Your Portuguese public healthcare number is called the número nacional de utente do SNS, usually shortened to número de utente. It identifies you in Portugal’s public health system (SNS). Think of it as the healthcare counterpart to your NIF for tax and NISS for Social Security.

What is the número de utente used for?

You will use this number when dealing with public health centres, SNS hospitals and other public healthcare services. It is also part of your SNS patient record. Portuguese citizens normally receive it automatically with the Cartão de Cidadão; foreign nationals can be assigned one when they first use an SNS public healthcare unit.

Important: having a número de utente is not, by itself, proof that the SNS will pay for your care. The Portuguese government expressly distinguishes assignment of the number from entitlement to have healthcare expenses covered by the SNS. Your record therefore needs the information that establishes how your healthcare is covered.

Who can get one?

Foreign nationals who need care in an SNS public healthcare unit can be assigned a número de utente. Foreign residents can also register at a health centre; the current gov.pt registration service states that Portuguese citizens and foreign citizens with Portuguese residence authorisation can register. Different rules may establish who ultimately bears the cost of care, particularly in EU cross-border situations.

EU citizen example: visitor versus resident

Situation What normally matters
Temporary visit from another EU/EEA country or Switzerland Use your valid EHIC/CESD for medically necessary state healthcare during the temporary stay, subject to the EU coordination rules.
You move to Portugal and Portugal becomes responsible for your healthcare Register appropriately in Portugal and make sure your SNS record reflects your Portuguese entitlement.
You live in Portugal but another EU country remains responsible An S1 may be the route, for example in qualifying pensioner, posted-worker or other cross-border situations. Register the S1 as required in Portugal.
You travel specifically for planned treatment This is not ordinary EHIC use. EU planned-treatment rules can involve an S2 or other prior-authorisation/reimbursement procedure.

Nationality alone does not decide which country pays. See the official gov.pt guide for European citizens and Your Europe healthcare-cover guide.

How to obtain the number

Route 1: at an SNS health unit

For a foreign national, the government says the number can be assigned the first time you go to a public healthcare unit, such as a centro de saúde or hospital. See the official gov.pt número de utente service page.

Route 2: when registering at a health centre

You can normally register at the health centre serving your area of residence. If you do not yet have a número de utente, gov.pt says it can be obtained when you register. Start with the official health-centre registration service.

Route 3: combined NIF + NISS + SNS-number service

Portugal now has a combined identification-number service for qualifying foreign residents. As of the last verification of this guide, foreign people with a Portuguese address who meet the stated conditions—including EU nationals—can request NIF, NISS and the national SNS user number together at participating Espaços Cidadão. The service is currently offered at 12 locations, so check the live page before travelling: request identification numbers for foreigners.

What should you take?

Requirements depend on your status and route, so check the live government service before attending. In practice, bring the documents that establish your identity, Portuguese address and residence/healthcare status. Depending on your situation that may include your passport or EU identity card, residence document or EU registration certificate, Portuguese address evidence, NIF/NISS if already assigned, and an S1 or other cross-border entitlement document where applicable.

Do not assume that a NIF, NISS or EU passport automatically proves healthcare entitlement. If your case involves another country’s health system, bring the relevant EU coordination document.

After you have the number: register with a centro de saúde

The number itself is only one step. If you live in Portugal, register with a local centro de saúde, preferably in your area of residence. Health centres provide primary-care consultations, nursing and other community services. Registration does not necessarily mean that a named family doctor is immediately available; guide #79 deals specifically with médico de família availability.

If the desk says it cannot register you

  1. Ask whether the problem is assignment of the number, health-centre registration, or proof of entitlement. These are different issues.
  2. Show the relevant current gov.pt service page rather than relying on informal advice.
  3. If you are EU-insured elsewhere, check whether an S1 or another coordination document is missing.
  4. Ask what exact document or database field is missing from your record.
  5. If necessary, contact SNS 24 or use the official government/SNS channels for clarification and try the appropriate administrative service again with the missing evidence.

Can you receive healthcare before all the administration is finished?

Do not delay urgent medical care because you do not yet have a Portuguese number. Government guidance for migrants states that a foreign person in Portugal who needs healthcare has the right to be assisted at a health centre or hospital. Administrative entitlement and billing can then depend on the person’s status. For an emergency call 112; for health advice and routing call SNS 24: 808 24 24 24.

Useful official links

Last verified: 2 October 2026. Administrative channels and participating Espaços Cidadão can change, so use the linked government pages for the live location/document list before attending.