How to join the public healthcare system in Portugal

Portugal’s public healthcare system, called the Serviço Nacional de Saúde, or SNS, offers excellent, affordable care for residents.

But getting access isn’t automatic, especially if you’re new here.

If you're moving to Portugal, this guide covers how to register for the public healthcare system and how Feather’s expat health insurance can keep you covered while you wait.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to access Portugal’s public healthcare system (SNS) as an expat. Including:

• Whether or not you’re eligible
• How to register
• And what to do while you’re waiting for the bureaucracy to do its thing.

Let’s kick it off.

What is the SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde)?

The SNS is Portugal’s national healthcare system.

It’s publicly funded and covers most essential care, including:

• Doctor and specialist visits
• Hospital care and emergency treatment
• Maternity and pediatric care
• Vaccinations and screenings
• Pre-existing condition coverage
• Preventative care

Most services are free or come with a small co-payment.

Who can use the public healthcare system in Portugal?

You’re generally eligible for SNS if you:

• Have legal residence in Portugal
• Are registered with Segurança Social (Social Security) if employed or self-employed
• Or, if retired or not working, can show proof of residency and income

If you’re moving on a D7 visa, digital nomad visa, or a work contract, you’ll likely qualify once you’ve completed a few administrative steps.

How to register for public healthcare (SNS)

Here’s how to get started once you’ve arrived:

1. Get your residence certificate

Register your address at your local Junta de Freguesia for proof of residence.

Non-EU citizens will need a residence permit from AIMA (formerly SEF).

2. Apply for your NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal)

Also very commonly referred to as número de contribuinte. You’ll need this Portuguese tax number for almost everything — from opening a bank account to registering for healthcare.

3. Enroll in Social Security (Segurança Social)

If you work or are self-employed, your contributions support your access to public healthcare.

4. Register at your local health center (Centro de Saúde)

Bring your ID/residence permit, NIF, and proof of address. Once registered, you’ll receive your SNS number and a family doctor.

What if you’re not registered?

It can take several weeks to get your SNS number. Until then, you still need health insurance to meet visa requirements and stay protected.

That’s where Feather’s expat health insurance can help.

Stay covered while you wait for SNS

Feather’s expat health insurance is designed for people new to Portugal. It’s simple, flexible, and fully visa-compliant.

Why it’s a great fit:

• Fully valid in Portugal and across the EU
• Accepted for D7, digital nomad, and student visas
• Covers inpatient, outpatient, emergency, and repatriation costs
• 100% digital sign-up — no paperwork or Portuguese tax number needed
• Cancel anytime — month to month

Many expats keep their Feather plan even after joining SNS for faster appointments, private care, or travel coverage across Europe.

Do you need to cancel Feather once you join SNS?

You can cancel anytime. Some people choose to keep it as a top-up for extra flexibility — faster doctor visits, broader coverage, and peace of mind while traveling.

You’re free to decide what works best for you.

Final tips for new arrivals

• Get insured before you move — it’s a visa requirement
• Once you’re on SNS, take advantage of Portugal’s world-class care
• Keep Feather for faster access or EU-wide coverage