Social Security closer to the Portuguese Communities abroad

The Government has appointed Social Security Attachés that will be part of Portugal’s diplomatic representations in Germany, France, Luxembourg, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. The beginning of their duties is scheduled for 1 March, preceded by a specific training period in Lisbon, which will take place in February.

Thus, the Portuguese Communities in these countries will have focal points of the Institute for Social Security (Instituto de Segurança Social – ISS) embedded in the Portuguese consular network, an unprecedented initiative aimed at bringing this public service closer to those who live and work abroad, in most cases for many years.

The aim of this measure is to give priority and facilitate the connection of emigrants to the national authorities responsible for social security, namely the provision of information and recognition and award of social benefits, especially pensions.

The Attachés will have the mission of mediating, in each country, the communication with the Portuguese Social Security system, so that they can access relevant information in order to exercise their rights and to keep track of the progress of their requests.

The Government intends to present this model and its framework in public sessions with the Portuguese Communities of the countries concerned.