How to Get a Health Number in Portugal (Número de Utente)
How to get a health number in Portugal—Need access to public healthcare? Learn how to apply for a Portuguese health number (Número de Utente), whether you have legal residency or not.
PORTUGAL
5/2/20252 min read
Need access to public healthcare in Portugal? Learn how to get a Portuguese health number (Número de Utente), including how to apply with or without legal residency.
If you're living in Portugal, one of the first things you’ll need to access public healthcare is the Número de Utente, or Portuguese health number. It lets you register at a public health center (Centro de Saúde), book appointments, and use national health services.
Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide—plus my personal experience on how to get a health number in Portugal, even before getting your residence card (TRC).
What Is the Número de Utente?
The Número de Utente is your official registration in Portugal’s national health system (SNS). It’s required to:
Use public hospitals and clinics
Schedule doctor visits
Get prescriptions at subsidized rates
Who Can Get It?
You can get a health number if you are:
A resident in Portugal (EU or non-EU)
A student or worker with proof of stay
Someone in the process of legalizing residency (temporary number may be issued)
Required Documents
You’ll typically need:
Passport
Visa or TRC (residence card)
NIF (Tax Number)
NISS (Social Security Number)
Proof of address (rental contract or utility bill)
Enrollment letter (if you're a student)
My Experience Getting a Health Number
When I first moved to Portugal, I didn’t have my residence card (TRC) yet, but I needed access to public healthcare. So, I went to the nearest health center in my area. The staff were helpful and provided me with an email address where I could submit the required documents.
I sent them the following:
My NIF (Tax Number)
NISS (Social Security Number)
Passport
Visa
Proof of address
University enrollment letter
A few days later, I received a temporary health number, which allowed me to access public health services while waiting for my TRC.
Once my TRC was issued, I reached out to the health center again via email. They confirmed that my temporary health number had been successfully updated to a permanent one.
How to Apply
1. Visit or Contact Your Local Health Center
Find your local Centro de Saúde based on your address. Visit in person or email them—many centers now handle requests online.
2. Send Your Documents
Submit your documents via email or at the front desk. If you're still waiting for your TRC, ask for a temporary health number.
3. Follow Up
Once your TRC is ready, contact them again. They’ll update your record and convert your health number to a permanent one.
Final Tips
No appointment is usually needed
Services are mostly free or low-cost
Always notify the health center if your address or visa status changes
Getting your Número de Utente is simple if you follow the steps and stay organized. Whether you're here to study, work, or stay long-term—this number is your gateway to Portugal’s public health system.
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