS)?
Employees are registered by their employer, while self-employed individuals must apply directly at a Segurança Social office with a valid ID, NIF, and proof of activity.
How much do I contribute to social security?
Employees contribute 11% of their salary, and employers contribute 23.75%. Self-employed workers pay 21.4% of relevant income.
Can foreign residents access social security benefits?
Yes, as long as they have legal residence in Portugal and contribute to the system, foreign nationals are entitled to the same benefits as Portuguese citizens.
When can I retire and claim a pension in Portugal?
You can retire at 66 years and 4 months (subject to change) with at least 15 years of contributions. Early retirement may be possible with reductions.
How long can I receive unemployment benefits?
Duration depends on your age and contribution history, but most people receive it for 6 to 18 months, with possible extensions in specific cases.
Is maternity or paternity leave paid in Portugal?
Yes. Maternity leave is up to 150 days, and paternity leave includes 20 mandatory working days, both paid at 100% of salary if eligible.
What happens if I become permanently disabled?
If medically assessed and eligible, you may qualify for a disability pension, based on your contribution history and the severity of your condition.
Can I access benefits without a contribution history?
Yes, through the non-contributory scheme, individuals in financial hardship may receive minimum support like social pensions or family allowances.