Where to apply for Finance, Social Security, and Health User numbers as a foreign citizen?
Foreign citizens looking to apply for Finance, Social Security, and Health User numbers in Portugal can do so at Espaços Cidadão. This initiative, which is set to be fully operational in late 2024, provides a streamlined approach to obtaining essential identification numbers without the stress of long wait times. The government has responded to the needs of the growing foreign population, ensuring easier access to these vital services.
The Espaços Cidadão are designed to be user-friendly and accessible, catering specifically to the diverse needs of foreigners in Portugal. With the combined efforts of AMA and AIMA, this service is expected to simplify the application process and significantly enhance customer experience.
Having these identification numbers not only facilitates day-to-day activities such as banking and healthcare access but also ensures compliance with Portuguese laws. The initiative demonstrates the importance of inclusivity and support for foreign residents, allowing them to participate fully in society.
Moreover, these offices will provide detailed guidance on the required documentation and application protocols, making the process straightforward. This means that as a foreigner in Portugal, you can navigate the bureaucracy with ease.
The rollout of this service signifies a commitment from the government to enhance the quality of life for all residents by addressing administrative challenges. As we approach the implementation date, it's a good idea to prepare the necessary paperwork in advance for a smooth experience.
Engage with local community groups or online forums to share tips and experiences regarding the application process. Make sure you mark your calendar for late 2024 to take advantage of this much-needed service! Contact your local Espaços Cidadão for further details.
Margarida Balseiro Lopes was speaking at the end of the meeting of the first Council of Ministers dedicated to Digital Transition and Modernization, which took place today at the Faculty of Science and Technology of Universidade Nova (Nova FCT), in Almada.
Among the 15 measures, the minister highlighted the case of identification numbers for foreign citizens.
"We know that the Finance, Social Security and Citizen's Offices have been faced with long queues" and "we have thousands of foreign citizens living in Portugal who cannot access something as basic as a Tax Identification Number [NIF], the Social Security Number or the Health User Number", continued the government official.
And, therefore, "what we are going to do now in 2024 - this is a measure for this year, in the last quarter of 2024 - in a project that is being implemented by AMA [Agency for Administrative Modernization] and AIMA [Agency for Migration and Asylum Integration] is in one place for citizens to have access to the three identification numbers", explained Margarida Balseiro Lopes.
"This is particularly important because we will take pressure off" the people who work in these entities, she said.
"We are going to make this service available in Espaços Cidadão", explained the government official.
