Portugal's government has decided to extend the validity period of their passports from five to ten years. As part of the “More Simplification, Less Bureaucracy” program aimed at easing daily life, Portugal's government has introduced new measures for immigrants. These include the unified allocation of identification numbers for three key public services: the Tax Identification Number (NIF), the Social Security Number (NISS), and the User Number (NNU) for accessing the National Health System.
Portugal's passports, issued by the Ministry of Justice, allow holders to travel internationally. From 2019 to 2023, four million passports were issued, as reported by Corriero. Since 2006, Portugal has been issuing biometric-enhanced electronic passports (Passaporte Eletrónico Português – PEP), which are now standard. Currently, there are five types of Portuguese passports:
1. Standard Portuguese electronic passport (PEP) for Portuguese citizens
2. Diplomatic Passport (PD) for officials on diplomatic business
3. Passport for Foreign Citizens (PCE) for stateless persons residing in Portugal, valid for two years
4. Special Passport (PES) for Portuguese officials in Public Administration
5. Temporary Passport (PT) issued in emergencies for up to one year
The electronic passport is valid for five years, as specified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Portugal.
In response to immigration challenges, Portugal's authorities extended the validity of immigrant documents and visas by one year until June 30. This decision aims to assist immigrants awaiting the processing of their paperwork at the Agency for Integration, Migrations, and Asylum (AIMA). The extension benefits those renewing residence permits, work visas, and mobility visas from the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries.