How to get your SNS in Lagos and Luz, Portugal

Portugal has many public benefits for residents, but it can be confusing to learn how to actually register for these benefits as someone moving abroad to Portugal. A question I asked far too many times myself was, “How can I get my SNS in Lagos, Portugal?” Don’t be like me and wait until you’re in the renewal process to actually receive your SNS and the medical benefits that come along with it. 

Let’s start out with the basics before diving into the SNS process for Lagos and Luz residents. 

What is an SNS number in Portugal?

The SNS number (or número de utente do SNS in Portuguese) is the identification number assigned to you as a resident of Portugal. It allows you to receive healthcare at little-to-no cost from the public healthcare system. It also reduces cost if you receive private healthcare or out-of-pocket expenses at the pharmacy. 

Why do I need my SNS in Portugal if I have private health insurance?

Even with private health insurance, which is required for most immigrants in Portugal, registering with the national ministry of health to receive your SNS will decrease your medical costs in Portugal. Plus, it’s required for most visa renewals. 

You’ll also need your SNS in Portugal to receive healthcare across other EU countries. 

Theoretically, you can get by in Portugal without ever using the public healthcare system. In reality, things happen. It’s likely you’ll need to use the public healthcare system at some point if you’re a resident of Portugal, whether for an emergent issue or otherwise. 

How can I get my SNS in Luz or Lagos, Portugal?

Getting your SNS in Luz and Lagos follows the same procedure, and it actually really easy. Here’s a step by step guide for getting your SNS in Luz and Lagos, depending on if you have or don’t have your NISS:

How to get your SNS number if you already have your NISS:

1. Obtain your NISS (this is a separate number that’s required as a precursor to the SNS)
2. Print a copy of your Passport 
3. Print a copy of your Título de Residência (font and back) – if your NISS is not on your Título de Residência card, print your NISS as well
4. Print a copy of a water or electricity bill in your name ‘
5. Go to Centro de Saúde in Lagos 
6. Take a ticket from the machine in the main entrance (see pictures below)
   • Select SAC
   • Select ‘K’ Documentos médicos / Renovações / Informações
7. Go back out the main entrance and turn right until you see signs for SAC
   • Note – they have limited hours. When we went, it was after 13h on weekdays and between 8-14h on weekends.
8. Wait for your ticket number to be called and approach the front desk with your documents. 
9. Either they will give you an SNS immediately or you’ll come back in person in a week to pick it up

Some helpful pics of the ticket type at the Centro de Saúde in Lagos:

How to get your SNS number if you do not already have your NISS:

1. Go to the Câmara Municipal de Lagos
2. Take the ticket type for ‘R’ (espaço do cidadão)
3. Explain you are requesting your NISS and SNS to the agent 
4. Provide your passport and Título de Residência
5. The agent will help you with your digital ID, NISS, and SNS or provide you next steps if something else is needed

Although there are multiple steps, it really is pretty easy to get your SNS on your own. As the Câmara emphasized to us, it is our right to receive healthcare and low-to-no cost in Portugal because we are residents here. It’s important to get this set up as soon as you can just in case something happens to you medically. 

Bring a book and a bit of patience during your government errands, and you’ll be just fine. 

If getting your NISS, NIF, SNS, health insurance plan, etc. is overwhelming, you’re not alone! Check out our Ultimate Resource Guide for Americans Moving Abroad to Portugal for more. And follow along on our journey on YouTube or Substack. 

até breve!