Portuguese Passport Validity to Be Extended to 10 Years

The Portuguese passport is set to have its validity extended from the current 5 years to 10 years, doubling its duration. This change is expected to take effect in the first quarter of 2026.

This extension will apply exclusively to the Portuguese Electronic Passport (PEP) and will only be available to legally adult citizens aged 18 and older.

Introduced in 2006, the Portuguese Electronic Passport (PEP) distinguishes itself from its predecessor by incorporating an electronic chip that securely stores the holder’s biometric data, including their photograph and fingerprint.

The decision to extend the passport's validity period aims to ease the lives of Portuguese passport holders, particularly those residing outside the European Union and the Schengen area, where renewal processes can be time-consuming and costly.

This measure is part of a broader set of initiatives introduced by the new Portuguese government, which was elected in the general elections held in March this year. Specifically, 15 measures were presented to optimise the lives of Portuguese citizens and residents.

In addition to the passport validity extension, the government has introduced several other measures to streamline and digitalise public services. This package aims to promote the standardisation, simplification, and digitalisation of public services, extending their reach to a growing number of citizens and businesses alike.

Other measures in this package include the dematerialised issuance of dental vouchers to eligible users. Through this new initiative, citizens in Portuguese territory can receive a code via text message or digital channels from SNS 24 (accessible through the app or digital portal). 

In the case of relocating to a different municipality, it is now possible to change one’s health centre and their child’s school simultaneously with updating the address on the ID card.

Now, residents of Portugal will only need to implement the Digital Mobile Key, and their ID card will serve as the sole authentication method across various state service sites, eliminating the need for multiple passwords.

The assignment of the SNS (National Healthcare Services) number will be implemented in all maternity hospitals, both private and public, ensuring that every newborn leaves the hospital with their birth registration in the National User Register and their SNS number assigned.

For foreign citizens, a new measure will be implemented to streamline the process of obtaining individual identifier numbers—NIF (Taxpayer Identification Number), NISS (Social Security Identification Number), and SNS (National Healthcare Services Number) —through the existing integrated network. This initiative will reduce the time required to complete these services and help expedite the pending processes handled by AIMA. The measure is set to take effect in the last quarter of 2024.

The government has also announced additional initiatives within this package, including the creation of a digital service called "Lost My Wallet." This service will be accompanied by the dematerialisation of the digital health bulletin for pregnant women and for child and adolescent health, the simplification of the initial parental allowance allocation, and the inclusion of new cards in the digital wallet.

These initiatives exemplify the Portuguese government's commitment to driving an efficient digital transition, making public services more modern and user-friendly for the citizens and residents in Portugal.

In conclusion, these comprehensive reforms reflect Portugal's dedication to modernising its public services and improving the quality of life for its citizens and residents. From extending passport validity to digitalising various administrative processes, these changes are set to significantly enhance the efficiency and accessibility of government services. As Portugal continues to evolve its public sector, residents and potential investors can look forward to a more streamlined and user-friendly experience in their interactions with the state.

At Belion Partners, we have extensive experience in collaborating with public services. If you require assistance in implementing or managing services with public entities, reach out to us. We are here to provide you with our expertise and support.