Almost all workers in Portugal have coverage either under the general social security system or under one of the several special systems. A worker's occupation determines whether the worker has coverage under the general system or one of the special systems mentioned in GN 01727.010.

Under the general social security system, covered employees and their employers, and covered self-employed persons are subject to compulsory contributions based on a percentage of the workers earnings.

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  Under the Portuguese social security system, individuals may under certain circumstances, make voluntary contributions.

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  In some cases, the person needs prior Portuguese coverage to be eligible to make voluntary contributions to build future benefits rights.

Under the Agreement, Portugal will:

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  Give U.S. nationals who reside in Portugal the right to make voluntary contributions to the Portuguese system on the same basis as Portuguese nationals; and

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  Permit both U.S. and Portuguese nationals to have their prior U.S. coverage counted, if necessary, to establish the right to make voluntary contributions.

  NOTE: U.S. nationals who reside outside of Portugal (e.g., in the United States) are not eligible to make voluntary contributions to the Portuguese system.

General inquiries:

If there is a general inquiry about voluntary contributions, direct the person to the Departamento de Relacoes Internacionais e Convencoes de Seguranca Social at the address in GN 01727.020E.

If the U.S. Coverage Record is needed:

If a worker needs a U.S. coverage record to qualify for voluntary contributions, instruct the worker to get a coverage record by completing Form SSA-7004 (Request for Social Security Statement). (See RM 01301.014 and RM 01301.015).