From 2025 onwards, a rule that will change the lives of thousands of Portuguese pensioners resident abroad comes into force. The State requires that, every year, these beneficiaries will take a mandatory proof of life. Anyone who does not comply with risk the payment of the suspended pension until regularizing the situation.
How Proof of Life works
The measure was regulated by Ordinance No. 274/2025 of 31 July and applies to old age pensions, disability and survival of the General Social Security Regime. The procedure should be performed annually between May 1st and September 15, as early as the year following the pension or change of residence outside the country.
According to the diploma, the implementation will be phased:
- 2025: Pensioners above normal reform age resident in Switzerland and Luxembourg;
- 2026: Extension to residents in the Netherlands, Belgium, Cape Verde and the United Kingdom;
- 2027 onwards: All social security pensioners with home abroad will have to fulfill this formality.
Deadlines and penalties
In 2025, those covered will have until November 30 to present the test of life. The lack of compliance implies the suspension of the pension from January 2026.
From 2026, the deadline will always be September 15th. Failure leads to immediate suspension the following month. If there is a notification and the pensioner does not regulate until October 15, the suspension remains until the procedure is completed.
The pension may be resumed later, with retroactive effect at the date of suspension, but only after validation of the test.
How the test can be done
The diploma provides for three main modalities:
- Digital: through direct social security, online authentication, facial recognition and presentation of the identification document;
- Face -to -face: in Portuguese embassies or consulates, before Social Security Adidos, or in Portugal in citizen stores, Social Security services and parish councils;
- Documentary: Delivery of International Certificate of Life Proof or equivalent document, issued by suitable entities such as courts, notaries or local social security services.
In all cases, the process is free and the pensioner receives proof after validation.
Objective of measure
According to Deco Proteste, the government estimated that, for communication failures, about 11 million euros have been unduly paid to deceased pensioners. The requirement of life proof seeks to reduce this type of fraud and ensure that pensions are paid only to those who are entitled.
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