Portugal SIGA and sigaApp Guide
How to book public-service appointments, take same-day digital tickets and find the correct channel for IRN, Social Security, IMT and AIMA procedures.
SIGA is a shared platform used by certain participating Portuguese public authorities to manage in-person appointments, same-day tickets and estimated waiting times.
SIGA versus sigaApp
SIGA web portal
The SIGA appointment portal is mainly used to book future appointments and manage existing bookings. A typical flow asks for the authority, subject, reason, geographical area and office. Screens can vary between services.
sigaApp
The mobile app can book future appointments and, at supported offices, issue same-day digital tickets. It can also show the number of people waiting and an estimated waiting time. Online tickets are not available for every authority, location or service and may close when daily capacity is full.
Location permission helps the app identify nearby offices. It should not be assumed that a single nationwide GPS-distance rule applies to every ticket.
Which authorities use SIGA?
According to gov.pt, participating authorities may include ACT, IMT, ISS, CNP, IGFSS, IEFP, IRN, the relevant social-security bodies in the Azores and Madeira, and RIAC.
Ways to sign in
The web portal supports Chave Móvel Digital (CMD), Cartão de Cidadão with its PIN and a card reader, or Segurança Social Direta credentials. The mobile app can use CMD or Social Security credentials.
These are authentication methods, not universal access levels. A CMD does not grant access to every public service or create a legal entitlement to a procedure.
How to book a SIGA appointment
- Open the SIGA portal or sigaApp.
- Choose an available sign-in method.
- Select the responsible authority and the exact service reason.
- Enter the number of people or cases if requested.
- Filter by district, municipality and office.
- Select an available date and time.
- Check your identity and contact details.
- Save the confirmation screen, email and booking code.
At the office, you may need to enter the code at a ticket machine or report to reception. Follow the instructions in the confirmation. Cancellation and rescheduling limits can vary by authority.
Taking a same-day digital ticket
- Select the authority and service in the app.
- View nearby offices or search by area.
- Check the queue and estimated waiting time.
- Take a ticket if online tickets are open.
- Track the queue and arrive before your number is called.
The displayed time is an estimate. Service times and the number of open desks change. You may lose the ticket if you are not present when called.
IRN services
IRN deals with areas including Cartão de Cidadão, Portuguese passports, births, marriages, deaths and vehicle registration. Not every IRN office performs every procedure. Confirm the service before booking or travelling.
Current queues can be checked on the official IRN waiting-time page.
Social Security and NISS
SIGA appointments may be available for existing Social Security files, contributions, debts, pensions or benefit matters. Applying for a first NISS and discussing an existing NISS file are different procedures. Check the current online application route before looking for an in-person appointment.
Video appointments are offered for certain matters. Follow the link and technical instructions in the confirmation email and prepare your ID, camera, microphone and documents beforehand.
IMT and exchanging a foreign driving licence
A foreign-licence exchange is generally not initiated at an IMT counter. Submit it through the IMT online process and wait for instructions.
IMT may request further documents, payment, the original licence or an in-person check. Requirements depend on the issuing country. Follow IMT's case-specific communication instead of booking a generic SIGA appointment independently.
AIMA and residence procedures
Residence-permit procedures should be treated separately from SIGA. As of August 2026, eligible renewals begin through the AIMA Renewal Portal. If biometrics are needed, AIMA may send a separate appointment with the date, time and location.
First permits, investment residence, EU-family cases and data changes may use different channels. You can also read our report on the pressure created by AIMA-related court cases, but always use AIMA's official website for the current procedure.
Loja do Cidadão, Espaço Cidadão and local authorities
A Loja do Cidadão may host several authorities in one building, but this does not mean every service is available there. Espaço Cidadão locations often assist with digital procedures and may refer complex cases to the responsible authority.
Municipal and parish-council services do not use one nationwide appointment system. Some use SIGA; others use their own portal, phone line or email process.
When no appointments are available
- Expand the search to nearby municipalities and districts.
- Try both date-based and location-based searches.
- Check at different times for cancellations.
- Look for telephone booking or another online channel.
- Confirm whether the procedure is tied to your area of residence.
Priority service
Under Decree-Law 58/2016, priority may apply in certain face-to-face services to people with documented disability of at least 60%, people aged 65 or over with an evident physical or mental limitation, pregnant people, and people accompanied by a child aged two or under.
This does not override scheduled appointments or provide a general right to bypass booked customers. Healthcare and some registry procedures in which filing order creates legal priority are also subject to exceptions.
Names, documents and appointment-day checks
Enter your name as consistently as possible with your official document and existing NIF or NISS records. If a form rejects special characters, use an appropriate Latin transliteration, but do not arbitrarily omit names.
Depending on the procedure, take your passport or ID, residence document, NIF/NISS, proof of address, booking code, originals, copies, translations and apostilles.
Language, representation and security
Booking online does not guarantee English service at the counter. Representation may require a power of attorney, certified signature, translation or apostille. Procedures involving biometrics usually require personal attendance.
Use official domains such as gov.pt, justica.gov.pt, seg-social.pt, imt-ip.pt, aima.gov.pt, autenticacao.gov.pt and siga.marcacaodeatendimento.pt. Never share CMD codes, Social Security passwords or card PINs.