Portuguese retirees residing in several European countries and outside the European Union will have to prove that they are alive to continue receiving their pension. The requirement begins in May and is valid in 2026 for those living in Belgium, Cape Verde, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. The measure, promoted by Social Security, has defined deadlines and real consequences for those who do not comply, although the detailed explanation only appears in the following lines.
After a period of phased implementation, this is the first year that a broader set of countries have entered the Proof of Life regime. The procedure is aimed at pensioners under the general Social Security regime who receive old-age, disability or survivor benefits and who have an officially registered residence abroad. At issue is the continuity of pension payments, which may be suspended if the process is not completed within the legal deadline.
Who is covered and why
In recent weeks, Social Security began sending notifications to these retirees, aimed at those aged 66 years and nine months or more and whose retirement was granted until December 31, 2025. The objective is simple: confirm that the beneficiary maintains the right to the benefit, avoiding situations of undue payment.
According to , alerts are being sent preferably via the Social Security Direct message box, followed by postal mail for those who have not accessed the platform for more than two years or are not registered.
This control only applies to residents outside the country. In national territory, death reporting is automatic through civil registration, something that does not happen systematically in other States. It is this flaw that the measure seeks to address.
Deadlines to meet and what happens if you fail
The Life Test must be carried out between May 1st and September 15th, 2026. If the pensioner does not do so within this interval, pension payment will be suspended from November. Replacement only occurs after a valid Proof of Life has been presented, with no automatic effects while the process is missing.
Furthermore, Social Security guarantees that all covered pensioners will be notified, but the final responsibility lies with the beneficiary. From 2027, the procedure will become annual for all residents abroad, regardless of country.
Three ways to prove you’re alive
There are three modalities available. The digital route is recommended by the authorities as it is faster and avoids traveling. The process is carried out through the Social Security Portal, with authentication using the Social Security Identification Number and password, following the path Retirement and Disability, Proof of Life, Consult and register.
There is also the documentary option, sending a certificate duly validated by a competent entity, or carrying it out in person, at consulates, embassies or Social Security services, in Portugal or abroad.
According to the same source, the preference for the digital format is due to security and simplicity reasons, although all options have the same legal effect when correctly completed.
In the latest balance released by Notícias ao Minuto, Social Security once again highlighted that this verification has no cost for retirees and that it only intends to safeguard the sustainability of the system, ensuring that benefits continue to reach those who are effectively entitled to them.
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