Portugal updates citizen card validity rules

Current regulations for the Portuguese citizen card have changed, ending the practice of issuing lifetime documents to citizens over 65. While a rule established in 2015 allowed for lifetime validity to reduce administrative costs and travel for seniors, this was superseded in August 2021 by Law 61/2021.

The change was implemented to align with European Regulation 2019/1157, which harmonized identification documents across the European Union for enhanced security. Under the current rules, citizens aged 25 and older receive cards valid for ten years, regardless of whether they are 30, 65, or 90 years old. For those under 25, the validity period is five years.

Individuals currently holding lifetime cards are subject to specific transition rules based on their age as of August 2, 2021. Those who were 70 years of age or older on that date may continue to use their current cards without early renewal. For all others holding lifetime documents, expiration limits now apply.