HOW TO DECLARE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT

COMO DECLARAR UM CONTRATO DE TRABALHO

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Tax Identification (NIF): Portal das Finanças


Social Security (NISS): Segurança Social

    Labor Laws and Employment:Working in Portugal - gov.pt

    WHAT IS IT?

    To work legally in Portugal, access social security benefits, and ensure both parties are protected under labor laws, employment must be declared for both Portuguese and foreign nationals intending to work in Portugal.

    Declaring an employment contract involves formalizing the agreement between an employer and an employee, ensuring compliance with Portuguese labor laws. As an employee, you do not have to personally declare your employment. In Portugal, it is the employer’s legal responsibility to declare the employment contract to the Portuguese Social Security.

    HOW IT WORKS

    • The employer must:

      • Register the worker with Social Security before the work begins.

      • Withhold and pay social security contributions.

      • Report the employment details via the Segurança Social Directa portal.

    • You (as the employee) must:

      • Make sure you have a NIF (Tax Number) and ideally a NISS (Social Security Number), although not always necessary.

      • Sign the contract and keep a copy.

      • Confirm with your employer that they are completing the registration correctly.

    STEP BY STEP GUIDE

    1. Obtain a Tax Identification Number (NIF)

    Where: Local Tax Office (Serviço de Finanças)

    Documents Needed:

    • Valid passport or ID card.

    • Proof of address.

    • Note: For more information on getting a NIF, check this article.

    2. Secure a Social Security Number (NISS)

    Where: Local Social Security Office (Segurança Social).

    Documents Needed:

    • NIF.

    • Valid passport or ID card.

    • Employment contract or promise of employment.

    Note: For more information on getting a NISS, check this article

      DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

      For NIF:

      • Valid passport or ID card.

      • Proof of address.

      Note: For more information on getting a NIF, check this article.

      For NISS: 

      • NIF.

      • Valid passport or ID card.

      • Employment contract or promise of employment.

      Note: For more information on getting a NISS, check this article

      So when might you need to take action?

      • If your employer is informal or not fulfilling their obligations — for instance, if you aren’t receiving payslips or social security isn’t being paid — you may need to report them or seek legal advice.

      If you're self-employed, you must register yourself with Social Security and the Tax Authority.

      FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

      Can I start working without a NISS?

      Yes, as of December 2024, employers can conclude employment contracts with foreign citizens even if they do not yet have a NISS.

      Is a written employment contract mandatory?

      While not mandatory for all types of employment, it's required for fixed, term, part-time, remote work, and contracts with foreign workers.

      How soon should the employment contract be registered with Social Security?

      The contract should be registered within 24 hours of the employee starting work.

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