Social Security may suspend, in 2026, the payment of some pensions to beneficiaries who live outside Portugal and do not meet the proof of life within the defined deadlines. The measure covers general regime pensioners with old-age, disability or survivor pensions.
At issue is the obligation to prove that the beneficiary is still alive to maintain regular pension payments. The rule applies to those who have a registered address abroad.
The measure was created by Decree-Law nº 40/2025, of March 26th, and regulated by Ordinance nº, of July 31st.
Who can be left without a pension
In 2025, proof of life will become mandatory for pensioners with addresses in Switzerland and Luxembourg, as long as they are older than the normal age for accessing the old-age pension.
In 2026, the covered group increases. Pensioners residing in the Netherlands, Belgium, Cape Verde and the United Kingdom are also included.
The rule applies to those who receive retirement due to age, disability or survivorship from the general Social Security regime and are older than the normal retirement age.
In 2026, this age is set at 66 years and 9 months.
Dates you can’t miss
For pensioners already covered in 2025, residing in Switzerland and Luxembourg, the exceptional period ended on November 30, 2025.
Anyone who did not meet this date risked seeing their pension suspended from January 2026.
From 2026 onwards, the normal annual deadline will be between May 1st and September 15th.
If proof of life is not provided within this period, Social Security may still allow regularization until October 15th, after notification.
If the retiree continues to fail to comply, payment is suspended from the month following the end of the applicable period.
How to test your life
Proof of life can be done digitally, through INSS Direto, with authentication and facial recognition.
It can also be carried out in person at Social Security services, Citizen’s Stores with Social Security service, embassies, consulates, municipalities or parish councils.
Another option is to present a document issued by a competent body in the country of residence, such as local social security, court, notary’s office, local authority or health establishment.
This document must prove that the pensioner is alive and meets the formal requirements required.
Suspension does not mean definitive loss
If the pension is suspended due to lack of proof of life, the beneficiary does not automatically lose the right to retirement.
Once you submit a valid proof and it is accepted, payment resumes retroactively to the date of suspension.
Even so, until regularization, the retiree may spend several months without receiving any amount.
Therefore, the failure of an administrative procedure can directly impact the payment of rent, healthcare expenses, credits and other monthly charges.
Who can be exempt
Not all pensioners abroad have to provide proof of life.
The law provides for exemption in cases where Portugal has international agreements that allow the exchange of data on deaths with the country of residence.
There may also be specific solutions for pensioners who are physically unable to carry out the procedure, as long as a legal representative presents the required documentation.
The rules do not apply to pensioners living in Portugal.
From 2027, the obligation should cover all general regime pensioners with a registered address abroad, except in cases exempted by automatic exchange of information.
Therefore, anyone who receives a Social Security pension and lives outside Portugal must confirm whether they are covered, keep their address updated and complete the proof of life within the indicated deadline to avoid suspension of payment.
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