  Using group theory arguments, we demonstrate that, unlike in homogeneous
media, no symmetric vortices of arbitrary order can be generated in
two-dimensional (2D) nonlinear systems possessing a discrete-point symmetry.
The only condition needed is that the non-linearity term exclusively depends on
the modulus of the field. In the particular case of 2D periodic systems, such
as nonlinear photonic crystals or Bose-Einstein condensates in periodic
potentials, it is shown that the realization of discrete symmetry forbids the
existence of symmetric vortex solutions with vorticity higher than two.
