Employment

IEFP – Employment Centre

Institute for Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP). Register as unemployed, apply for unemployment benefit, search for jobs and access vocational training.

What you need before you start

  • NIF (Tax Identification Number)
  • NISS (Social Security Number)
  • Cartão de Cidadão (Citizen Card)
  • Proof of employment termination (for benefit claims)
  • IBAN for benefit payments

Step by step

  1. Go to www.iefp.pt and click 'iefponline'

  2. Register or sign in with CMD or Cartão de Cidadão

  3. To register as unemployed: select 'Inscrição de Desemprego' (Unemployment Registration)

  4. Fill in your personal details, qualifications and employment status

  5. For unemployment benefit: go to 'Prestações' → 'Subsídio de Desemprego'

  6. Fill in the application and attach the employment termination document

  7. Submit the request within 90 days of becoming unemployed

  8. Wait for confirmation and payment start (usually 30 days)

Tip: If in doubt, always contact the official service directly.

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