One of the priorities when you move to the Portugal for tax purposes, is to register with the Portuguese social security system. This step must be taken whether you are retired or still working.
If you are hired on a permanent or fixed-term contract by a Portuguese company, the registration with the social security system must be done by your employer. Otherwise, we will explain the procedure to you and provide you with the documents to be completed.
How to register for Portuguese social security
Before registering at your health center, you must first register with the Portuguese social security system. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, social security offices have been closed to the public; you must make an appointment. To schedule an appointment, please send an email to the following address:
- Porto Area: CDSSPorto@seg-social.pt
In your email, you must include the address of the Social Security office you wish to visit, your taxpayer identification number, your tax address in Portugal, and, of course, your first and last name. Please note that your email must be written in Portuguese..
You will receive a response within 48 to 72 hours. You will be given an appointment time along with a registration number. Late arrivals will not be accepted, which means that if you are unable to keep the appointment, you will need to repeat the process described above.
Documents to Submit
On the day of your appointment, you will need to bring the following documents:
- Taxpayer number
- S1/E121 Certificate (if you are retired)
- Employment contract or your company's legal status (for employed individuals)
- Certificate of European Residency
- Your ID
- Form RV 1017 – DGSS, duly completed and signed
- Form RV 1006 – Duly completed and signed
- Form RV 1009 – If you are an employee
To request Form E121/S1, you must submit your request directly through your portal ameli.fr at least two months before you leave France. Without this form, the Portuguese social security system will not be able to transfer your benefits.
During your appointment, Social Security will record all the documents you provide and will later issue you your Social Security number. Once you have your number, you can register at your local health center.
