The deadline for mandatory proof of life for retirees residing abroad is already underway and there is a date that should not be ignored. Anyone covered by this obligation has until September 15, 2026 to complete the procedure with the INSS.
The measure applies to general regime pensioners who live outside Portugal and who receive old-age, disability or survivors’ pensions. According to the Economy and Finance website, which specializes in topics on the same subject, the test of life takes place between May 1st and September 15th and is essential to guarantee the continuity of pension payments.
Who has to take the test of life
In 2026, the obligation still does not apply to all retirees residing abroad. Pensioners with a registered address in Belgium, Cape Verde, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom or Switzerland are covered, as long as they are aged 66 years and 9 months or older and have a pension granted until December 31, 2025.
According to Economy and Finance, from 2027 the rule will be extended to all general regime pensioners residing abroad, who will have to provide proof of life every year.
What happens if you miss the deadline
Proof of life must be done by September 15, 2026. If the procedure is not carried out within the deadline, the pension will be suspended from November. Payment will only resume after valid proof of life is presented.
In practice, anyone who misses the date may temporarily not receive the pension, even if they continue to be entitled to it.
How to do it without leaving home
The simplest way is through digital proof of life. Social Security allows you to carry out the procedure through Direct Social Security or the Social Security mobile application. The process may use biometric verification, comparing the photograph on the identification document with the facial image captured in real time.
It is also possible to do proof of life without authentication. To do this, the pensioner must access the area “I am going to retire or am retired”, select “Proof of Life” and choose the option “Proof of Life without authentication”.
Then, you must enter your email address, confirm the code received by email, enter your CPF and date of birth, following the steps until you complete the registration.
There are face-to-face and documentary alternatives
Those who cannot take the digital test have other options. The in-person test can be taken at embassies, consular services, at Social Security attachés or at customer service services in Portugal, including Social Security counters, municipalities and parish councils.
Documentary proof can be provided by delivering a certificate issued by a reputable entity in the country of residence. This document can be submitted digitally to Previdência Direta or delivered to the competent bodies.
What to confirm before moving forward
Before starting the process, it is worth checking that the address is correctly registered with Social Security. It is also important to ensure that the identification document is valid and that you have access to the indicated email, especially if you opt for digital proof without authentication.
In the end, the rule is clear: covered retirees must provide proof of life by September 15, 2026. Anyone who wants to avoid traveling can take care of the procedure online, as long as they are able to complete the verification required by Social Security.
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