Portugal to Double Validity of Passports

Portugal’s government has decided to extend the validity period of their passports from five to ten years.

This decision is part of the “More Simplification, Less Bureaucracy” program, which aims to make life easier for citizens, of Schengen.News reports.

In recent months, police and security authorities have reported increasing risks of Portuguese passport forgery, with a significant rise in the quality of counterfeit copies.

Additionally, the new measures will unify the allocation of identification numbers for three public services for immigrants:

• Tax Identification Number (NIF)
• Social Security Number (NISS)
• User Number (NNU) for access to the National Health System

Portuguese passports, issued by the Ministry of Justice, allow holders to travel worldwide. From 2019 to 2023, four million passports were issued, according to Corriero’s report.

Since 2006, Portugal has been issuing electronically enhanced passports (Passaporte Eletrónico Português – PEP) with biometric information. Currently, all standard passports are PEP.

There are five types of Portuguese passports:

• Standard Portuguese electronic passport (PEP): Issued to Portuguese citizens.
• Diplomatic Passport (PD): Issued to officials on diplomatic business.
• Passport for Foreign Citizens (PCE): Issued to stateless persons with no other passports who have been granted the right to reside in Portugal. This passport is valid for two years.
• Special Passport (PES): Granted to Portuguese officials engaged in Public Administration functions.
• Temporary Passport (PT): Issued in certain emergency circumstances for up to one year.

Currently, the electronic passport of Portugal is valid for five years, as specified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Portugal.

Extension of Immigrant Documents by One Year

Portugal’s authorities have also extended the validity of immigrant documents and visas by one year, until June 30, to address immigration challenges. This decision aims to assist immigrants waiting for their paperwork to be processed, addressing a large number of pending cases at the Agency for Integration, Migrations and Asylum (AIMA). The extension helps immigrants renew documents such as residence permits, work visas, and mobility visas from the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries.