Some Portuguese pensioners residing abroad have until September 15, 2026 to complete the Life Test and ensure that they continue to receive their pension without interruption. The warning was left by , which called on the retired retirees not to leave the procedure until the last minute, as failure to comply within the deadline could lead to the suspension of payment.
The obligation applies to pensioners residing in Belgium, Canada, Cape Verde, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. According to the Executive, anyone living in these countries must carry out the Life Test within the defined period to ensure the continuity of payment of the pension, whether for old age, disability or survival.
Digital Proof of Life just got simpler
The Government explains that the digital Proof of Life has become simpler, as it no longer requires prior authentication. To carry out the procedure, simply inform your CPF and date of birth, followed by biometric validation.
This verification can be done through facial recognition, on your cell phone or computer, through the application or through the Social Security Portal. The objective is to facilitate the process and avoid unnecessary travel, especially for retirees who live outside of Portugal.
The Social Security Institute also reinforced the notice, remembering that the annual Proof of Life requirement was extended to retirees residing in Canada. This country now joins Belgium, Cape Verde, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Switzerland.
According to the agency, this step is essential to guarantee the continuity of payment of Brazilian Social Security pensions. The recommendation is that retirees assisted use digital channels whenever possible, as they are the fastest and most convenient way to fulfill the obligation.
Still, those who cannot use digital media have alternatives. Proof of Life can be done in person at consulates, embassies or with attachés, or through documentation, by sending a duly completed Proof of Life Certificate.
The obligation to annually prove that the pensioner is alive began to cover Portuguese residents in some countries, such as Luxembourg and Switzerland, who receive disability, old-age or survival pensions from Portuguese Social Security. With the expansion of the measure, there are now more retirees abroad obliged to comply with this procedure.
The Government’s message is therefore addressed to the pensioners covered: Proof of Life must be done by September 15, 2026 to avoid suspension of the pension. The ideal is to handle the process in advance, confirm that the data is correct and choose the most appropriate channel to fulfill the obligation within the deadline.
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