Key Locations
You can register at any health center that corresponds to the area of your residence. The Health Centers are distributed across regions and offer a variety of medical services. Check before which one is the closest.
How to obtain a Utente Number of the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS)
Número de Utente
Key Contacts
Linha SNS 24 - 808 24 24 24
What is it?
National Health Service (SNS) national user number, also known as an utente (which means ‘user’ in Portuguese) is allocated to each person to facilitate access to health services of SNS public facilities. This could be medical care, scheduling appointments or exams, getting prescription medication, or requesting diagnostic services. This also enables you to monitor medical needs and past records.
Who can apply?
Everyone can obtain this number: Portuguese citizens and foreigners with residence or stay authorization in Portugal. Those without permanent residence authorization can also obtain one but a temporary user number - “utente provisório”.
How to request it?
People with a Portuguese citizenship obtain their national user number automatically when they apply for a citizen card. For foreign people, the number is assigned the first time they go to a public health unit such as a health center or a hospital.
Step-by-Step guide
- If you have a residence authorization or a work visa, you have to go to the health center in your residential area.
- Bring your identification documents and confirmation of your place of residence.
- At the Health Center you will be given an SNS User Identification Card.
Documents Required
- Carry identification documents (identity card, Social Security card or other system) and confirmation of your place of residence.
- If you are exempt from user fees, or have a special reimbursement regime for medicines, also bring the respective supporting documents.
- At the Health Center, you may also be asked to provide your email address and mobile phone number.
News to be aware of
Foreign nationals who need healthcare through the Portuguese National Health Service (SNS) can obtain an SNS user number when they first attend a public healthcare facility, such as a Health Centre or hospital. In some situations, a temporary or provisional registration may be issued, depending on the individual's circumstances and the applicable SNS procedures. If you are unsure about your eligibility or the documents required, contact your local Health Centre or Linha SNS 24 for guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about this service.
Obtaining an SNS User Number is free, with no associated costs.
Where we are
Rua Carvalho Araújo 66-B1900-140 Lisboa
Portugal
How to Get Here
- Metro: Linha Verde (Green Line) - Intendente Station
- Bus: 708, 730, 742, 794
Opening hours
- Mon, Tue, Thu
- 10:00–12:30 & 14:00–17:30
- Wednesday (Extended)
- Until 19:30
- Friday
- Until 18:30
No appointment needed. Just walk in.