Portugal’s government has decided to extend the validity period of their passport from five to ten years.
The decision comes as part of the “More simplification, less bureaucracy” program, which was previously launched in a bid to facilitate people’s lives, Schengen.News reports.
In recent months, police and security authorities have reported (…) increasing risks that Portuguese passports may be forged, with an apparent significant increase in the quality of false copies.
In addition, the new package of measures also provides the unified allocation of identification numbers for three of the following public services to immigrants or more specifically the following ones:
- Tax Identification Number (NIF)
- The Social Security Number (NISS)
- User Number (NNU) for access to the National Health System
Portugal’s Passports, issued by the Ministry of Justice, permit their holders to travel in worldwide countries.
For a period from 2019 until 2023, four million passports were issued, according to Corriero’s report.
In 2006, authorities in Portugal started issuing electronically enhanced passports (Passaporte Eletrónico Português – PEP) with biometric information. Now, all standard passports are PEP.
At present, there are five types of Portuguese Passports:
- Standard Portuguese electronic passport (PEP) issued to Portuguese citizens
- Diplomatic Passport (PD) issued to officials carrying out diplomatic business
- Passport for Foreign Citizens (PCE) issued to stateless persons with no other passports who have been granted the right to reside in this country. This kind of 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 a period of up to one year
The electronic passport of Portugal is valid for five years, as specified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Portugal. The same emphasizes that at present, this passport is valid for a period of five years.
Extension of Immigrant Documents by One-Year
Previously, Portugal’s authorities decided to extend the validity of immigrant documents and visas by one year, until June 30 in order to address its immigration challenges.
The decision was taken in order to help immigrants waiting for their paperwork to be processed. The new changes came in response to the large number of pending cases at the Agency for Integration, Migrations and Asylum (AIMA).
The decision aims to help immigrants attempting to renew documents such as residence permits, work visas, as well as mobility visas from the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries.
