The National Health System (SNS) is a structure established by the Portuguese Government to ensure access to healthcare for all individuals in Portugal, regardless of their nationality. It provides access to public health infrastructure, including hospitals and health centres.
The SNS is available to the following groups:
Portuguese citizens.
Foreign citizens with a residence permit in Portugal.
Foreign citizens with a work visa.
Individuals who have been in Portugal for more than 90 days.
To access the National Health System, you must request the SNS number, which is a unique identifier for tax residents when using public healthcare services. Here's what you can do:
Request the SNS number at the health centre in your area of residence.
Required documents for the application include:
Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF).
Proof of address, which can be provided in the form of a Certificate of Residency for the European Citizen (CRUE) or a residence permit card.
In the case of foreign citizens with a work visa, a work visa is required.
If you do not have a residence permit but have been living in Portugal for more than 90 days, you must obtain a residence certificate from the local Parish Council to prove your residency.
Applying for the SNS number is typically free of charge, and the presence of the applicant depends on the policies of each specific health centre.
In some areas, such as the municipality of Lisbon, it is not necessary to physically visit the health centre to request the SNS number; you can do so via email.
Relocate Now can assist you in obtaining your SNS number. Here's how our services can help:
Local Health Centre Requirements: We review the specific requirements of the health centre in your area to ensure you have the necessary documents.
Providing Information: We give you details about the health centre's address, date, and time for the application.
If an in-person application is not needed, we will provide you with the email address of the health centre grouping so that you can apply online.
Our services typically take 48 hours. The issuance of the SNS number (in person) at the health centre is usually immediate, or it can take up to a few months if requested online, but the time may vary based on the specific health centre.
We will provide you with the instructions to register for public healthcare free of charge.
How can I find out which health centre is closest to where I live?
You must click on this link (https://www.sns.gov.pt/sns/pesquisa-prestadores/) and choose “Cuidados de Saúde Primários". Type "Centro de Saúde" and indicate Distrito e Concelho. Tap on PESQUISAR.
If I have the SNS number, can I get medical care in other European countries?
No, in order to take advantage of public health services in other EU countries, you need to request the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which allows you to receive medical assistance during a temporary stay in a European Union country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.
How long does it take for the SNS number to be issued?
It depends; it can be issued the same day if the person goes to the health centre in person, or it can take a few days/weeks/months (online).
When the SNS number is issued, will I receive a card with the number on it?
No, you will be given/sent a single (paper) document with the number.
